About Us
The Jasper Freeride Ski Development Team program focuses mainly on developing young athletes for competition. Jasper Freeriders are encouraged at a young age to take part in local club competitions (organized by individual western Canada freestyle ski clubs) in the region. As kids progress through the program a commitment to training is expected if young athletes want to go on to compete at provincial and ultimately the national levels.
Jasper Freeride also provides an all ski-season option called Big Mountain. This is for freeriders who want to build on their initial skills and take it to the park, jumps, and generally just ski all over the mountain. For younger kids there is a Big Mountain Development option. For older kids who have more advanced skills there is the Big Mountain/Freeride; be prepared to climb for pow, find the cliffs, and spend time in the park. Both Big Mountiain Programs are 1 day only. Some kids don't want to compete in slopestyle, big air or park competitions. But for those who do, we encourage working with your coach to find appropriate venues.
Jasper Freeride Program also provides a 1 or 2 day club option for kids who are beyond entry-level (have the rudiments of parallel turning), want a program for the ski-season, and want to further develop their skills. These 2 program levels are called Jumps & Bumps and Freestylerz for kids ages 6 to 12. Kids are grouped according to age and skill level. The focus of these groups is to improve technique and expose the skier to a variety of terrain and an introduction to jumps. Competing at club competitions is encouraged for fun. Kids who show potential or interest are encouraged to consider making the commitment and joining the development team.
The Jasper Freeride Ski Development Team:
This level begins at the Junior Development Team and is for younger but more highly skilled skiers and for skiers who have been on the team 2 years of more (ages 8 to 12). The focus of this team is to hone their skill for competition with the expectation that they are aiming to compete at a provincial level. A greater level of commitment to training is expected. Training times are Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 to 3:00 p.m. throughout the ski season. Skiers are encouraged to attend ski camps, dry-land training sessions, and summer water ramps.
Older athletes (ages 12 to 18) who have progressed through the freestyle program and exhibited a strong desire and high level of commitment make up the Senior Development Team. These athletes will be provided the opportunity to attend Provincials, Canadian Series, and Junior Nationals competition. Training times are Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 to 3:00 p.m., with an option for additional training on Fridays for the first couple of months. Further training at this level requires attendance at training camps, a fair amount of travel throughout western Alberta, and dry-land training and water ramps. Athletes are expected to work with their coaches and athletic director to maximize the benefits or ski training, workouts and nutrition. A certain amount of family and financial support is required at this level.
Located at Marmot Basin Ski Resort
Marmot Basin is a world-renowned ski resort located in Jasper National Park, Alberta. Marmot Basin offers over 3,000 vertical feet of skiing with a variety of steeps, powder, glade and groomed and mogul runs. Two terrain parks are also available. Marmot Basin is supportive of the Jasper Freerider Team and its club competition events which feature world-class mogul courses, a big air site and slope style events at the terrain park. A new high-speed quad lift and a relocated and improved terrain park are highlighted for 2010.
Rates
Club Team: one day - $450; two day- $900
Skills Development Team: - $1100
Competition fees, travel expenses, lift tickets and club gear are separate expenses for the athletes. Reduced rates available to the club may be available.
For program information contact Jasper Freeride's Head Coach:
Nicholas Bazin
nicbazin@gmail.com
780-931-2404