Development (“Devo”) Program
Introduction to Ski Racing
This program is designed for young kids who have an interest in developing their fundamental skiing skills and want to have a blast ripping around the mountain with other like-minded skiers. Kids are grouped together based on a combination of age (social maturity/compatibility) and skill level considerations. Kids in the Devo Program will concentrate, first and foremost, on focused freeskiing and drills designed to address balance, agility, edging, and rotary skills. Some devo kids will eventually progress further through the Race Program pipeline, graduating to Interclub or USSA racing as U12 or U14, while others will simply enjoy the Devo experience itself and use it to become better all-around skiers.
Experience
Must be able to load the lift independently, and must be able to ski the whole mountain comfortably.
Training
The Devo program takes place exclusively on Saturdays, beginning on Saturday, December 17th, and continuing through a total of 10 sessions. During the first session, all kids are evaluated and grouped according to age, skill assessment, freeskiing, coach-ability, and attitude. For the most part, kids should expect to remain with the same group and the same coach for the duration of the program. Each day, activity begins at 9:30am and ends at 2:30pm, with a break for lunch at 11:30am.
Competition
Kids will get a taste of racing through occasional timed trials in a Giant Slalom course where they can put their skills to the test and experience friendly competition among their peers. All competitions will be on site at Berkshire East during regularly scheduled activity. No race registration is required.
| After November 1 | $750 |
|---|
*All Early Season Discounts will be applied at checkout
**Lift passes are not included in the program fee
Race Support
A conditionally refundable deposit of $50 per family is required. If a family supports Berkshire East-hosted events at least two times during the season, the deposit is refundable. This support may take the form of gatekeeping, back-up timing, writing times on the scoreboard, registration support, etc. Berkshire East typically offers incentives to parents who volunteer, such as lift ticket vouchers, mountain coaster tokens, etc.
Parents Association
Devo parent membership in the Parents Association (BESTPA) is optional. The BESTPA mission is to support the events and activities of the Berkshire East Ski Team in ways agreed upon with the director of the racing program. While not required, joining this association as a Devo parent is a wonderful way to plug into our racing community, learn some of the ins and outs of the sport from veteran families and experienced ski racing parents, and help support some of the great events we host here at Berkshire East. Note: In the interest of providing safe, fun, and productive experiences, all training and racing activity is subject to cooperative weather and snow conditions.