The race training programs offered by Craigleith’s Alpine Programs are a key part of the adult racing community. Training programs are the responsibility of the Club's Alpine Programs, not the GDHL. The comments below are offered in consultation with the Club's Alpine Programs. Please direct your questions or comments regarding training programs to the Club's Alpine Programs. Aaron Harrison, Alpine Program Administrator, is a good person to contact. Glenn Blaylock is Head Coach for the adult race training programs.

The ‘Alpine Race Method for Adults’ is a comprehensive program designed for the adult race community. The program covers skiing and racing skills and knowledge, including technique, racecourse strategies, injury prevention techniques, fitness programs, equipment insights, self-coaching tips, and much more. The program is designed for adults at various stages of their racing journey, whether they are aspiring racers, those honing their racing skills, or advanced racers with years of experience.

Programs Offered and Enrollment

The Club offers adult race training on Saturdays and Sundays during the nine-week program. Training is also available Friday mornings and afternoons during January and February. Training is often offered during the school breaks immediately before and after New Year’s Day and in March if there is sufficient demand.

There will be six training sessions each weekend on Saturday and Sunday mornings: divided evenly between ‘Adult Race Training’, 'Learn to Race' and ‘Fast and Female’. Details will be announced through blog postings on this website (so be sure to subscribe to updates).

‘Learn to Race’ is designed to help individuals learn and enjoy ski racing. Most of the time will be dedicated to focusing on ski technique. Gate training and drills will be tailored to suit the experience levels of the participants.

The 'Adult Race Training' program is designed to elevate your racing skills. Your coaches will work with you to develop a personalized training regimen that aligns with your individual abilities, placing a strong emphasis on enhancing your ski technique and its practical application in racecourse scenarios. You can expect to spend about 80% of your time actively skiing through racecourses, while the remaining 20% will be devoted to refining your technique. The training encompasses both Giant Slalom and Slalom settings. For Slalom, protective equipment is strongly advised, and for all activities, wearing a closed ear helmet is a strict requirement.

‘Fast and Female' is a program specifically designed for female skiers and racers. Its aim is to enhance their skiing capabilities and racing outcomes, or simply to provide an enjoyable skiing experience in a group setting. Participants will have the opportunity to ski under the guidance of a coach, who will focus on refining technique and navigating through courses that are specifically tailored to match the group's skiing abilities. It is mandatory for participants to wear a closed ear helmet.

NOTE THAT SCHEDULES MAY CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME, SO BE SURE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Sign up for most adult race training programs is through the Club’s Alpine Programs online system in the members section of the Club website. Sign up is normally available beginning in October each season.

Enrollment in Friday training is offered session by session, or racers can pre-purchase sessions at discounted price levels. Racers are asked to register on-line by Wednesday the day before the training session or contact Aaron Harrison.

Racecourse Maintenance and Removal

You may be asked to side slip the course during a training session for safety reasons.

Race training typically concludes approximately 15 minutes prior to the end of each session. All participants are expected to contribute to the maintenance of the course by assisting in sideslipping and the removal of equipment. For efficiency and ease, it is advisable to leave your ski poles at the bottom of the course before ascending to sideslip and dismantle the racecourse.