WSRC U8 FUNdamental
Program Guide

Where Little Skiers Become Big Mountain Adventurers

The U8 FUNdamentals Program at the Wentworth Ski Race Club (WSRC) is the starting point for young skiers ready to explore more of the mountain, gain confidence, and fall in love with skiing for life. Following Alpine Canada’s STRIVE pathway, the U8 program focuses on play, exploration, and skill development in a fun, supportive environment.

 

Program Overview

• Age Group: Athletes born in 2018 & 2019
• Season Dates: January 3/4 – March 21/22, 2026
• Options:
  • 2-day (Saturday & Sunday)
  • Saturday only
  • Sunday only
  • Optional Friday add-on training may be available
• STRIVE Level: FUNdamentals – learning through play, building a strong base for lifelong skiing

 

Goals of the U8 FUNdamental Program

At this stage, the goal is not about racing fast — it’s about building the foundation of a confident, safe, and joyful skier. Athletes will:

• Learn strong fundamentals: balance, turning, stopping, and speed control
• Explore different types of terrain safely and with confidence
• Develop independence on the mountain, including riding chairlifts
• Practice teamwork and communication through games and group activities
• Build a love of skiing that lasts far beyond the program

 

A Typical U8 Training Day

• 9:20 AM – Meet in front of the lodge with coaches & teammates
• Morning session – Skill-based games, exploring terrain, practicing balance and turns
• 11:30 AM – Lunch with family (unsupervised)
• 12:25 PM – Afternoon on-snow session with more games, skiing challenges, and fun exploration
• 2:30 PM – Pick-up at the lodge

Throughout the day, coaches use playful drills, guided free skiing, and team games to keep learning fun and engaging.

 

Prerequisites

To keep all athletes safe and ensure they’re ready for the program, U8 skiers must:

• Be able to ski independently on green runs (blue trails are a bonus but not required at the start)
• Be able to ride the chairlift without assistance
• Have good listening skills to stay with their group and follow coach direction

 

Required Gear

• Skis, boots, poles, and helmet
• Race-specific gear is not necessary at this stage — U8 is all about skill development, not speed suits or advanced equipment

 

The WSRC Experience at U8

WSRC takes pride in creating a welcoming environment where young athletes feel supported and parents feel part of the community. At U8, families can expect:

• Low coach-to-athlete ratios for personalized attention
• A program built on fun, safety, and learning
• Opportunities to try at home fun races (participation is optional)
• A strong sense of team spirit and belonging
• A safe, encouraging space where kids are excited to come back each week

 

Parent Takeaway

The U8 program is the beginning of a skier’s journey with WSRC. It’s where athletes discover the joy of the mountain, learn to move with balance and control, and gain confidence that carries into every future program. Many of our most passionate racers started right here — but more importantly, so did many of our lifelong skiers.

👉 Register your child for the U8 FUNdamentals Program and give them the gift of skiing for life.