US Ski & Snowboard revamps youth development program

PARK CITY, Utah — U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced a major overhaul of its Alpine Development program on Thursday, shifting focus to regional training to better develop young skiers into World Cup competitors.

The changes, which take effect next season, aim to create more well-rounded athletes by training young skiers in multiple disciplines rather than specializing early.

“To be successful on the World Cup, we needed to re-examine our development program,” said Anouk Patty, Chief of Sport for U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “By putting more coaches and resources into the regions, we’ll create a larger pool of versatile athletes who can reach the top level.”

The organization is replacing its national development team, known as the D Team, with Regional Development Teams for promising skiers ages 14-21. These regional teams will provide training at local, national and international levels.

Each region will have dedicated coaches for both men’s and women’s teams, with two serving as national development coaches to ensure coordination between regions and the national team.

Unlike the previous system with fixed team selections, the new model allows talented athletes to join regional programs throughout the year based on recent performances.

“We’re creating more entry points into the pipeline,” explained Chip Knight, Alpine Development Director. “If you’re performing well, you can get opportunities at any time, regardless of your age or previous team status.”

The program will also provide:
– Strength and conditioning support
– Medical assistance for injured athletes
– Supplemental training for college skiers
– Access to elite training venues
– Financial support for top performers

Knight said the changes came after extensive consultation with local ski clubs and program leaders. “Together, as a nation, we can provide best-in-class ski racing experiences for the champions of tomorrow.”

Complete selection criteria and program details for each age group are available on the U.S. Ski & Snowboard website.