FIND THE RIGHT

RACING PATH

ONE CLUB. MORE THAN

ONE STARTING POINT.

The right program is not determined by following a fixed ladder. It depends on your athlete’s age, current skiing, racing experience, independence, and what they want next. Some athletes begin with Ascent. Others enter Pinnacle after another junior racing program. Our goal is to place each athlete where they can be challenged, supported, and excited to keep improving.

///

WHERE SHOULD MY ATHLETE START?

The best placement combines current skiing, independence, age, motivation, and the kind of racing experience your athlete wants next.

ASCENT

 JUNIOR

AGES 6-14 | NO RACE EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

A welcoming, full-season introduction to ski racing offered in Southeast and West Michigan. Athletes build foundational skiing, confidence, independence, gate skills, and race-day experience through consistent coaching.

BEST FOR ATHLETES WHO:

  • Are new to racing or still developing foundational skills
  • Want consistent coaching throughout the winter
  • Benefit from flexible one-, two-, or three-day participation
  • Are developing confidence in gates and competition

ASCENT

HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES | WEEKEND-BASED PROGRAM

A structured weekend training and racing program for high-school athletes seeking professional coaching, team support, and continued development within a schedule designed around the high-school season.

BEST FOR ATHLETES WHO:

  • Want weekend-focused training and racing
  • Are building technical skills and race experience
  • Value coaching and a supportive team environment
  • Prefer a clear, consistent seasonal schedule

PINNACLE

ALPINE RACING

U10/U12 THROUGH U18/U21 | COMPETITIVE DEVELOPMENT

High-level development for motivated athletes with the age-appropriate foundation to train productively with their group. Athletes may enter from U10/U12 through U18/U21 to pursue high-school excellence or broader competitive goals.

BEST FOR ATHLETES WHO:

  • Have the technical foundation to safely keep pace with their age group
  • Want broader and more frequent training and competition
  • Want high-level preparation for high-school racing or broader competitive pathways

HIGH SCHOOL SUCCESS—AND THE POSSIBILITY OF MORE

Pinnacle develops alpine ski racers for the long term. Many athletes initially join because they want to become stronger high-school racers. That is an important goal—and often only the beginning. Through consistent technical development, broader competition, and a team culture that encourages growth, athletes often discover greater ability, passion, and opportunity than they first imagined.

High-school racing can be a meaningful part of the journey without defining its limits. Pinnacle prepares athletes to excel for their school teams while keeping the door open to Region 3, Central, collegiate, national, and FIS pathways.

CHOOSE YOUR PINNACLE AGE GROUP

U10/U12

FOUNDATIONS & NON-SCORED RACING

A high-level introduction to age-group racing through strong skiing fundamentals, progressive gate training, and Region 3 non‑scored competition.

U14

NON-SCORED &SCORED RACING  EXPANDED OPPORTUNITIES

The transition into scored Region 3 racing with deeper technical development, race tactics, and opportunities to experience competition beyond the local circuit.

U16

ADVANCED COMPETITIVE DEVELOPMENT

Higher-level technical and tactical development, scored competition, and broader Region 3 and Central opportunities for athletes ready to continue progressing.

U18/U21 & FIS

MULTIPLE PATHWAYS FOR OLDER ATHLETES

Regional, FIS, national, and collegiate pathways for older athletes pursuing continued development, meaningful competition, and long-term involvement in ski racing.

HOW YOUNGER RACERS MOVE FORWARD

THE RIGHT CHALLENGE AT THE RIGHT TIME.

Young racers do not need to complete a fixed number of years in Ascent or another junior program before entering Pinnacle. Many transition during U10 or U12 years, while others enter at U14 or later. As their skiing, independence, and goals develop, coaches help families determine when the appropriate Pinnacle age group offers the right next challenge.

01

BUILD THE FOUNDATION

Athletes develop balance, parallel skiing, carving, pressure control, confidence, independence, and race-day familiarity through Ascent or another junior racing experience.

02

REVIEW READINESS

Coaches consider skiing skills, group independence, motivation, age, and interest in a broader training and race schedule. Results alone do not determine placement.

03

CONFIRM THE FIT

Returning Ascent athletes receive a recommendation based on coach observation. Families new to Pinnacle speak with a coach and may share a recent skiing or racing video to support placement. A formal tryout is not required.

04

CHOOSE THE NEXT STEP

Families receive a clear recommendation: enter the appropriate Pinnacle age group, continue developing specific skills in Ascent with a reassessment date, or speak with a coach about an individual pathway.

WHEN THE FOUNDATION IS THERE, KEEP MOVING FORWARD

Ascent builds the foundation. Pinnacle provides the next challenge. Once an athlete demonstrates the skiing, independence, and motivation needed to train productively with the appropriate Pinnacle age group, coaches help the family move forward rather than defaulting to another introductory season.