Week #7: Putting it all together and looking forward!

Most clubs have one or two sessions remaining! When in doubt, check your club page or contact your leader!

Curriculum Week #7 focuses on putting together all of the skills acquired this year. We still have a few weeks of winter left, but we are talking about next year now because its best to consult with your coaches and club leaders this winter!

Our programming provides excellent skill progression and as such, it is important to get your skiers in the correct skill level or program next year!

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Once a skier is 7 years old, you begin to make Level choices based on their skills. Please talk to your child's coach for their recommendation.
• It is typical to repeat levels! Especially if your skier attended fewer than four club meetings.
  
• To move on from Level 4, skiers should be at least 9 years old and have advanced skills. This includes the ability to ski up and down large hills and stride with a regular rhythm.

After Level 4 (current 6th grade and younger), here are the most common options:

• Level 5 (skating). TIP: You will need to rent or buy skate skis! Be sure to ask about the equipment availability at your club and look early to purchase equipment! Renting and buying options are scarce, so plan ahead! If your skier needs boots larger than size 42, plan on buying equipment.
• Skiwerx or club program for young racers (in some locations). Skate and skin classic rentals available from MyXC for Skiwerx (up to size 42 boots and 110 pounds). 

After Level 4 and will be in 8th-9th grade next year:

• Level 5 or 6 (skating). See equipment tips above.
• Skiwerx or club program for young racers (in some locations). Skate and skin classic rentals available from MyXC for Skiwerx (up to size 42 boots and 110 pounds).
• High School Ski Team (can include middle school). Depending on the school program and the skier, it is usually advised that skiers join their high school team in 8th or 9th grade. TIP: Inquire THIS winter with the high school coach about schedules, ability to handle skilled middle school kids, race distances for middle school (should be shorter than 5k!!), costs and equipment requirements. It is vitally important that families understand that skiers need to be physically active the summer and fall leading up to the high school ski season (begins mid November). 
• All teenagers (13 and older) are welcome to be Junior Coaches next year!!

We know this can be a complicated topic. So please email amy@mysl.org with questions!