The youth development division is an all encompassing, club-wide development program for young athletes 5-10 years old. These programs focus on skill acquisition and having fun on the mountain, all while building a solid skiing foundation. The goal is to focus on the fundamentals so athletes have the necessary skills to eventually move into one of PCSS’s discipline specific development programs. Think of youth development as a club wide, pre-devo program with the goal of developing the appropriate skills so athletes are competent and confident when it's time to move up the development pipeline. 

Program options range from just one weeknight at the UOP to multiple weeknights. Each program option can be purchased as a standalone program, or you have the option to “add on” multiple programs for a “multi sport” experience.  

Register for Youth Development

Shredders (multi-sport)

Shredders is a twelve-week program offers younger skiers and riders an opportunity to explore multiple winter sports and the iconic venues at the Utah Olympic Park.  Shredders get to sample the best that PCSS has to offer in Alpine, Nordic Ski Jumping, Cross Country skiing, and Freestyle/Freeski skiing. The focus of the program is on introducing athletes to unique and challenging on-snow environments with an emphasis on skill building, collaboration, positive feedback and fun.

Lil’ Rippers (Snowboard)

Lil’ Rippers is our new, weeknight only snowboard program designed to build the necessary skills required so young riders are prepared for the FUNdamentals weekend program. In this program riders will refine their skills like body position, stance, linking turns and other basic riding skills necessary to improve their overall riding ability. We will also work on the basics of freestyle snowboarding including flat ground freestyle, small jumps, basic grabs, boxes and rails. Program will take place on Wednesday and/or Thursday nights at Woodward.

This is NOT a “learn to snowboard” program and participants must be able to link turns on blue runs.

Grom Adventure Program (5-6 year olds)

Currently Full (email rdevine@parkcityss.org to be put on a waitlist) 

Building off skiing mileage from our local community programs, the Grom Adventure Program allows 5 & 6-year-olds a one day a week program to further develop their downhill skiing skills. For those that have some experience, this program can be utilized by anyone that has an interest in increasing their skiing skills that can late be applied in any skiing discipline. The emphasis for this program will be establishing balance over terrain elements and an introduction to the training environment. Training aids are used to direct the athlete into varied turn shapes relative to the fall line and challenge the athlete to increase confidence in a fun and safe environment.

This is NOT a learn to ski program and participants must be comfortable skiing blue runs 

Kinder Gliders (Cross Country)

Kinder Gliders is a new program designed for youth in Kindergarten and 1st grade over a six weeks. It is open to beginners and those who have participated in Mini Gliders. There are fewer lessons than Kickers and Gliders and participants will ONLY be on classic skis. Poles will also be introduced when appropriate. Parents or guardians need to assist with the lesson when needed either on skis or on foot.

Kickers & Gliders (Cross Country)

Kickers & Gliders is a program designed for those who want to learn, have fun, and develop their skills on cross country skis. The program teaches both skate and classic techniques so participants will need both skate and classic skis.  Skills are developed in an inclusive environment through games and drills. Those who want to try racing will have coach support at the 2 free untimed races (Cocoa Loppets), local Wasatch Citizen's Series, and IMD Youth Ski Festival.  The program's curriculum is based on US Ski and Snowboard Cross Country Training System Phase 2 and 3.

Skillz & Drillz (Alpine) 

Currently Full (email rdevine@parkcityss.org to be put on a waitlist)

Skillz & Drillz is the alpine focused weeknight program taking place at the Utah Olympic Park. This program will focus on the fundamentals of alpine racing and give them the necessary “skiing mileage” to better prepare them for the alpine development team. This is a non-competitive program with an emphasis on skill building and fun. In this program athletes will work on and refine their skills in edging, body position, balance, vision and carving as well as the basics of skiing gates.  

These skills are NOT taught from scratch and participants must be able to make parallel turns on blue runs.  

New this season, Skillz & Drillz participants have the option to add on a coached, half-day freeskiing session at Deer Valley. Sessions will be held on Sunday afternoons where athletes will take what they learned during the week and apply it in an open, non-confined training environment. 

Bumps & Jumps (Freestyle/Freeski)

The Bumps & Jumps program is designed as a basic introduction to Freestyle and Freeskiing. We focus on fundamental skill development to allow athletes to sample different disciplines. We work on carving skills, body stance, vision, pole plants, edging, box/rail sliding, take offs, landings, and mountain etiquette/safety. Athletes will learn how to apply these fundamentals to the terrain park, moguls, and aerials. Fundamentals athletes are welcome to participate in our fun-focused in-house Devo Series competitions at the UOP when they feel ready.

Learn 2 Fly (Ski Jumping) 

Learn 2 Fly offers the unique opportunity to fulfill every child's dream of flying through the air.  Participants will learn the fundamentals of ski jumping from our trained coaches in a controlled environment. Using our steady progression model, athletes will safely develop skills  on our Bump Jump, 10 Meter and 20 Meter hills.  Athletes will jump on their own downhill equipment, but may have the opportunity to try our specialized nordic jumping equipment by the end of the program.  NOTE: This program isn't being offered in 2024.  Please reach out to aloomis@parkcityss.org to see if Try Fundamentals would be a good fit for your athlete!

Mini Gliders (Cross Country)

Mini Gliders is a 1 hour, 1 day-a-week program designed for youth ages 4-6 years old on Friday or Sunday morning. The goal of Mini Gliders is to introduce youth to cross country skiing in a fun and inclusive environment. Each session offers four classes. Parents are required to assist when needed during the classes and can be on skis or on foot. No previous experience on skis required. Rental skis and boots are available while supplies last.  Parents or guardians must be present and assist their child when needed.