CCSC Scales Up USSS Alpine Race Program for 2026/26
Crystal Community Ski Club (CCSC) is excited to announce the expansion of its USSS Alpine Race Program for the 2026/27 season, continuing to build one of Northern Michigan's most comprehensive athlete development opportunities.
Led by a highly certified coaching staff holding both U.S. Ski & Snowboard (USSS) and Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) certifications, the CCSC USSS Program is entering its third season with more training opportunities, more individualized coaching, and more year-round support than ever before.
Designed to meet athletes wherever they are in their development, the program helps racers pursue goals ranging from local competition success to championship-level performance.
“We view ski racing as a year-round journey,” said CCSC Executive Director and Head USSS Coach Hunter Steinkamp. “Our goal is to provide athletes with the coaching, structure, and support they need throughout the entire year—not just during the winter season. We're excited to offer expanded opportunities for athletes to develop both on and off the snow.”
Recognized recently by PSIA-AASI C as Member School of the Year, CCSC has spent years working to become a center of coaching excellence.
Over the Summer, we begin with dryland training. Fitness is everything! We are planning in-person and on-your-own workouts.
We are also working on in-person fitness camps, and sports psychology/mindset training. Stay tuned!
In October and November, in addition to dryland training we begin individual pre-season coaching sessions. Specifically, we will offer up to three private sessions, either in person or via Zoom. These sessions are structured as follows:
1st session: Video review and analysis from last season focused on ski racing technique
2nd session: Video review and analysis from last season focused on ski racing tactics
3rd session: Goal setting and development of a coaching plan for the winter season
SkillsQuest fitness assessments should also take place in October (we are currently waiting for dates from USSS).
We will have in person workouts, and we are working on a unique two-day mental and physical fitness camp.
December:
We will begin gateless training on the first weekend in December at Crystal Mountain.
We plan to attend races at Searchmont and Mount Ripley, with fundamentals clinic days offered before each of those events.
We also have six days of Holiday Race Camp running from 12/18–12/23.
We will also attend SkillsQuest on-snow assessments (pending details from USSS).
January – March:
From January through March, athletes will have access to training opportunities up to six days per week, creating one of the most robust race-training schedules available in the region. Training schedules may vary slightly depending on race travel commitments.
We will attend all CR3 races, as well as the Shelley Glover and Bob Hoskings races at Snowriver.
For those who qualify for Rocky Central Championships or Can-Ams, we will offer support at those races as well (extra fee).
Register Now to make sure you don’t miss out on anything. Email HunterSteinkamp@ccskiclub.org or call Hunter at 812-595-8439 for more information.
Learn more about the program here: https://www.ccskiclub.org/#usss-race
By combining year-round preparation, individualized coaching, extensive on-snow training, and a proven athlete-centered approach, CCSC continues to raise the standard for alpine race development in Northern Michigan.
CCSC is excited to continue growing its USSS Alpine Race Program and helping athletes reach new levels of performance, confidence, and success. We look forward to seeing you on the slopes this winter.
**About CCSC: CCSC is a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit reaching 1,100 youth annually through Alpine, Nordic, Teen Leadership, and Community Outreach programs. Learn more about CCSC from our recent feature on Good Morning America: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/video/129053925