PINNACLE WEST MICHIGAN

HIGH-LEVEL DEVELOPMENT. LOCAL TRAINING. ONE CONNECTED TEAM.

Pinnacle West Michigan brings Pinnacle’s competitive development pathway to U12 through U18 athletes training at Bittersweet. Designed for motivated racers with an age-appropriate technical foundation, the program combines purposeful weekday training, coordinated weekend opportunities, fall dryland, and Region 3 race support. Athletes train in appropriate age and ability groups while remaining connected to Pinnacle’s complete coaching team and broader competitive pathway.

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Program at a Glance

2026-27 SEASON | 2009-2016 BIRTH YEARS

ELIGIBILITY

U12-U18 athletes

Coach approval required

LOCATION

BITTERSWEET RESORT

TRAINING

Two to three weekday training opportunities


Plus scheduled weekends

PROGRAM FEE

$1,995

Inaugural-season tuition


Includes coaching expenses for one designated Searchmont weekend

IS PINNACLE WEST MICHIGAN THE RIGHT FIT?

A development-first competitive program for West Michigan athletes ready to train with greater purpose.

WHO THIS PROGRAM SERVES

Pinnacle West Michigan is designed for motivated U12-U18 athletes with experience in JDT, high-school racing, or another structured race program. Athletes should have a solid technical foundation, ski safely and independently, keep pace with their training group, and respond positively to coaching. They do not need elite results or polished technique, but they should be excited to improve and ready for a more complete competitive experience.

WHAT ATHLETES EXPERIENCE

Athletes receive consistent training at Bittersweet while beginning or continuing age-appropriate U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Region 3 competition. Racing at different venues, on varied terrain, and within stronger competitive fields gives athletes new challenges and greater opportunities to develop. Pinnacle coaches help each family understand the pathway and select opportunities that fit the athlete’s age, readiness, and goals.

A CONNECTED PINNACLE PATHWAY

JDT & OTHER RACING EXPERIENCE → PINNACLE WEST MICHIGAN U12-U18 → REGION 3 NON-SCORED & SCORED RACING → CENTRAL, FIS & COLLEGIATE OPPORTUNITIES

West Michigan athletes may enter Pinnacle at different ages and do not need to follow one fixed route. The pathway can complement high-school racing while giving athletes access to broader training and competition. Coaches help each family choose age-appropriate opportunities based on the athlete’s development, readiness, and goals.

WHAT PINNACLE WEST MICHIGAN INCLUDES

A complete local training program connected to Pinnacle’s broader racing and development pathway.

HOME TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

COMPLETE BITTERSWEET PROGRAM

Consistent local training led by a dedicated West Michigan coach and supported by Pinnacle’s connected development system.

INCLUDES:

  • Two to three weekday Bittersweet training opportunities
  • Scheduled weekend training opportunities
  • Technical skiing, slalom, giant slalom, gates, tactics, and video
  • Coach-led fall dryland and virtual mental-performance training when scheduled
  • Equipment guidance, season planning, and ongoing athlete feedback

RACING & EXPANDED OPPORTUNITIES

REGION 3 SUPPORT & ONE SEARCHMONT WEEKEND INCLUDED

Coordinated coaching helps athletes begin or continue age-appropriate U.S. Ski & Snowboard competition.

INCLUDES:

  • Coaching at designated age-eligible Region 3 races on the official team calendar
  • Course inspection, start and finish support, and race-day guidance
  • One designated Searchmont development weekend with coaching expenses included
  • Support from Pinnacle’s broader coaching staff at designated events
  • Access to additional camps, races, and travel projects with separate expenses

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Consistent Bittersweet training. Age-appropriate groups. One connected development plan.

WEEKLY TRAINING STRUCTURE

TUESDAY - Bittersweet | 6:30–8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY -  Bittersweet | 6:30–8:30 p.m.

THURSDAY - Bittersweet | 6:30–8:30 p.m.

WEEKENDS - Scheduled home training or competition. Home training sessions are generally 9:30–11:30 a.m.; race schedules vary by event.

HOW TRAINING WORKS

PURPOSEFUL WEEKDAY TRAINING

Weekday sessions combine strong fundamental skiing, technical drills, progressive slalom and giant slalom training, race tactics, and video when appropriate. Training plans reflect each group’s age, ability, and developmental needs.

AGE-APPROPRIATE TRAINING GROUPS

U12-U18 athletes are organized by age, skiing ability, and developmental readiness. A dedicated West Michigan coach leads local training while connecting athletes to Pinnacle’s broader coaching and development system.

WEEKEND PROGRAMMING

Weekends may include training at Bittersweet, designated Region 3 races, JDT races, the included Searchmont development weekend, and other Pinnacle opportunities. The official team calendar identifies which events are included and which involve additional expenses.

FALL & OFF-HILL DEVELOPMENT

West Michigan athletes receive coach-led fall dryland. These sessions develop strength, mobility, coordination, confidence, and the habits athletes need to train and compete successfully. Dates and participation details are communicated through PlayMetrics.

RACING & COMPETITION

Broader racing experiences that build skill, confidence, and a clearer view of what is possible.

JDT & HIGH-SCHOOL RACING

VALUABLE PARTS OF THE ATHLETE’S SEASON

Pinnacle West Michigan can complement an athlete’s participation in JDT and high-school racing. These familiar race settings provide valuable repetitions, team experiences, and opportunities to apply the skills developed through Pinnacle training.

REGION 3 & U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD RACING

THE NEXT LEVEL OF COMPETITIVE EXPERIENCE

Athletes may begin or continue age-appropriate Region 3 non-scored and scored racing. Competing at different venues, on more challenging terrain, and within broader fields exposes athletes to new demands and greater development opportunities. Race-day coaching is included at designated events on the official team calendar.

SEARCHMONT & EXPANDED OPPORTUNITIES

ONE DESIGNATED DEVELOPMENT WEEKEND INCLUDED

The program includes coaching expenses for one designated Searchmont development weekend, giving athletes an opportunity to train on more challenging terrain with the connected Pinnacle team. Additional age-appropriate camps, races, and travel projects may be offered with separate expenses.

WHAT FAMILIES SHOULD PLAN FOR

A clear look at memberships, lift access, equipment, and expenses that are separate from the $1,995 program fee.

U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD MEMBERSHIP

REQUIRED LEVEL DEPENDS ON AGE AND RACING

Athletes must maintain the U.S. Ski & Snowboard membership appropriate for their age and selected competitions. Membership requirements may differ between training, non-scored racing, and scored racing. Pinnacle coaches will help families identify the correct membership level before the season.

LIFT ACCESS & EQUIPMENT

FAMILY-PROVIDED

Program tuition does not include season passes or lift tickets. Families are responsible for the appropriate Bittersweet access and any required lift tickets at Searchmont or competition venues. Athletes must also have properly fitted ski equipment, an approved helmet, and other age-appropriate racing gear.

RACE & TRAVEL EXPENSES

PAID SEPARATELY UNLESS SPECIFICALLY INCLUDED

Race-entry fees, athlete transportation, lodging, meals, lift access, and personal expenses are separate from tuition. The included Searchmont weekend covers coaching expenses only. Additional camps, races, and travel projects may involve separate coaching expenses that will be communicated before registration.

READY TO JOIN PINNACLE WEST MICHIGAN?

Take the next step toward purposeful training, broader competition, and one connected Pinnacle pathway. New athletes may be asked to speak with a coach or share a recent skiing or racing video to help confirm the appropriate training group. A formal tryout is not required.