The WMSC U18, U21 and FIS Programs are for athletes who are wishing to pursue ski racing education, whether to qualify for selection to a Provincial and National Ski Teams, enroll to Collegiate Ski Teams or just to become great all mountain skiers. Our Philosophy is to prepare young people with the skillset to succeed not only as world class ski racers but in whatever direction they choose to follow in life.
- More Program Information
- WMSC FIS Season Full Year programming starts in May and ends last weekend of April. On-snow coaching in Whistler extends from December to May including our May ski Camps. A year-round schedule include training plans on-snow during Summer and Fall. Fitness Training sessions during our Winter regular season are generally 4 days a week and maintenance during the off months.In-Season On-snow coaching during our Regular season that extends from December to April. Fitness Training sessions during our Winter regular season are generally 4 days a weekWeekend Program On-snow coaching Saturdays and Sundays during our Regular season that extends from December to April. Fitness Training sessions during our Winter regular season are generally 4 days a week.Eligibility This program is targeted at children born in 2004 & 2008 – proof of birthdate is required for all new members.
- FIS Racers must be members of BC Alpine (BCA) and a FIS (Alpine or Alpine + SX) Competitor license will be required to race. This can be purchase at registration.
CalendarWMSC LTAD Program Structure
WB SEASON LIFT PASS - Canada West All Areas Pass (CWSAA)
Program fees do not include the cost of a lift pass. All U18/U21/FIS athletes may be eligible for a CWSAA Pass. Application for this pass program is for Canadian Registered FIS athletes only. Applying for this pass does not guarantee that the athlete will receive a pass as there are a limited number of these typeof passes available each year.
All youth aged athletes are eligible for a "Sea to Sky" Pass from Whistler Blackcomb. Application for this pass is directly through Whistler Blackcomb’s pass sales office and to be eligible, athletes must be registered in a WMSC competitive program at time of purchase. Please note that WMSC must confirm applicant's status with WB and does so once a week starting September 1st with an update of our athlete list to their pass sales department. *Deadline early October*
FIS EQUIPMENT
Contact: Brad Eades (brad@wmsc.info) or Jeff Jones (jonesy@wmsc.info) before buying any new equipment.
SKIS
All U18/U21 athletes must have a pair of skis for each discipline (SL, GS):
BOOTS
All U18/U21 athletes are strongly recommended to have proper race boots with a regular cuff length (as opposed to a shorter junior cuff length), and a minimum flex of 110. U18/U21 skis are longer and stiffer than junior skis, so the boots must be stiff enough to bend the skis. It is strongly recommended that you communicate with your coach prior to buying new boots. Stores can point you in the right direction according to weight and foot size, but they have never seen you ski which is the biggest factor in deciding which boots actually fit you best.
Regarding canting and alignment, if you do not already know your ideal setup it is recommended that your boots be zeroed (set up straight at 90 degrees) prior to your first day skiing so any observations can be made from neutral starting point.
Boots are most important part of your kit! A wrong boot choice or an ill-fitting boot will compromise the athlete’s development and increase injury risk. Ask your Lead Coach for the upcoming season, before ordering!
PROTECTIVE GEAR
Helmets are mandatory and need to fit properly. Soft-eared helmets are only allowed for slalom, with a chin guard. In U16 athletes need helmets approved by FIS. FIS-legal helmets are clearly marked with a silver FIS sticker on the back.
Goggles that fit with your helmet. Extra lenses and/or spare goggles are very handy when the weather turns foul, or your goggles are damaged. Not being able to see properly with different light conditions will reduce performance significantly.
Shin guards, pole guards and ching guard .These items are considered basic equipment for slalom training at this age. They can have a big influence in the athlete’s development when learning to cross block SL gates, as too small and low-quality shin guards or hand guards will protect less and tend to get caught with the plastic gates. The chin guard will avoid painful impacts which will reduce confidence significantly and might end up in expensive bills from the dentist.
Back protector. This is mandatory for training gates. Every athlete should have one which feels comfortable and has a good level of protection from the back of the neck to the tail bone. There are models made of gel, which adapt to the shape of the back and are light and comfortable, while absorbing a lot of energy from impacts.
Anti-cut inner layers. There are several brands in the market that offer inner layers with anti-cut properties. These are mandatory, as we are making the ski edges very sharp and it can very possibly happen that someone hits and edge while falling, possibly getting deep cuts.
