The U8 program is a single day program that focuses on the continuation of the Gliding Start phase. It is also where athletes are introduced to gate training. Athletes focus on the slalom (SL) and giant slalom (GS) disciplines while still learning to carve through free skiing and play on skis. Parents drop their athletes off with coaches in the morning, pick them up for lunch and drop them back off for their afternoon session. Athletes must be comfortable riding the Silver Chair at Nakiska and must be able to ski from the top of the Silver Chair at Nakiska to the base area lodge unassisted.

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Who: Athletes born in 2017 and 2018.

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Prerequisites: If you are a new family to ski club, your athlete must be able to ski safely from the top of the Silver Chair at Nakiska to the base area unassisted. As well, athletes must have a minimum of 20 lifetime days on snow. We welcome skiers who can maintain speed, as well as being able to maintain control while accelerating and decelerating. All skiers must have a passion for skiing and a willingness to learn.​

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When: Saturday or Sunday, full day, or Saturday and Sunday, full day, for those athletes looking for more commitment.

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Where: Single day U8 athletes will train exclusively at Nakiska. Double day U8 athletes will train predominantly at Nakiska, with one weekend per month at Sunshine.

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Time: Group departs for chairlift at 9:15 am and returns for a parented lunch at 11:30 am. Group reconvenes at 12:30 pm for their afternoon session and finishes their day by 2:45 pm.

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Start: Program starts Saturday, December 14, 2024 or Sunday, December 15, 2024 depending on which program you choose. 

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​Days Off: There is no training on February 15 and 16, 2025 for the Family Day long weekend. 

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​Finish: Program ends Sunday, March 30, 2025 for all SARC programs with our annual Wearmouth Cup.

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Team Fees: TBC

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Fees Not Included in Program: Equipment, Lift Ticket, Race Entry Fees.

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Refund Options: Please link to our refund policy.

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Volunteer/Fundraising Commitment: Please review our Volunteer Policy. There is no fundraising commitment.

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​Race Starts: U8 athletes will participate in the two-day Reitbauer Cup NGSL South Zone Race and the NASA member club Wearmouth Cup.