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 their skills up a notch, and really enjoy the element of competition. The time commitment is greater than that for Devo, and while most activity remains at Catamount, 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 freeskiing and drills to further develop balance, agility, edging, rotary skills, and, oh yeah, 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 on December 30. A typical training day begins at 9 am and ends at 2:30 pm, with a lunch break around 11:30 am. 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.

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.