Gloves. They must be tough, comfortable to grab the poles and protected on the back of the hand. Having a second pair of gloves is also a good idea. In case one gets wet or lost.
Mouthguards are mandatory for gate training.
SKI TUNING GEAR
Minimum ski tunning items to have, for any athlete who wants to take care of his own skis during camps or before training days in Whistler:
Edge sharpening
fine sharpening file (100mm)
medium sharpening file (150mm)
angle setting file (cutting file)
87 file guide and file guide clamps
coarse (200) and medium (600) diamond stones
side wall remover
gummy stone
rubber bands for ski brake retaining
Set of vices
Cut resistant glove
Base preparation
Waxing iron with temperature regulation
Waxes for cold, medium and warm snow
5mm plastic scrappers
Horse Hair brush
Plastic brush
CLUB UNIFORMS
Athletes are required to participate on our WMSC Team Uniform program. It includes the outer jacket (included in your program fees) and full zip black pants. Pre-orders are done end of January – extra’s are ordered – email info@wmsc.info to get on the list. Used ones can also be found at the SWAP fundraiser held on Thanksgiving weekend our through our Buy&Sell FB page.
HEALTH INSURANCE
All Canadian registered FIS athletes must have ACA SAIP Insurance. This insurance is in addition to your provincial healthcare coverage which you are also required to maintain. All Foreign racers must have their own Accident and Medical Coverage that must include mountain rescue and return to home country, and supply WMSC with a copy of the policy.
SAIP (Sport Accident Insurance Policy) is provided through Alpine Canada
SAIP L3 $82
Coverage for in-Canada only. SAIP L2 $432
Allows for travel outside of Canada up to 30 consecutive days. SAIP L1A $995
Allow for travel outside of Canada more than 30 up to 120 consecutive days
Mandatory for FIS Licensed National / Developmental and Provincial Team members
SAIP L1B $1,142 Allow for travel outside of Canada more than 30 up to 210 consecutive days
Mandatory for FIS Licensed National / Developmental and Provincial Team members
ASSESSMENTS AND VIDEO
- Assessments are conducted in February for the mid-season and April for the end-of season
- We have a video review systems available online for coaches/athletes and for parents for viewing.
GOAL SETTING
- Coaches will meet individually with each athlete. Parents are welcome to participate. Reviews and resetting will occur throughout the season.
- Program Fees and Registration
FIS Program Fees and Registration
- FIS Weekend program: $4,900 (Coaching on Sat & Sun), plus WMSC Family Membership, Plus FIS Competitors License
- FIS In-Season program: $7,900 (Coaching December to April) plus WMSC Family Membership, Plus FIS Competitors License
- FIS Full Year program: $9,700 (Coaching May to April) plus WMSC Family Membership, Plus FIS Competitors License
- Registration closes August 31st.
- Fees include Winter Holiday Camps
- Full program fees are due in October 31st, 2024. Payment plan available
*To participate in any of our Summer and Fall events, racers must be current WMSC Members, registered to a winter program, and Licensed with BC Alpine. WMSC Racer Account must be current*
For Donations to the Developing Champions Fund use this link and contact the office for follow up steps Developing Champions Fund
VOLUNTEER Requirement
- Parents and guardians are expected to volunteer at least eight (8) full days during the season per athlete
- Parents and guardians are expected to volunteer at all our fundraising events (Ski SWAP, Gala events, Auctions)
- Parents and guardians are expected to volunteer at our Whistler Cup event
- Review our full Volunteer Commitment Policy
INCLUDED in your program fees
- Coaching and support services
- Team Jacket
- WMSC Club Races
- Winter Holiday Camp
- Winter fitness training and assessments
- Online video services
ADDITIONAL Costs
- FIS License Alpine $308 or Alpine + SX $412
- SAIP Insurance mandatory for all Canadian FIS Registered Athletes
- CWSAA Pass
- Races and travel costs are not included in any program fees and can be purchased when the trip sheets are posted.
- Ski Camps are not included - (except for Winter Holiday camp)- and can be purchased when published on our website.
- Additional Friday and Thursday training in Whistler will be available for athletes in the weekend program - subject to availability
- Annual Coaches gratuities - $100 per athlete
- Volunteer Fee $1,500. If you are unable to fulfill your volunteering duties, you can opt out by paying this fee at registration. Mandatory to all foreing racers