WELCOME TO THE GRAND TRAVERSE SKI CLUB
GRAND TRAVERSE SKI CLUB
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
WELCOME TO THE GRAND TRAVERSE SKI CLUB
LEARN TO SKI PROGRAM
The Learn to Ski program is designed for the youngest skiers starting at age 4. It is designed for kids with little or no skiing experience. The coach to kid ratio is low and there will be plenty of coaches and volunteers to assist the kids with the rope tows.
The purpose of this program is to introduce the kids to downhill skiing and teach the basics of downhill skiing while emphasising fun: walking on skis, using the tow ropes, wedge turns, snowplow stops and safety rules. The program takes place on three consecutive consecutive days in late December (depending on weather) , or three consecutive Saturdays in January and February.
Each session will have kids with varying degrees of skills. Kids can sign up for multiple clinics to build on the skills learned in the initial clinic.
SNOWBOARD PROGRAM
The Grand Traverse Ski Club has a snowboard program designed for first time to intermediate snowborders. This is typically scheduled on the weekend. As with our other clinics, it has a low coach to kid ratio with much individual attention. See the registration page for details .
The Grand Traverse Ski club offers ski and ski racing clinics based out of Hickory Hills, Traverse City. Hickory Hills is a city owned ski hill and is considered one of the best training facilities in the area. It has only rope tows for lifts, which is one of the main benefits of this location. Rope tows tend to reduce or eliminate lift lines, keep the kids warmer and help build strength and skills by keeping the kids on the snow during the entire clinic. Hickory Hills is located at the end of Randolph Street, close to downtown Traverse City. This convenient location reduces travel time for families.
The GTSC is run by a volunteer board and relies heavily on parent volunteers where needed. The only paid positions are the coaching staff. The season pass rates at Hickory Hills are the lowest in the area, resulting in clinics that are affordable and a good value.
The following is a description of our main programs. Any changes will be communicated through the web site and details of program costs can be found on the registration page.
INSTRUCTIONAL CLINICS (Race Clinics)
The race clinics are designed to teach young skiers (ages 4 -14, however, most kids in the 6th grade and up will attend the Middle School Program) modern ski techniques and apply these skills to downhill racing on Slalom and Giant Slalom ski courses. The focus is on learning the basic skills needed to become an accomplished skier and to learn everything needed to become a good ski racer. This includes proper race day preparation, sportsmanship and teamwork. These clinics are open to any kid aged 4-14 that has at least some skiing experience. They must be able to use the rope tow (very easy to learn) and be able to at least ski down the hill with control. The coaching staff will take it from there. The emphasis will be on having fun and developing a lifelong love of the sport of downhill skiing.
The Grand Traverse Ski Club utilizes a low athlete to coach ratio, which allows for a combination of group coaching with much individual attention. The kids are put in groups depending on age and skill level. We have a well trained and dedicated coaching staff that makes learning to ski and race easy and fun.
Hickory Hills uses rope tows to get up the hill, which allows the kids to be on their skis the entire time. Most kids prefer rope tows, as they stay warmer, get more runs and have less time sitting and more time skiing. The rope tows also help build up strength, endurance and basic skiing skills. Make sure to purchase a pair of glove guards to protect your gloves.
Clinics are held Monday through Thursday and there is a 4:30 and 6:30 session. Attendance is not mandatory and kids are encouraged to attend as many clinics as they can during their time slot. The GTSC may offer additional off site training, which will be posted on the home page or registration page.
Sunday Races
The GTSC offers up to 6 club races per year. This is available to all kids that have signed up for a clinic (fee required). Races are typically held each Sunday afternoon and feature a slalom and Giant Slalom race. It is a great opportunity for families to spend the afternoon with other area skiing families. Kids may also be eligible for off site races and year end awards.
Middle School Program
The GTSC offers a middle school program for kids in the 6th-8th grade. It is a seperate program with the same focus as the standard instructional clinics. This program also includes (optional) transportation to the hills and has limited off site training at larger hills.
