Junior Development Program

Scroll down to the bottom of this page for additional program and scholarship information.

Junior Development (U16 – U21) program is for athletes ages 14 to 20 (as of December 31st) who are focused on Alpine ski racing. Instruction emphasizes strengthening fundamentals and developing racing techniques and tactics.

Included in the base program fee: Training on Saturday and Sunday, rental of a team jacket for the season, and the Christmas Camp.

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November 25, 2023 through April 14, 2024

Participation in competitions is expected. Athletes who wish to participate in U.S. Ski & Snowboard-sanctioned ski races must be a Competitor member of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership, race fees, lift tickets, lodging, and transportation costs related to races are not covered by the program fee.

As BSSEF has become active year-round, we’ve been compelled to push the Early Season pricing deadline earlier in the year for planning and cash flow purposes. However, we recognize that taking advantage of Early Season pricing might cause a cash crunch for some families. So, we offer installment payment options on a limited basis.

Here’s how installment plans work:

  • Choose the Partial.ly Payment Plan option at check out.
  • Select your down payment amount.
  • Select your payment frequency.
  • Your scheduled payments will be calculated based on the final due date of February 15, 2024.
  • Select your payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account ACH).
  • Read the terms carefully.
  • “Sign” the payment contract electronically.
  • Click Process Down Payment.

Installment payment terms are subject to change.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard points – like a golf handicap – are a measure of relative performance over time. The better one’s performance in ski races, the lower one’s points. Low points translate into preferred start numbers and improved chances to be selected for elite competitions and regional and national championships.

There are a number of resources related to Alpine and Freeride competitions:

  • Start with the events calendar. We do our best to keep information on the event pages up-to-date, relevant, and complete.
  • The definitive source of information for Northern Division Alpine races is the Northern Division website. The race calendar there includes links to race announcements and results.
  • The IFSA website includes information regarding Junior Freeskiing competitions.
  • During the course of a competition, coaches will send updates and communicate with parents and athletes via the TeamReach mobile app.
  • Check the hotel reservation page for information about accommodations for out-of-area races.
  • Subscribe to email notifications.
  • “Like” the team’s Facebook page.

With appropriate clothing, kids can ski and train in below zero weather. Sometimes, however, the start of training will be delayed in order to allow the temperature to rise a bit. In all cases, coaches will bring kids into the lodge for warm-ups as necessary. As always, check the TeamReach app for the latest updates regarding training.

The team typically eats lunch between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Timing can be a bit flexible, depending on conditions and the day’s training agenda. Coaches accompany the athletes, but athletes are responsible for getting their own lunches. Athletes will have lunch in the BSSEF Team Room.

The head coaches of each program are responsible for posting and updating training schedules to each program’s respective TeamReach group.

We feel your pain. We’re helped immensely by our sponsors, and we do our best to keep our overhead low in order to keep program prices in check. Nevertheless, program fees, equipment, and travel conspire to make skiing and ski racing expensive.

To make it less so, take advantage of early season program pricing and multi-program purchase discounts. Installment payment plans may be available on certain transactions.

Purchase used equipment via Montana Ski Racing Classified on Facebook and area ski swaps. (Bridger Ski Foundation hosts a great swap every Fall in Bozeman.) Last but not least, apply for a scholarship!

The age classifications for the 7/1/23 – 6/30/24 competition year are as follows:

Age ClassAges as of 12/31/23Birth Year
U87 and younger2016 and later
U108 and 92014 or 2015
U1210 and 112012 or 2013
U1412 and 132010 or 2011
U1614 and 152008 or 2009
U1916 - 182005, 2006 or 2007
U2119 and 202003 or 2004
SR21 and older2002 or earlier