Helpful Links
- 2022 – 2023 Parent handbook
- 2022 – 2023 Equipment Guidelines
- 2022 – 2023 COVID and Refund Policy
- CSAT Intra-Team Gear List
- Volunteer Opportunity Family Folder
WHAT EQUIPMENT TO BUY – BASIC GUIDELINES
| EQUIPMENT |
U14
|
U12-U10
|
U8
|
|
| SL Race Skis |
x
|
x
|
||
| GS Race Skis |
x
|
x
|
||
| Super G Skis |
x
|
|||
| Slalom Race or Shaped Jr Skis under chin height |
x
|
|||
| Soft flexing front buckle Boots |
x
|
x
|
x
|
|
| Poles |
x
|
x
|
x
|
|
| Helmet (no soft ear flaps) |
x
|
x
|
x
|
|
| Helmet Chin guard for SL |
x
|
x
|
x
|
|
| Shin Guards |
x
|
x
|
||
| Back Protector |
x
|
|||
| Pole Guards |
x
|
(if hitting gates)
|
||
| Mouth Guard |
x
|
Recommended
|
||
| Race Suit |
x
|
Recommended
|
Optional
|
|
| Goggles |
x
|
x
|
x
|
|
| Rain Gear |
x
|
x
|
x
|
|
| Warm layered Clothing |
x
|
x
|
x
|
|
SKIS
All Ski companies make good products and the coaches will be able to advise parents on which would be suitable for their athlete.
Shaped or side cut skis are when the tip and the tail are wider to help the athletes to carve by creating an arc in the snow. Slalom skis tend to have more side cut than do giant slalom skis (short, quick turns versus longer turns).
It is beneficial to go shorter rather than longer when choosing length for children. A shorter ski will facilitate turning, allowing quicker progression of basic skills and increase your child’s enjoyment of skiing.
Their skis should be between the chin and the top of the forehead with slalom skis more at chin level and GS skis at forehead level. Check with your coaches before you purchase your child’s equipment.
BOOTS
A softer flexing boot will be more effective than a stiffer boot due to strength limitations and skill level.
To determine if a boot is soft enough for your child you should be able to see the forward boot flexion happening in the upper cuff simultaneously with the lower leg. If the upper boot cuff does not move or moves very little the boot is too stiff and will hinder your child in their skill progression.
Boots should fit properly, tight but not uncomfortable. Remember the boots might feel too tight at first but will break in within a couple of ski days. Buying boots oversized is counter productive for both performance and fit. Buy boots that fit properly and check with your coaches if you have any questions about your child’s equipment.
NIGHT SKIING
It is very important if you are training at night that you wear goggles with a clear lens.
Dark lenses or goggles meant for daytime skiing are not effective at night & can not only hinder your child’s training but even make it dangerous when skiing gates if they cannot see properly.
Night training is often colder, so remember to wear extra layers at night. All of these things will make for a more enjoyable skiing experience.
HELMETS
USSA approved Ski Helmets are mandatory for all training and racing. It is required that racers wear their helmets at all training and races. No exceptions.
Helpful Links
NEW PARENT MEETING
Every fall CSAT holds a Parent Informational Meeting for the FreeRide program (Competition, Training and Development Teams). This meeting is for the parents of all Freeride participants, including Race and Ride program athletes. We strongly encourage all parents to attend, as getting everyone on the same page is essential for a safe and successful year . The FreeRide Head Coach and Program Director will outline mountain rules and safety protocols, freestyle
WHAT EQUIPMENT TO BUY – BASIC GUIDELINES
SKIS
A light pair of twin-tip skis are recommended for this program, as we will be skiing primarily in the park. It is nice to have the edges underfoot detuned and dulled for athletes planning on jibing and sliding rails. Ski lengths should be between eyebrow and forehead height. A narrower park width is also recommended as it will make for an easier spinning and jumping ski for park skiing. Largely because our athletes weigh less due to their age, friction plays a greater role, hence waxing and maintaining your athletes skis throughout the season is important and highly recommended. If you have any questions on skis or purchasing skis, please contact the coaching staff.
BOOTS
A softer flexing boot is recommended for athletes and will be more effective than a stiffer boot for park skiing. To determine if a boot is soft enough for your child, they should be able to aggressively flex the boot. A boot thats too stiff or on the stiffer side is no fun to jump in as it leads to shin bang. As far as fit, boots should fit properly, tight but not uncomfortable. Remember the boots might feel too tight at first but will break in within a couple of ski days. Buying boots oversized is counter productive for both performance and fit.Buy boots that fit properly and check with your coaches if you have any questions about your child’s equipment. Bindings, good fitting boots and appropriate clothing are the most important pieces of equipment. Bindings must be currently approved, and DIN rated for your athletes ability.
NIGHT TRAINING EQUIPMENT
It is very important if you are training at night that you wear goggles with a clear lens. Dark lenses or goggles meant for daytime skiing are not effective at night and can not only hinder training but can even make it dangerous when skiing if they cannot see properly. Night training is often colder, so remember to wear extra layers at night. All of these things will make for a more enjoyable skiing experience.
OTHER
Clothing should include water resistant gloves or mittens (an extra pair is nice for those wet days), race helmet and goggles. A good water repellent ski jacket is necessary in this climate (consider a CSRT “Team” jacket) having rain gear on hand at training can also come in handy.. We ski in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately.
HELMETS
US Ski and Snowboard approved Ski Helmets are mandatory for all training and racing. It is required that racers wear their helmets at all training and races. No soft ear helmets for race team participants, no exceptions.
