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.
