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Last Updated 24-Jan-2012

Vancouver Ski Team (VST)


Head Coach: Martin Tichy
Certification: CSCF Level 300 (Professional Development) / FIS International Alpine Referee
1997 US National Champion in Slalom
1994 and 1995 Czech National Champion in Slalom
1995 Slovak National Champion in Slalom

Assistant Coaches: John Newton, Tim Zawacki

 

Below are all the critical files and forms required for the program:

 

The VST is a FIS (Federation Internationale de Ski/International Ski Federation) program aimed at racers who have graduated from K2 and are looking to continue the challenges of ski racing.

The VST is a year-round program and starts with general skiing preparation in May, dryland training in June, then summer and fall ski camps prior to the first competition in mid-December. Training is primarily held on Cypress and Grouse mountains, although VST also takes advantage of skiing at Whistler and Apex. The VST competes mainly in BC and Alberta, although higher level athletes will make trips to eastern Canada and the US if they qualify. VST athletes are eligible for a Canada West all areas pass which allows them to train at any resort in western Canada for a low annual fee. 

Graduating to the VST does require an additional commitment, both financially and in time. However, having seen the commitment Grouse K2s are already required to make, this is not a big transition for these athletes.

Keep in mind that although these athletes are training with the VST, they are still Grouse Tyee racers and the club fully manages the program, hires the coaching staff and approves the training plan.

Schooling can be more of a challenge at FIS level due to the additional time spent away from home. However, athletes who make this commitment frequently end up doing better at school due to their superior organizational and time management skills. Several athletes on the VST maintain a 90% average or better at school through the winter season.

The ultimate goal of the VST is two-fold - firstly to progress athletes to the BC Alpine development programs, and secondly that athletes continue their love for the sport and grow physically and emotionally through the VST program. Not every athlete has a goal of making the provincial ski team and the VST adresses those needs as well. The program will give an athlete so many more positive lessons in life than just winning and losing. Some athletes will want to focus primarily on the home based program and races so they can direct their energies into education and so each program is individualized and is developed within the parameters of the athletes goals in ski racing and life.

For more information on the Vancouver Ski Team, please contact the Head Coach Martin Tichy at vst@grousetyee.com . VST Parent Coordinator is Kelly Howatson-Keay, vst.admin@grousetyee.com.