Cochran’s Ski Club programs focus on developing racing skills while emphasizing fun and overall skill improvement in a family-oriented environment. Our training regimen includes both on-snow and off-snow components to ensure our athletes are well-prepared for the racing season. During the winter practices are held both weekdays and weekends. Weekend practices conclude with a “bombing run” from the top of the hill to encourage kids to stay until the end.
Our dedicated coaching staff believes in the importance of a well-rounded training approach. In addition to physical preparation, we emphasize the mental aspects of the sport, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Stay tuned for more detailed training schedules and updates. Whether you’re new to racing or an experience competitor, our training programs will help you reach your full potential on the slopes.
Cochran’s Ski Club offers All Club Dryland Training each fall, and is free to all ages. This program provides an excellent opportunity to build strength, agility, and endurance before hitting the slopes. It’s a great way to get to know your fellow club members and start preparing for the winter season.
Cochran’s Ski Club is a member of U.S. Ski and Snowboard and Vermont’s Northern Vermont Council (NVC). Races are held at NVC’s mountains: Mad River Glen, Sugarbush, Stowe, Smuggler’s Notch, Cochran’s, Burke and Jay Peak.
U7, U8 and U10 Program (ages 9 and under)
Much of the Cochran’s spirit is defined by the genuine experience of the U7, U8 and U10 racers. These rippers make Cochran’s their home and playground more fully and effectively than anyone. For these skiers the transition of Cochran’s as a place they learn to ski with their family, to being part of their first team, getting to know a group of people and being a part of the community, is usually a powerful experience. Racers must be able to ride the T-Bar unassisted by a parent or coach, and put on their own equipment. They will use the racers’ rope tow during training, too. The Vermont Alpine Racing Association makes a schedule of roughly 5 races throughout Northern Vermont. Participation is optional, and encouraged. The VARA races require VARA & USSS competitor licenses. Practice will be roughly 2 afternoons a week and both Saturday and Sunday. During school vacations it will be more often.
U12 Program (ages 10 – 11)
At this point skiers are starting to adapt their skiing towards the two disciplines, slalom and GS. U12 still focuses on skiing fundamentals and becoming a well- rounded skier who can bring these abilities into a race course. U12 is not too late to start racing, in fact this is a great age to begin, as a kid’s are stronger and more able to handle the forces of skiing. Practice is held 5 days a week during the winter. We encourage racers to talk to the coaches to better understand what type of equipment is best.
U14 Program (ages 12 – 13)
Described by many as the heart and soul of ski racing, U14 racers have often reached a level of skiing and maturity where they begin to push themselves and improve at fast rates. U14 is the first ski racing age group where athletes get ranked within their region and have the ability to advance to the State Championships and onward. Although the VARA platform is more intense at this age, fun and skills development are Cochran’s top objectives. Hard work is more important than success at the U14 age.
U16+ Programs (U16, U18, U21, ages 14 and up)
Because the U16 racer will be racing among older ages, with their high school team and/or in the ranks of VARA/USSS state races, we have combined the training activities of the U16, U18 and U21 age groups to prepare these racers to ski, train and race (and inspire each other!) together as the “U16+”.
Cochran’s Ski Club is committed to providing a safe environment for all participants and follows the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies of USS&S.