Block 20* – The U12 Youth Development Ski Fundamentals programs are specifically designed for athletes between the ages of 10 and 12 years. The Block training package enables Athletes to train for a pre-scheduled 20 days of on-snow and dryland training throughout the season. The Block is a set schedule of training days, which include training during the Victorian July School Holidays and then 4 set weekends.

The program is designed to help athletes bridge the gap between the entry-level U10 and the more intensive Snow Australia Pathway Programs from U14 and above. The program is suited to athletes who are confident skiers all over the mountain(black runs) in a variety of snow conditions and they should have completed levels 5 or 6 at ski school.

The U12 program provides the flexibility to place young people into the right peer-based learning environments determined by developmental needs and not solely by chronological age.

Building the framework

The U12 athletes do a little bit of everything on and off the snow, with a strong focus on holistic skill development (technical, tactical, physical and psychological), with increased exposure gates training and all-mountain competency remaining the core focus.

The U12 program focuses on rounding out the athlete’s fundamental skills, combined with an increased time in gate-based environments and provides for the introduction of more advanced skiing concepts and equipment maintenance. This typically includes:

• Alpine, Ski-X & Freeride skill drills and courses;
• tucking and gliding techniques;
• bumps and jumps;
• off-piste in trees and powder;
• skiing with and without poles on one or two skis;
• slow, controlled and precise skiing;
• short turns – medium turns – big turns – no turns;
• fast, athletic and fluid movement;
• gate training; and
• specific race techniques.

Maximum Age Level Enrolment

• 24 athletes

Minimum ability

• U12 athletes should be confident skiing all over the mountain in a variety of snow conditions.
• Prior race training experience is NOT necessary!

Snow Australia Registration

All athletes who participate in races (other than Interschools) will be required to be members of Snow Australia. Families are responsible for the arrangement of their own Snow Australia membership. Please refer to the Snow Australia page for details.

*Block Conditions 

• • This offer is open to prior Team Hotham participants or with Team Hotham Sport Director approval (subject to group mix, ability, and numbers).
  • Team Hotham reserves the right to limit enrolments in Block Programs due to coaching capacity.
  • Dates will be confirmed prior to the commencement of the program.
  • Our best efforts will be used, but if we are unable to provide the necessary resources and facilitate the block training, a full refund will be provided.
  • The dates are then locked in, and once locked in, refunds will only be provided for medical certificates or approval by the treasurer.
  • Official Team Hotham Jacket must be rented from the club for $150. Athlete wears own black ski pants.