New Athlete Information

When does registration open?

Registration will open in the fall (August/September), starting with current athletes & families.  Please email brooke@tyrolbasin.com to be put on our list to receive an email once registration opens to new athletes. 

What skiing ability level is required?

• Must be able to load/unload the chairlift without assistance OR have an adult present at every practice to assist with loading/unloading until able to do so independently 

• Ski intermediate/advanced runs independently and in control- we routinely practice on Bump Buster and Twister

• Be able to start and stop at any point on the hill independently and in control. Tyrol Basin Ski Team is not a learn to ski program.

Does my athlete have to “try-out” for the team?

We do not hold tryouts but require the above skill level requirements to be met.  The first 2 weeks of practice coaches will assess athlete ability levels.  If they feel that an athlete needs more individualized attention to safely ski in a small group setting, parents will be notified and the team fee will then be applied towards Tyrol Basin ski school lessons. Our goal is to provide a safe and positive race experience for all of our athletes.

What if my athlete cannot attend all practices and/or races?

There is no minimum requirement for the number of practices attended.  We encourage athletes to attend at least twice per week if possible but there is no penalty for missing practice.

Our Saturday Series Races are optional but highly encouraged.  These races are meant to be a fun, friendly competition amongst teammates and a great way to put those new skills into action without the travel and crowds.

 When and where do we usually meet?

Coaches will meet up with their groups outside of the race building in the base area near Chair B.  Coaches will head to the chair to take their groups to the top of the hill as soon as practice starts.  Athletes need to be geared up and waiting with their group on the snow as soon as practice is scheduled to start.

Why is it so important to be on time for every practice, geared up and ready to go?

With our short, unpredictable midwest winters we want to make the most of the time we have on the slopes.  If we are waiting for some athletes to get geared up and get out to the snow we miss out on valuable training time. Coaches will work with their groups on various runs throughout the hill so once practice starts it may be difficult to connect with a specific practice group. 

Who will I practice with?

Athletes are placed into practice groups at the beginning of the season based on age and ability level.  Because of the range of abilities (especially in our younger athletes) there may be a mix of ages, unfortunately this means sometimes friends will not ski in the same group.  As athletes progress throughout the season adjustments may be made.

Age groups are based on age as of Dec 31st of the current race season (Dec-March).

(example: 2024/2025 season, age as of Dec 31 2024)

U20: 18-19 years old

U18: 16-17 years old

U16: 14-15 years old

U14: 12-13 years old

U12: 10-11 years old

U10: 8-9 years old

U8: 7 years old and under

What do athletes do in training?

Athletes will spend time working on drills to build a solid skiing foundation.  These skills will allow athletes to handle different snow conditions while skiing at higher speeds in a race course.  Each week we will focus on a specific area at practice (balance, rotary, edging, pressure).  There will also be plenty of gate time and some free skiing mixed in.

What is the difference between the Home & Travel teams?

All Tyrol Basin Ski Team athletes train together, regardless of if they are on the home or travel team.  Our home team athletes have access to two weekly training sessions (Tuesday & Thursday OR Thursday & Sunday), while our travel team athletes have access to all three of our weekly training sessions (Tue, Thur and Sun).  All athletes are strongly encouraged to participate in our Saturday Series Races held at Tyrol on select Saturdays throughout the season.  In addition to these Saturday races our Travel team athletes participate in the 4 WIJARA (Wisconsin Illinois Iowa Junior Racing Association) race weekends throughout the season.  

Do I need to purchase a season pass?

A lift ticket is required at all practices and races, lift ticket/season pass is NOT included with team fees. We recommend purchasing a season pass, as this is the most cost effective option.

What equipment do I need?

• Helmet:  A hard sided race helmet is required for Giant Slalom. 

• Goggles: A clear nighttime lens and an all purpose daytime lens are recommended.  Goggles are required to be worn during all WIJARA races.

• Poles are required 

• Skis/Boot recommendations:

• • Single set of racing skis (good for beginners or those new to racing):

  • • U12 and under: turning radius of 11m or less.  It can be a slalom ski or not, but this radius can be used for all courses.

    • U14 and above: slalom ski with a length of 140-160cm (bigger, stronger, advanced racers can go a little longer), radius of 11-13m.  Focus is on slalom first, they will work for GS.

  • Slalom Skis

  • • U12 and under: length- 130cm or less;  radius- 10m or less

    • U14 and above: length- 130cm and up; radius- 10-13m (high level skiers will be on 12-13m)

  • GS Skis

  • • U12 and under: length- up to 150cm junior ski; radius- up to 16m

    • U14 and above: length- 155-175cm+ (based on size, skill & strength) junior skis for younger, smaller racers; radius- around 17m (can be up to 20cm+ for stronger, bigger, highly skilled racers)

• Optional equipment:

• • Team Jacket

  • Race Suit

  • Guards: chin bar, shin & pole guards are recommended for advanced slalom racers 

  • Ski boot bag/backpack: helpful to keep all of your gear in one place