FAQs

What is the skill level expected for participants in the race program?

This is a competitive alpine ski racing program.  It is not a learn to ski program. The expectation is that participants at the U8 to U14 level are strong skiers with 2 to 3 years of experience and have had formal training. The expectation for the older participants (U14) is that they are athletic, co-ordinated, strong intermediate skiers who can ski parallel.  U14 and U16 participants should be strong skiers with previous race experience.

** What if my child is a beginner or intermediate skier with no racing experience?  Can they still join and be a part of the racing team?

Gate training requires a basic level of skiing skill. Pre-season training is a great way for coaches to determine participant ski ability and to improve ski skills before the start of the season. Graduation into racing and gate training will be at the coach’s discretion and participants joining the club with little or no ski experience may be asked to supplement training with ski lessons at their own cost. This year, however, we may again be offering limited supplementary lessons to strengthen basic skills. The lessons will be offered on an ad hoc basis outside the regular training program, for paid NYARC members only.

Can a 6 year-old participate in the program?

Yes. Children registering at this age must have previous skiing experience of at least two years. Please remember that if they cannot get on and off the chairlift by themselves, a parent or guardian will be required to ride the lift with them.

What does the program cost?

The total cost of the program varies by age group. This year there will be 3 components.
1. Club Registration fee.  The fee depending on age group, is payable to North York Alpine Racing Club by cheque payable to “North York Alpine Racing Club.” or by INTERAC – email transfer to nyarc.to@gmail.com. This fee is mandatory and required when you register your child.
2.  Alpine Ontario Registration Fee  – these fees are paid by credit card online directly to Alpine Ontario. Registration is mandatory to join the club and participate in the ski races.  All Alpine Ontario Fees are listed here.
3.  Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre lift tickets or season pass – Many families choose to purchase a season pass as we are on snow for three days of the week. However, individual tickets can also be purchased per training session instead. Please purchase directly from the City of Toronto at the Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre.  

How many racers do you expect to have this year? What age categories will you offer?

We are a small club and this year, will be accepting memberships from U8/10 up to U14 age categories only. The team may vary in size but we anticipate up to 15 registered racers for the season. This will allow for plenty of individual attention from our coaches and a more personalized training experience.

How many races are there during the season and how far are they from Toronto?

Generally, expect a minimum of 3-4 organized races during the regular racing season with additional races announced by clubs once the season begins. NYARC is an Alpine Ontario sanctioned club. We race in the Southern Ontario Division (SOD) circuit, generally with clubs within 1 1/2hr distance from our home hill. We will update our Schedule Page once we receive this year’s race schedule.

** What if my children race with different ski clubs, but would like to join NYARC for extra gate training.

We are offering extra gate training packages this year for racers from other clubs. The racers must be from AOA-affiliated clubs to join.  These sessions are pay as you go for a fee of $25 per racer/ per session. You will have to register in advance to train on a specific night of the week.6

What are the qualifications of your coaches?

All coaches are certified by the Canadian Ski Coach Federation (CSCF).

What are the objectives of your racing program?

The purpose of the program is to improve the confidence of the participants both on or off the snow, to build their skill level, to have fun and meet others who enjoy snow sports. At U14, participants can choose between continuing to race at the league level (recreational/skiier for life) or joining OCUP-Ontario division (competitive) racing. The goal of our U8/10 and U12 programs is to prepare our participants with the skills that will provide them the choice to pursue either of these pathways.

It is my understanding that Ontario skiers may participate in the Team League or the Individual Racing programs. What program is offered by the North York Alpine Racing Club?

The program offers league level racing at the U8/10, U12, U14 and U16 Southern Ontario Division (SOD) CUP level. Please note, however, that this year, we will ONLY be offering a U8/10 to U14 program.

Do all the participants race in all the races?

We train as a team, but participants race only in their age category. Depending on the age category, the competitions provide recognition for either the top 3 or top 10 male and female racers.

On race day what time do the participants normally need to be at the ski hill and when are the races usually done?

Most (although not all) races are run in the morning and participants need to be at the ski hill between 8 and 8:30 am – the competition is usually finished around 12 noon. After a break for lunch, host hills may organize other activities for the participants. The day is usually over by 2:30 – 3:00pm.

What equipment is required for participation?

At a minimum the following equipment is required:

• Racing helmet (hard shell which covers the ears)
• Slalom racing skis for U12 are mandatory (recreation and twin tips are not acceptable), please consult the coach for requirements at the U8/10 level.
• Pole guards (for slalom races U12 and up), are optional. Please consult the coach for advice on whether they are needed.
• Racing suits for U12 and up are optional.

What does “race tuned skis” mean?

This means that skis should be sharpened and waxed and that the bindings are set by a qualified technician based on height, weight, boot size and technical ability. Be sure that boots fit snugly and are buckled up tight. Racers must wear a hard shell helmet that covers the ears and is free of stickers and attachments, such as Go Pros.

How much driving is there during the season?

As we train at Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, which is in the heart of Toronto, this drastically cuts down on time spent driving out of the city to training sessions at the various ski centres. The races are on a Saturday or Sunday, depending on the scheduled age category and are at the many ski centres in the Southern Ontario region. This is a driving commitment of approximately 1 – 1 1/2 hour or so each way. Winter sports take up a lot of time, but with mid-week evenings training in the city, it becomes more manageable!

Is there car pooling to get the kids to the races or do we work it out on our own?

The club does not arrange group transportation or organize car pooling. Parents are welcome, however, to arrange this on their own.

Do only certain teams and/or racers participate in the semis and/or finals?

All teams, including NYARC, participate in the regular season races. The club offers strong racers the opportunity to participate in additional, optional invitational races as well.