Race Academy Essentials: and Programs and Races
Coaching philosophy
CCSC’s Alpine Race Academy is our outstanding program for youth alpine ski racing at all ability levels, ages 7-18. Featuring the most highly-trained and most certified coaching staff in Northern Michigan, our coaching team is ready to help young ski racers achieve their goals - whether that is learning how to ski a race course for the first time or training to win a national championship.
Our coaching and training are based on nationally recognized concepts. Descriptions of essential USSS concepts and systems can be found at these links: Training Systems - Key Concepts, Alpine Training Systems. Following these standards, CCSC configures training and coaching for each session with time spent on skills, followed by time in the gates.
Staff qualifications
All 14 race coaches are 100% certified by Professional Ski Instructors of America, with 7 coaches having a Level 3 Certification. CCSC also has 8 USSS Certified Alpine Race Coaches, 3 of whom hold a Level 200 Certification. During the 2024-25 season, CCSC Alpine Race Academy coaches spent a combined 570 hours on training and professional development to ensure we are up to date and providing our athletes the most industry leading instruction out there.
Essentials
Below you’ll find program option information such as descriptions, requirements, training schedules, and cost. Read on for specific race information including dates, qualifications, and cost.
Training Season and Schedule
Regular season training begins on Saturday, January 3rd and ends on Sunday, March 8th. There will be no practice on Saturdays and Sundays of holiday weekends: MLK (17th and 18th) or Presidents (14th, 15th).
The following training schedule applies to options 1, 2, 3 and 5. For option 4 and 6 schedules, see their description below.
Wednesday Slalom: 5PM - 7PM
Friday Giant Slalom: 6PM - 8PM
Saturday Slalom: 8AM - 11AM
Sunday Giant Slalom: 9AM - 12PM
Program Options
All programs include eligibility and race support for the CCSC Invitational.
1. Alpine Race Academy with Club Race Support:
Training up to 4 days per week with coaching support at club races (listed below). Both club and USSS races attended by CCSC athletes require coaching representation by an official club for an athlete to race. On race day coaches will lead inspection, organize our team at the start, provide feedback at the bottom of the hill, and represent an athlete if there is a dispute. Club races are listed below.
EARLY (by 9/30) $499
NORMAL (10/1 - 12/15) $550
LATE (after 12/15) $600
2. Alpine Race Academy Train Only:
Train up to 4 days per week at CCSC practices. Does not include any races, except the CCSC Invitational. Perfect for high school racers looking to get some extra training, or for young racers just getting into it.
EARLY (by 9/30) $399
NORMAL (10/1 - 12/15) $450
LATE (after 12/15) $500
3. USSS Program:
For committed ski racers ready to take on a higher level or competition. Includes support at most USSS CR3 races, up to four practices per week at home, December clinics, and the ability to participate in club races as well as qualify for the Welborn Cup Team. Find out more about racing with USSS Central CR3 at https://www.region3cussa.org/page/show/1963397--center-welcome-to-central-cr3-center- . USSS races are listed below.
EARLY (by 9/30) $1,300
NORMAL (10/1 - 12/15) $1,500
LATE (after 12/15 $1,700
4. 8 & Under Race Academy:
This program is designed specifically for young races ages 7-8 who are new to ski racing. Practices are shorter and less frequent than our other programs, making it a great introduction to racing without being overwhelming.
Children must be able to comfortably ski blue runs and use the chairlift independently.
In special cases, younger children may be considered if they meet these requirements.
Athletes who are ages 7 and 8 and have the stamina and experience may choose to join one of the other Race Academy programs if that better fits their skill level or desire.
Shorter training schedule for this program only:
Saturday practice 9:30AM - 11:00AM
Sunday Practice 10:30AM - 12:00PM
Wednesday Practice: 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Cost:
EARLY (by 9/30) $199
REGULAR (by 11/15) $250
LATE (after 11/15) $299
Scroll down for USSS race registration information.
5. Six Pack Punch Card
Designed for the skier who would like to train with CCSC on occasion, but is unable to commit to regular practices. Does include eligibility and race support for only the CCSC Invitational.
EARLY (by 9/30) $199
REGULAR (by 11/15) $250
LATE (after 11/15) $299
6. December Early Season Clinics
These clinics are ideal for getting an early edge on the season! We will focus on skiing fundamentals and getting ready for success in the gates later in the season.
EARLY (by 9/30) $100
REGULAR (by 11/15) $150
LATE (after 11/15) $199
Training schedule for this program only:
Session 1: December 6 & 7, 9AM – 12:00PM
Session 2: December 13 & 14, 12:00PM – 3:00PM
Race Information
CCSC alpine race opportunities with club race support program options
Club races we will attend with coaching :
CCSC Invitational @ Crystal Mountain: 2/1/2026 *
Antrim Ski Academy Invitational (ASA) @ Schuss: 1/25/2026 * **
Nordica Winter Rally @ Nub’s Nob: 2/8/2026 * **
Cadillac (CASC) Invitational @ Caberfae Peaks: 2/22/2026 **
HRT Invitational @t Mt. Holiday: TBD **
* Option to qualify for the Welborn Cup Team (Welborn Cup expenses are NOT included in regular program fee)
** Be sure to register for either “Race and Train” or “USSS Program” to be able to attend these races.
Welborn Cup:
The Welborn Cup serves as the Northern Michigan club championship race for middle school and younger athletes (8th grade/U14 and below). All clubs involved send only their top five skiers in each age group to compete - qualification is required. Invitations for CCSC Welborn Cup participation will be sent to individual racers based on results from the following club races:
CCSC Invitational
ASA Invitational (Antrim Ski Academy)
Nordica Winter Rally
The Welborn Cup takes place on Sunday March 1st at The Highlands at Harbor Springs. The Welborn Cup coaching fees and registration are not included as a part of registration fees for programs. There will be a $100 fee per athlete attending the race, which will cover coaching support and race fees.
USSS Races:
For athletes wishing to attend the following USSS races, there will be additional coaching fees based on the number of CCSC racers attending. Only racers in our USSS Program are eligible for these races.
Shelley Glover Invitational at Snow River: 1/16- 1/19/2026
CR3 Race at Nub's Nob (Tentative dates): 1/24 -1/25/2026
CR3 Race at the Highlands at Harbor Springs 1/31 - 2/1/2026
CR3 Race at Boyne Mountain: 2/8/2026
Bob Hoskings Memorial Central Championship at Snow River: 2/19 - 2/22/2026
CR3 Championships at Boyne Mountain: 2/28/2026
USSS Race Registration Instructions
To sign up for USSS races this year you must first go to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard website at https://usskiandsnowboard.org/public-tools/account# Then press “Create an Account” if you are a new USSS athlete or “Sign In” if you already have an account.
For more help registering, click this link: https://usskiandsnowboard.org/membership/new-member-registration. If you still need assistance after checking the USSS link, please send email to CCSC at info@ccskiclub.org
After your account is created go back and choose the “Sign In” button to access your account where later in the season you will be able to see things such as the U.S. Ski Team’s newsletter and points lists from previous seasons.
To view the Region 3 (our region) USSS Calendar click on this link: https://www.region3cussa.org/page/show/1963408-region-3-calendar
To sign up for races go to Ski Reg at https://www.skireg.com/