RACING AT ASCUTNEY
Interested in joining the team? Download the Registration Form & Release Form or fill out this form online for more information.
Ascutney's race team, led by Race Director Bill Toof and Head Ski Coach Kurt Meyerrose, is enthusiastic and successful. The Ascutney Race Team is committed to developing the skiing skills of
each individual racer and to fostering a sense of team spirit and purpose among races. The Ascutney Mountain Race Team's mission is to offer kids a chance to explore the exhilaration and excitement of ski racing, while developing skiing skills that they can enjoy throughout their lives. The team emphasizes the positive aspects of competition and helps kids to develop focus, a positive self-image and goal-setting skills in an atmosphere of camaraderie and an upbeat, fun learning environment.
Races and training are scheduled on weekends starting in December with additional race camps during the Christmas and February vacations. The race team is now over 50 members strong, made up of racers from age 6 to 19, who race within the seven mountains in the Mid-Vermont Council. The council has several levels for which the child can race dependent upon the racer's age and ability. Racers can qualify for the Mid-Vermont team to compete at the State Championships that can lead to the Junior Olympics or Eastern Finals Teams. Since the conception of the Ascutney Race Team, Ascutney has seen its racers go on to the Eastern Cup Finals, many to the various New England Race Academies as well as one member making the Junior Olympic Team. Although Ascutney has many individual success stories, everyone on the Ascutney Race Team is a winner, taking with them many learned skills that will be with them for life.
The Ascutney Race Team is committed to developing the skiing skills of each individual racer and to fostering a sense of team spirit and purpose among racers. The program can accommodate skiers of varying ages and experience, but children should be motivated skiers of intermediate or better ability who can ride the lifts independently and ski in controlled turns before joining. The following options are available, depending on an individual's age and skill level. Coaches will recommend the appropriate program for each racer.
THE HOPEFULS PROGRAM
This is an introductory program for competent young skiers who are able to ride lift independently and ski from the summit in controlled turns. The focus of the program will be on skiing improvement with an introduction to racing. Emphasis will be on fun and learning. The Hopefuls meet on Sundays for 10 weeks starting on January 4 and ending March 7. Sessions are from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM. Drop off and pick up at Ski School Sign. Parents will be responsible for children before and after program.
THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Commonly referred to as Devo's, this group have completed the Hopeful Program or equivalent and are ready to engage in a more focused training schedule. This group will train with the 4's and 5's. The Devo's attend 4 races, one right here at Ascutney, and three off-mountain. All races are held on Saturdays, and are free to competitors. Racers range in age from 6 to 14 years of age. Devo's may enter up to two Council races without giving up their Devolopment Team status.
MID-VERMONT COUNCIL TEAMS
Competitive racing for ages 14 and under. Age status is based on your age as of December 31st. There are two different face schedules: J 3's ( 13-14 year olds), and J4/J5's (12 and Under). All council racers must be members of VARA and USSA. Race entry fees are $15.00.
J4/J5's
(Completed Development Team, up to age 13 before Jan1)
The J4/J5's race 7 council races and are ranked each week. All 12 and under racers compete in the same race. J4's are 11 and 12 year olds, where J5's are 10 and under. There are typically 100 to 110 boys and 50 to 60 girls. Awards are given to the top 10 J4 boys, top 5 J5 boys, top J4 girls, and top 5 J5 girls. The top 50 racers (boys and girls) qualify for the Vermont State Championships. Open races and special qualified races happen throughout the year. Most races are on Sundays. See the mid-Vermont schedule for this year's details.
J 3's
(Ages 13 & 14)
The J3's race 6 council races and are ranked each week. There are typically 50 to 60 boys, and 25 to 30 girls. The top 50 racers (boys and girls combined) qualify for the Vermont State Championships. From there racers can qualify for Junior Olympics or Eastern Finals Teams. J3's that do not qualify for the States' can continue to compete at the J4/J5 races against other J3's. Awards are given to the top 10 boys and top 5 girls at each of the 6 council races. Awards are given to the top 3 boys and girls at the J4/J5 races (J3's only). Open races and special qualified races happen throughout the year. The Super G Event is introduced at this level. Most races are on Sundays. See the mid-Vermont schedule for this year's details.
J1/J2/Sr. Team
(Ages 15 - 19)
Racers 15 and up compete as J2's (15-16), J1's (17-18), or Sr (19 and up). All racers at this level compete together. State Championships are open to all competitors. Junior Olympics and Eastern Finals teams are selected based on results at States. Girls compete all together for these events, whereas there are specific numbers of J1 boys and J2 boys separately. Race entry fees are $30.00 and up depending on the race. There are many races that may be entered at this level. Racers receive "points" from these races and are ranked against all racers under USSA in the Country. Race results and athlete histories may be downloaded from the US Ski Team web site. The points given to each racer is based on their best 2 finishes in each discipline over a 2 year period. Race start orders are based on racer's points. Racers that just begin at this level are given 990 points. Racers must be members of VARA and USSA. Open races are typically attended by 25 to 40 girls, and 80 to 120 boys. Racers of all levels compete at Open races. Super Series Cups, and FIS races are more to extremely high competitive levels and may require invitation to attend. J1 and 2 racers are expected to attend races independently. Coaches will suggest an appropriate schedule.
If you have a future racer in your midst, or know someone who might be interested in joining this fun group, fill out our form or contact Ascutney Mountain Resort at 802-484-7711 for more information.