Interclub
Racing for U10-U12's
Interclub is a race series run through Tri-State with races across Western Massachusetts. This program is designed for young kids who have typically completed at least a season or two (or more) of the Devo program, are ready to step up their skills, and who really enjoy the element of competition. The time commitment is greater than that for Devo, and while most activity remains at Berkshire East, families will be expected to bring their children to a handful of races at other mountains where the kids can test themselves against peers from other programs in Western Massachusetts. While the Interclub program is, by its very nature, an exciting introduction for a youngster to the world of ski racing, the heavy emphasis remains on focused free-skiing and drills to further develop balance, agility, edging, rotary skills, and fun!
Experience
There is no strict time-in-grade type prerequisite. Each child’s eligibility and fit with the Interclub program will be considered on a case-by-case basis. In general, most of these kids have typically completed at least a season or two (or more) of the Devo program. More important is the skill, interest, and attitude of the kid and the commitment of the family.
Training
Training for this program is primarily on weekends beginning in mid-December. A typical training day begins at 9:00am and ends at 2:30pm, with a lunch break around 11:30am. Athletes and coaches work together to develop mutual trust and respect. Athletes are expected to ask questions when they don’t understand or need clarification. Athletes are expected to keep coaches informed of any issues that may impact training or racing performance (e.g. homework, injury, lack of sleep, appointments and other obligations, etc.). It is the combined responsibility of coaches and athletes to make the most of each day out on the hill. Please check back for official starting dates.
Training does not necessarily imply gates
For Interclub, the majority of training, in fact, will not be in gates. Training activity may include gates, fitness, video review, focused freeskiing, drills, powder skiing, glades, etc., at the discretion of the coaches.
Competition
Interclub kids compete in a handful of races at other mountains where they can test themselves against peers from other programs in Western Massachusetts. Most of the races are Giant Slalom. Families are responsible for registering their athletes for competitions. Based upon regular season results, the very top performers from the Interclub League may be invited to the Massachusetts Piche Qualifier, an event used to select a team to represent Massachusetts at the Piche Invitational race at Gunstock, New Hampshire in March.
Membership
USSA (U.S. Ski & Snowboard), TSASRA (“Tri-state” or Tri-State Alpine Ski Racing Association). Both memberships are required before participating in an Interclub race.
When registering with USSA, the athlete must designate Berkshire East Ski Team (BEST) as their program. Tri-state Membership will be processed automatically as a part of the USSA process.
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Prices for May - August After September 1st After October 1st After November 1st |
$775 $825 $875 $925 |
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*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
Interclub parent membership in the Parents Association (BESTPA) is required. 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. Joining this association 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.