U12
Parent Guidelines

 

Introduction

  • Top tips

  • Performance

  • Time on task

  • Best camps

  • Equipment

  • Facts and figures

 

At this age kids start to learn basic tactics (e.g. ski racers develop line and freestylers develop rotational techniques etc). Motor learning is acquired more quickly ‘in the brain’ at this age of development than at any other age. The emphasis should still be on fun and learning a broad variety of skills in different sports. Under 12s can also start to learn to be a little more independent in the training environment, getting used to routines and taking care of their equipment.

Top tips
U12s

Here are some invaluable tips for parents from the best coaches in the business.

 
Andy Freshwater

Andy Freshwater

Hey Andy…

What are your top tips on snow for U12s?

Starting to be a little more technical with the feedback. Simple words like radius, side cut and build up the vocabulary so we can develop understanding.

Spend time blasting around the mountain and skiing behind the coach at higher speeds.

It’s important that the U12s ski specific courses for them because the equipment is different from the older age groups.

What are your top tips on camp for U12s?

Camp life should be based on skiing all day. They don’t need to do more fitness after that. The ski fitness from being up the mountain all day is adequate.

And what about equipment for U12s?

Need two sets of skis one SL, and one GS and a plug boot that’s not too stiff (70-80 flex).

Slalom and GS poles required, 5cm longer with GS poles. Helmet that is easy to take the chin guard on and off. Poc make a great one that is fast to change.

Have a packing list laminated on the top of the bag. This helps the kid manage on a camp.

 
 
Iain Innes

Iain Innes

Hey Iain…

What are your top tips on Scottish skiing for U12s?

U12s need to ski in Scotland as much as they can! It is all about play. Hit jumps, ski with your parents, do some off piste and take a hot choccy stop. Try to enjoy every day, even more so when all your pals are at school.

What are the best races for U12s?

The Bairns Bucket is the biggest event on the Scottish calendar (Strathspey Cup for U10s). The Alpine races at Christmas (Anglo Scottish), Bormio (English Champs) are probably the most fun.

Any other tips?

Yep have a look at this video of heather hopping down the lift line.

Murray Howie

Murray Howie

Hey Murray…

What are your top tips for training in the UK?

If you live in Scotland try to get to the mountains even if the weather is rubbish. Sometimes the bad weather days are more fun.

Hillend and Braehead are a good substitute for the real thing but do something different like pro slalom, combi or some training in the park. This will help you more than racing as the surface is just not the same as skiing.’

Which camps abroad best suit U12 for a first camp?

Without a doubt the top of your list should be October camp in Hintertux. Get the GS skis on and rip safely on huge pistes. The New Year week in Italy is a good follow up as it has some racing after a week of training.

Any other top tips?

To be a versatile athlete you need lots of different skills so learn to juggle, try waterskiing, do lots of mountain biking.

 

Advice from parents of the best racers in the world Learn more

Performance
U12s

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Below are some key areas of focus for the under 12 age group. It is important to give all these areas equal consideration. It is hard to progress technically if the equipment is inappropriate for the skill level of the racer.

Technical

  • Develop carving skills / Sound technical base / Free ski all terrain with competence and good balance / Strengthen angulation

Tactical

  • Specific tactical skills / Predicting terrain, line and turn shape

Physical

  • 2 conditioning sessions per week (can be replaced with judo, gymnastics or trampolining) / Body awareness training

Psychological

  • Positive self talk / Good work ethic and perseverance / Process orientated - not results / Positive club support

Equipment (see section below)

  • Four-clip boot / Fitted boots (70-80) with even flex / Race skis SL+GS / Back and head (FIS approved) protection

Environment

  • Local to national races (Bairns Bucket etc) / Focus on fun and variety of races like skierX freestyle and Alpine mix or events

 

Race day advice for parents Learn more

Time on task
U12s

The matrix information is a guide for young athletes whose goals include National Team selection. ATC and other clubs encourage and facilitate training for all young skiers no matter how much snow time you can manage.

 

This information is gathered from an Alpine Matrix chart which was created using data and research from multiple areas, including the United States Ski Association, Canadian Alpine Ski Team, as well as our own experiences and projects in UK snowsports.

The Alpine Training Matrix is flexible enough to suit our specific situation in the UK. For example if the average 11 year old requires 55+ days on snow then this can include indoor snow and a percentage (10-15%) of dry slope days. The remaining dry slope days should be logged under ‘activity days’. 

  • Total ski days = 55+-

  • On camp training days = 32+-

  • Percentage competition training = 30%

  • Percentage technical / drills = 30%

  • Other skiing and training = 40%

  • Training to racing ratio = 7-1

  • Multi-sport activity days = 210

  • Holiday skiing = 12+-

Training specifics for Under 16 age group.
 

See the full Alpine Matrix for all ages Learn more

Best camps
U12s

 

These are our recommendations for the best camps and training for U12s.

Best first camps for under 12s

  • Cairngorm / Braehead Camp of Champions / October Half Term

Best not to miss for under 12s

  • The Bairns Bucket Scotland / Braehead Super Tuesdays

Best alpine racing camp for under 12s

  • New Year Italy Camp or Bormio English Championships

Best Scottish snow training for under 12s

  • Scottish Ski Club - Cairngorm Mountain

Best programme on a budget for under 12s

  • SSC winter weekends and ATC Cairngorm Mountain holiday camps

Best trick to learn for under 12s

  • 360 (or a helicopter in old money)

Equipment
U12s

Andy’s Top Tip:

You will need two sets of skis SL, and GS, and a plug boot that’s not too stiff (70-80 flex). GS poles 5cm longer than SL. A helmet with an easily removable chin guard (Poc make one that is fast to change).

 

Skis - age 10

SL 128-135 (big for their age)
GS 144-151 (big for their age)

Skis - age 11

SL 135-142 (big for their age)
GS 158-165 (big for their age)

Boots - age 10-11

Four-clip 70 flex (age 10)
Four-clip 70 to 90 flex (age 11, big for their age)

 

ATC BluesSki on line racing catalogue and pro deal coming soon

Facts
& figures U12s

 

  1. U12s can race in any British run race home and abroad without the need to pre-qualify

  2. There is no British ranking system (BASS) for U12s

  3. Racing events are pro slalom, combi, GS and Stubby gate slalom

  4. U12s do not need a chin guard

  5. Race suit (catsuit) is optional for U12s

  6. There are no rules for which skis U12s use (twin tips are acceptable)

  7. Regulation helmet (FIS) and back protector are mandatory

  8. Remember smaller people need smaller skis and SMALLER GATES (not obstacles)


  9. Burnout is real at this age. It is caused from over-training, and lack of motivation (no fun)

  10. U12s learn by seeing more than hearing, so demonstrate more and lecture less

  11. Confidence building is most important for U12s and comes from positive reinforcement

  12. Puberty usually starts 1-2 years earlier in girls (between 9-11 years old)

  13. Girls’ cognitive skills also develop faster and earlier Learn more

  14. Motor learning is acquired more quickly ‘in the brain’ at this age of development than any other age.