The Programs

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Black Hills Ski Team Organization 2024-2025

Skiers are organized into two different groups based on age and interest. 

The list below outlines the groups that we use to organize our skiers. Our objective is to provide the skiers with challenges, fun, and a sense of accomplishment in their skiing experience. There are opportunities to move between groups during the season. This process requires coach and board approval.  

Core Program. (approx. 5 to 18 years old)

This group is for kids looking to improve their all-mountain skills and to foster their love for skiing. This group will also be introduced to the fundamentals of racing including slalom and giant slalom. 

The requirements for this group are: 

• Must be able to ski intermediate terrain (blue runs)
• Can load and unload the chair lift independently. 

Ratio: Our goal is to have a coach to skier ratio of 4 to 5 skiers per coach. 

Practices: This group meets every Sunday from 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a 45-minute lunch break from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. starting in December and ending with our end of the year celebration at the end of March. We do not have practices on holiday weekends.

Club Races: The Core team is encouraged to participate in all Club Races, which are held at Terry Peak. The BHST tries to host 2 to 3 club races. A schedule will be released at the beginning of the ski season. 

Cost of Program: $650 for the program

*A noncompetitor alpine membership to USSSA is also required. For more information, please visit (website) 

**The cost of the program does not include admission to Terry Peak. The skier must have a day lift ticket or Terry Peak Season Pass.   

***For 24-25 season Terry Peak will be hosting the YSL Northern Division Championship races from March 14-16, 2025. Core Team members are encouraged to try out this event. A competitor alpine membership to USSSA is required to compete in this race. You do NOT need to participate in all three days. A race entry fee will be required per race.

Development Program. (approx. 6-18 years old)

This program is designed for athletes interested in ski racing. This program will focus on enhancing technique and preparing athletes to compete in club races and Northern Division races. 

The requirements for this group are: 

• Must be able to ski intermediate terrain (blue runs)
• Can load and unload the chair lift independently. 

Ratio: Our goal is to have a coach to skier ratio of 3 to 4 skiers per coach. 

Practices: This group meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Sundays from 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a 45-minute lunch break from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. starting in December and ending with our end of the year celebration at the end of March. We do not have practices on holiday weekends. 

Club Races: The Development Team is will also participate in all Club Races, which are held at Terry Peak. The BHST tries to host 2 to 3 club races. A schedule will be released at the beginning of the ski season. 

Northern Division Races: The Northern Division hosts races in Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota. The competitive race schedule will be released before the ski season begins.  

Cost of Program: $850 for the program + the Northern Division race entry fees per race.

*A competitor alpine membership to USSSA is also required. For more information, please visit (website) 

**The cost of the program does not include admission to Terry Peak. The skier must have a day lift ticket or Terry Peak Season Pass, including for evening practices.   

Try it Nights.

The BHST will schedule 3-4 “open” night practices during the training season. These will be scheduled in advance and are open to any BHST athletes interested in transitioning to the Development Program

Early Bird!

We will once again offer a $100 early bird registration discount for all registrations completed and paid by check prior to 10/31/2024. 

Volunteer Hours.

We rely heavily on parent volunteers! A $200 volunteer deposit/family is also required. Upon completing 10 volunteer hours the fee will be reimbursed.

All participants are required to wear a helmet at all times. 

The focus of instruction is on developing well-rounded skiing skills and a lifelong appreciation of the sport. Coaching techniques incorporate free-skiing, obstacle courses, games, drills, and gate training.

Required Equipment: 

All Black Hills Ski Team racers must have a Terry Peak season pass.  Helmets with hard-sided ears should be worn.  It is recommended that racers ski on race or all-mountain skis.  Wide powder skis are not recommended.  

U14 and above athletes who compete in USSA sanctioned races must use equipment that meets USSA specifications.