Home 9 Alpine Programs 9 U19 High Performance Program

The Alpine Ontario U19 High-Performance Program is designed to bring together the best U19 racers in Ontario for conditioning, training and racing. The intention is to enhance the Ontario regional, club or academy programs by offering unique and strategic Alpine Ontario opportunities. The program is intended for athletes interested in pursuing high-performance ski racing and requires a commitment to the physical conditioning program, and the overall program in general, on and off the ski hill.

OBJECTIVES:

• Bring together the best U19 ski racers from across Ontario for conditioning, training, and race projects.
• Prepare U19 Ontario skiers with the broad range of skills needed to succeed on the Ontario Ski Team, the NCAA, and the Canadian Alpine Ski Team.
• Raise the level of all U19 Alpine Club Programs while supporting the most dedicated and talented skiers who will remain on their respective regional teams, clubs or academies.
• Provide support and resources to athletes, regional teams and clubs to create a ski racing culture of fun, physical fitness and performance.

2020-21 SELECTION CRITERIA*:

*Please note the following is subject to change.

Athletes are selected to the U19HPP in April based on the following:

Graduating U16 Athletes:
o Top 5 in one discipline or top 10 in two disciplines at U16 Nationals.
o Top 5 in two disciplines at Eastern Can-Am races.
o Outstanding performance(s) at Whistler Cup or Val D’Isere.

Current FIS Athletes (Born 2002-2003):
o Average of top 20 in two disciplines by FIS National Rank by Age (one discipline must be technical), or top 12 in one discipline.

FIS Athletes 2001 and older:
U21 Racers can apply and will be accepted on a case by case basis.

Athletes that do not meet criteria but are close can apply in writing to AOA High-Performance director Kip Harrington (see contact details below) with a rationale for acceptance.

Selection Criteria is a minimum criterion, and Alpine Ontario reserves the right to limit numbers based on available resources and funding.

SUPPORT PROJECTS:

  • Dryland Testing with individualized physical conditioning programs designed by the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (see details below) www.csiontario.ca. 
  • Mental training and sports psychology support from Dr. Dana Sinclair.
  • The creation of an individual performance plan in collaboration with Regional FIS Coaches.
  • Physio Therapy and injury prevention screening.
  • Nutrition education and Concussion screening.
  • Return to snow support for athletes recovering from injury.
  • Spring and October on-snow training camps with the Ontario Ski Team in Europe.
  • Possible participation in a 2021 winter European training and race project.

CONDITIONING PROGRAMS

The Canadian Sports Institute of Ontario – Toronto (CSIO) provides the Ontario Ski Team and now the U19HPP athletes with physical testing, injury prevention screening, physical conditioning program design and sports science support. The CSIO supports multiple Olympic and Development level athletes and sports. Learn more about this facility and its program here: www.csiontario.ca.

The U19HPP will come together for conditioning camps, and coaches will be in regular contact with the athletes to implement and monitor programs. The goal of our conditioning program is to reach elite fitness levels, including a focus on injury prevention and the general health of our athletes. *2020 dates will be released late March and posted here. 

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Athletes must hold an International FIS license.
  • Athletes must be a member in good standing of an Ontario alpine club within the last five seasons and possess a valid OHIP card.
  • AOA will consider the eligibility of athletes who do not meet the above criteria but have established full-time residency in the province of Ontario on a case-by-case basis.
  • Athletes need to be enrolled and committed to a ski racing program (i.e. regional team, club, or academy).
  • Athletes need to complete on-snow training in the preseason with their home program prior to on snow projects with AOA.

This program is overseen and managed by AOA’s High-Performance Director Kip Harrington in conjunction with the Ontario Ski Team staff, and the coaches of participating athletes. Please contact Kip should you have any questions kipharrington@alpineontario.local.

For more information on the AOA High-Performance Pathway please download the HPP Brochure here>