Race Academy Essential Information and Programs
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.
Training schedule
Regular season training begins on Saturday, January 3rd and ends on Sunday, March 8th.
Wednesday Slalom: 6PM - 8PM
Friday Giant Slalom: 6PM - 8PM
Saturday Slalom: 8AM - 11AM
Sunday Giant Slalom: 9AM - 12PM
No practice on MLK or Presidents Sat & Sun (Jan 17-18, Feb 14-15)
CCSC alpine race opportunities with club race support program options
Club races we will attend with coaching support:
CCSC Invitational @ Crystal Mountain *
Antrim Ski Academy Invitational @ Schuss *
Nordica Winter Rally @ Nub’s Nob *
Cadillac Invitational @ Caberfae Peaks
HRT Invitational at Mt. Holiday
* Option to qualify for the Welborn Cup Team (Welborn Cup expenses are NOT included in regular program fee)
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.
Additional 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:
Shelley Glover Invitational
Bob Hoskings Memorial Central Championship
U12, U14, U16, & U18 Rocky-Central Championships
Program Options
Regular season training begins on Saturday, January 3rd and ends on Sunday, March 8th.
Wednesday Slalom: 6PM - 8PM
Friday Giant Slalom: 6PM - 8PM
Saturday Salom: 8AM - 11AM
Sunday Giant Slalom: 9AM - 12PM
These days and times apply to all program options except 8 & Under Race Academy
No practice on MLK or Presidents Sat & Sun (add dates)
1. Alpine Race Academy with Club Race Support:
Training up to 4 days per week with coaching support at club races (listed below).
EARLY (by 9/30) $499
REGULAR (by 11/15) $550
LATE (after 11/15) $599
2. Alpine Race Academy Train Only:
Train up to 4 days per week at CCSC practices. Does not include any races. Perfect for high school racers looking to get some extra training, or for young racers just getting into it. Does include the ability to race in the CCSC Invitational.
EARLY (by 9/30) $399
REGULAR (by 11/15) $450
LATE (after 11/15) $499
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.
EARLY (by 9/30) $1,300
REGULAR (by 11/15) $1,500
LATE (after 11/15) $1,700
4. 8 & Under Race Academy:
Designed for young racers ages 7 and 8 just getting into ski racing. This program offers shorter practice times and fewer sessions per week. The participant must be able to ski blue runs and use the chairlift independently. Limited exceptions may be made for younger children. Athletes ages 7 and 8 may also participate in other program options if they have the necessary stamina and experience.
EARLY (by 9/30) $199
REGULAR (by 11/15) $250
LATE (after 11/15) $299
Training schedule for this program only:
Saturday practice 9:30AM - 11:00AM
Sunday Practice 10:30AM - 12:00PM
Wednesday Practice: 6:00PM - 8:00PM
5. 6 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 race support only at 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