Age Groups

To join the club, a skier must:

  1. be 7 years of age by December 31,
  2. be able to get on and off the chair lift without assistance, and
  3. have at least one year of good skiing under his or her belt.

WPRC training groups are based on USSS age categories.  Athlete age is based on their age as of December 31 of that ski season. Any questions about a racer’s training group should be addressed to the head coach. Male and female racers train together, but compete separately.

U10

Ages = 7 - 9 years old

This is typically the athlete’s first exposure to ski racing. The focus is on fundamental ski techniques, with the majority of time spent free skiing. Athletes are eased into gate training with a focus on preparing kids to understand basic course sets. Athletes are allowed to race in Western PA regional races, but parents should check with coaches to ensure that their kids are ready for competition before entering them into these races. Athletes are not eligible for PA State Championships, but are invited to compete in the WPRC U10 Derby at the end of the season.

2019-U10 Age Group Photo

U12

Ages = 10 - 11 years old

This is the first age at which racers can qualify for PA State Championships and Eastern Regional post-season events. The focus continues to be on fundamental ski techniques with an increased exposure to gate training and race tactics. Training is split evenly between free skiing and gate training. Athletes are encouraged to compete in Western PA Regional races and are eligible to be invited to PA State Championships. From States, racers are able to able to qualify for the PARA State Team and Eastern Regional Events, including the Piche Invitational. More details on these post-season events can be found on the PARA website.

2019-U12 Age Group Photo

U14

Ages = 12 - 13 years old

Early season focuses on fundamental ski techniques through structured free skiing. As the season progresses, the focus shifts to race tactics and an increased exposure to gate training. Athletes are expected to compete in Western PA Regional Races and are eligible to be invited to PA State Championships. From States, racers are able to qualify for the PARA State Team and Eastern Regional Events, including Eastern Championships and the Piche Invitational. More details on these post-season events can be found on the PARA website.

2019-U14 Age Group Photo

U16

Ages = 14 - 15 years old

This is the first year the athletes compete as “scored” competitors. Athletes are able to earn USSS seed points based on race results and are seeded in start lists based on points rankings. Early season focuses on fundamental ski techniques through structured free skiing. With Regional Qualifying Races starting during Christmas Camp, the focus quickly shifts to race tactics and gate training. Majority of training is spent in gates, but structured free skiing sessions are continued throughout the season. Athletes are expected to compete in Western PA Regional Races and are eligible to qualify for the U16 PA State Championships. From States, racers are able to able to qualify for the PARA State Team and Eastern Regional Events, including Eastern Championships and Eastern Finals. U16 athletes are allowed to compete in the PA Cup Series with coach’s approval. Competing in the PA Cups as a U16 is an excellent opportunity to gain experience at away mountains. More details on PA Cup and post-season events can be found on the PARA website.

2019-U16 Age Group Photo

U19

Ages = 16 - 18 years old

Athletes compete as “scored” competitors. Athletes are able to earn USSS seed points based on race results and are seeded in start lists based on points rankings. Athletes no longer compete solely in the Western Region to qualify to the PA State Championships. Competition is across the entire state, and consists of a series of 8 PA Cup races. State Team qualification is based on complete race results across all races in the PA Cup Series. Early season focuses on fundamental ski techniques through structured free skiing. With races starting during Christmas Camp, the focus quickly shifts to race tactics and gate training. Majority of training is spent in gates, but structured free skiing sessions are continued throughout the season. Athletes are encouraged to compete in the PA Cup Series. From the PA Cup Series, racers are able to able to qualify for the PARA State Team and Eastern Regional Events, including Eastern Finals and USSA Finals. More details on PA Cup and post-season events can be found on the PARA website.

2019-U19 Age Group Photo
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Western Pennsylvania Race Club (WPRC) is a successfully run ski program based at Seven Springs. The club has been in operation since 1962. WPRC promotes the development of youth athletics through alpine ski racing.

P.O. Box 153
Melcroft, PA 15462