Last updated 13-Oct-09
MountainStar (E2) Program for 9-11 yr olds
Head Coach: Vladimir Natalenko
Certification: CSIA Level 3 / CSCF Level 2 / CSIA Level 1 course conductor (in progress) / CSIA Level 4 (in progress) / Race Official Level 1
This program is a continuation of our NGSL E1 program for 6-8 yr old kids.
The MountainStar program continues to develop skiing skills by giving kids more freedom in skiing expression and group dynamics. Solid technical skills and on snow versatility are the main programming goals. This group will run in parallel with the KStar race program, however the content and delivery will have less intensity and focus more on technical improvement rather than performance.
As the kids improve their technical ability in the MountainStar program, their desire for racing may increase so lateral movement between programs will be encouraged and accomodated at any point. However if racing and performance are not the ultimate goal, the kids may continue training in the MountainStar program through the age of 11.
Our club's expert head coaches design the winter training plan and lay out the developmental priorities to the coaching staff. Alpine Canada's snowstars program is used as progression and evaluation guideline. Since kids learn the best from visual examples, for the 9-11 yr old kids we mainly employ younger coaches with a racing background and good demonstrational ability. The coaches are also continuously provided opportunities to enhance their coaching ability and knowledge.
This program starts after XMas and runs every weekend till the end of March. The kids also take part in night skiing at Grouse with the choice of Tuesdays or Thursdays for the duration of the season.
One XMas camp and extra skiing days in March during spring break are included in the program!
Families have a few options:
- MtnStar: Saturday or Sunday plus your choice of Tuesday or Thursday evening - Early bird price of 565$
- MtnStar+: Weekend plus your choice of Tuesday or Thursday evening - Early bird price of 670$
The above prices include the online processing and payment fees.
Sunday and Tuesday are busy nights for the club so we ask that you consider Saturdays and Thursdays in your choices. This will allow us to make sure we have sufficient coaching resources available. It is very important that the kids start coming to the sessions right from day 1 so they can be grouped in a similar ability group. Please note that some switching around may take place and will require your patience. Groups are arranged by the Tyee coaches' assesment and approved by the Head Coach and Program Director.
Training times are approximately 7:30am-2:30pm on weekends and approx 5:30-8:30pm on weeknights. Coaches meet their groups at the bottom and load up with the kids. (If you are arriving late, it is your responsibility to locate the group on the mtn)
Racing opportunities for this group are moderate and are team success oriented. Home or away race event fees are not included in the program fees. Details on these will be announced in a timely fashion and will be published on our calendar with the race notice.
For 2009-2010 MStar Program Schedule: click here
Please contact our MountainStar Head Coach Vladimir Natalenko at mstar@grousetyee.com if you have any further questions.