PINNACLE U10/U12

BUILD GREAT SKIERS. DEVELOP CONFIDENT RACERS. CREATE STRONG FOUNDATIONS.

The Pinnacle U10/U12 Program gives motivated young athletes a high-level introduction to competitive alpine ski racing through strong fundamental skiing, progressive gate training, and a positive team environment. Designed for skiers who already have a solid foundation, the program develops balance, movement, carving, pressure control, confidence, and race-day experience. Athletes do not need polished technique or top results—but they should be ready to train with purpose, safely keep pace with the group, and build the skills and habits needed for long-term success in the sport.

Not sure which racing path is right? Compare Ascent and Pinnacle →

Program at a Glance

2026-27 SEASON | 2015-2018 BIRTH YEARS

ELIGIBILITY

2015–2018 birth years

LOCATIONS

Pine Knob
Mt. Holly
Alpine Valley

TRAINING

3–4 weekday opportunities
Plus weekends

PROGRAM FEE

Full Team: $2,550
Team Lite: $2,100

IS PINNACLE U10/U12 THE RIGHT FIT?

A purposeful introduction to competitive ski racing—and the beginning of a connected development pathway.

WHO THIS PROGRAM SERVES

Pinnacle U10/U12 is designed for motivated young skiers with a solid technical foundation who are ready for the rhythm of an age-group racing team. Athletes should ski independently, safely keep pace with their group, respond to coaching, and want consistent training and Region 3 competition. They do not need top results; they need the foundation and desire to improve.

WHAT ATHLETES DEVELOP

Training develops balance, movement, carving, pressure control, technical fundamentals, progressive gate skills, and age-appropriate tactics. Athletes learn how to train, adapt to different conditions, and compete with growing confidence. The goal is not simply to complete courses—it is to build the versatile skiing and strong habits required for continued development through U14 and beyond.

A CONNECTED PINNACLE PATHWAY

U10/U12 FOUNDATIONS & NON-SCORED COMPETITION → U14/U16 SCORED RACING & CENTRAL OPPORTUNITIES → U18/U21 REGIONAL, NATIONAL, COLLEGIATE & FIS PATHWAYS

As athletes develop, their training and competition opportunities expand. There is no single required route or destination. Pinnacle coaches help each family build the pathway that best fits the athlete’s readiness, goals, schedule, and continued interest in the sport.

CHOOSE YOUR U10/U12 OPTION

Both options share Pinnacle’s developmental philosophy, coaching environment, home training opportunities, and Region 3 non-scored race access. The difference is what is included upfront: Full Team bundles designated Searchmont weekends into the season, while Team Lite allows families to add those projects and related coaching expenses when they choose to participate.

U10/U12 FULL TEAM

$2,550

DESIGNATED SEARCHMONT WEEKENDS INCLUDED

For families who expect their athlete to participate in Pinnacle’s designated Searchmont training weekends during the season.

INCLUDES:

• Three to four weekday home-training opportunities
• Scheduled weekend training opportunities
• Coaching at designated Region 3 non-scored races
• Designated Searchmont training weekends from December through the end of February
• Season-long technical development and race preparation

U10/U12 TEAM LITE

$2,100

ADD SEARCHMONT PROJECTS AS NEEDED

For families who want the same Pinnacle developmental approach, home training opportunities, and Region 3 race access while adding designated Searchmont projects only when they plan to participate.

INCLUDES:

• Three to four weekday home-training opportunities
• Scheduled weekend training opportunities
• Coaching at designated Region 3 non-scored races
• Designated Searchmont training weekends available for additional coaching expenses
• Season-long technical development and race preparation

TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

Three home hills. Multiple weekly opportunities. One coordinated development plan.

JANUARY–FEBRUARY WEEKLY SCHEDULE

MONDAY - Alpine Valley or Pine Knob | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY - Mt. Holly | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY — Mt. Holly | 6:30–8:30 p.m.

THURSDAY - Alpine Valley  | 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 THE SCHEDULE WORKS

EARLY-SEASON TRAINING

Weeknight training begins at Alpine Valley and/or Pine Knob. Locations and days may vary based on opening dates, snow conditions, hill availability, and resort operations.

JANUARY–FEBRUARY LOCATION CHOICE

On Mondays Pinnacle will staff both Alpine Valley and Pine Knob, allowing families to select the location that works best for them. Tuesday and Wednesday training will take place at Mt. Holly and Thursday we will be at Alpine Valley (new for 2026).

INDIVIDUAL TRAINING PLANS

Both Full Team and Team Lite athletes have access to three to four weekday training opportunities. Coaches may recommend schedules based on athlete development, group needs, and training objectives.

FALL DRYLAND

U10/U12 athletes are strongly encouraged to participate in Pinnacle’s fall dryland program. Dryland training helps athletes develop the strength, conditioning, mobility, coordination, and overall physical readiness needed for the ski season. Program details and registration will be released separately.

RACING & COMPETITION

Purposeful competition that supports long-term athlete development.

REGION 3 NON-SCORED RACING

INCLUDED WITH BOTH OPTIONS

Athletes may participate in Pinnacle’s designated Region 3 non-scored races. These events provide age-appropriate competition, valuable race-day experience, and opportunities to apply developing skills in a supportive environment.

SEARCHMONT TRAINING WEEKENDS

FULL TEAM: INCLUDED

LITE: OPTIONAL

Designated Searchmont weekends provide extended training opportunities from December through the end of February. These weekends are included with Full Team. Team Lite athletes may participate by adding the applicable coaching expenses when they choose to attend.

ADDITIONAL RACE OPPORTUNITIES

ANNOUNCED SEPARATELY

Pinnacle may add select age-appropriate racing opportunities during the season, including a possible late-season U.S. Ski race at Ski Brule. If offered, event details and anticipated coaching expenses will be communicated separately and will apply equally to Full Team and Team Lite athletes.

WHAT FAMILIES SHOULD PLAN FOR

A clear look at memberships, access, and expenses that are separate from program tuition.

U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD MEMBERSHIP

REQUIRED FOR ALL ATHLETES

A current General membership is required for insurance purposes. If an athlete later chooses to participate in an event requiring a Competitor membership, the membership can be upgraded during the season.

LIFT ACCESS & EQUIPMENT

FAMILY-PROVIDED

Program tuition does not include lift access. Families are responsible for season passes or lift tickets at training and competition venues, along with properly fitted ski equipment, a helmet, and any other required racing gear.

RACE & TRAVEL EXPENSES

PAID SEPARATELY

Race entry fees, athlete travel, lodging, meals, and personal expenses are separate from program tuition. Team Lite families also pay applicable coaching expenses for optional Searchmont projects. Any additional event-specific costs will be communicated before families register.

U10/12 Schedule Preview

Explore the calendar below for a preview of our training and race schedule. Once registered, families receive access to the detailed team calendar in the PlayMetrics app, including locations, times, and program-specific information.



Schedules are subject to change. Registered families should check PlayMetrics for the latest details and updates.

READY TO JOIN PINNACLE U10/U12?

Choose the option that includes what your athlete is most likely to use. If you are unsure whether Full Team or Team Lite best fits your family’s season, contact us—we are happy to help you make the right selection.