Discovery Ski Education Foundation (DSEF) is a non-profit parent run organization that provides technical training for kids, promotes enjoyment of the sport, and builds confidence. We welcome all kids who love to ski and want to improve their skills. We offer four programs for kids age 5-16.

This year we will be offering two recreational programs and two competitive programs. Our recreational programs will run 10 consecutive Saturday’s beginning in early January. Our competitive programs will informally begin as soon as snow conditions allow and will officially kick off with Christmas Camp, which runs during the school break.

Stay tuned and check back often as we have program updates and changes to share.

 

ESP - Enhanced Skier/Snowboarder Program

10 Consecutive Saturdays beginning in January (dates coming soon)

Our Enhanced Skier Program (ESP) is a non-competitive recreational program designed for skiers age 5-16 with previous skiing/snowboarding experience. This program is for youth skiers/snowboarders who want to improve their skills and become confident life-long all mountain skiers/snowboarders. Instructors will teach the fundamentals of alpine skiing/snowboarding utilizing drills and a variety of teaching techniques to help all participants achieve goals and progress at every level. Participants will be placed into small groups based on ski/snowboard ability. Athletes must be 5 years old by December 31st in order to participate in ESP. Participants must have previous skiing experience, be able to manage their own equipment and clothing, load and unload the chairlift safely and independently, and ski/snowboard independently.

 

 

Advanced All-Mountain ESP – skiing only

10 Consecutive Saturdays beginning January (dates coming soon

Our Advanced All-Mountain program is a recreational program designed for advanced skiers committed to improving their skiing in a challenging but fun environment. The All Mountain program will focus on adjusting techniques and tactics to improve skiing on all terrain and in all conditions. Participants can expect to ski steeps, trees, moguls, and more all while reaching their full potential and excelling in all aspects of skiing. Participants can expect to ski in a group of skiers of similar ability with the same instructor throughout the ten week program. Athletes must be 7 years old by December 31st in order to participate in the Advanced All-Mountain ESP program. Participants must have the ability and desire to ski at a high level. This means they must be able to independently and confidently ski the whole mountain, as well as load and unload all chairlifts safely and independently. Skiers should have the ability and desire to ski multiple laps off the Limelight chair. Participants without the required skills will be asked to transfer to another program and will be offered a prorated refund.

 

Learn to Race

Beginning Christmas Camp Week and continuing on Saturdays beginning in January with optional training on Sundays (dates coming soon)

Learn to Race (LTR) is a developmental race program designed for advanced skiers interested in competitive alpine ski racing. LTR is designed to develop the fundamental skills required for successful ski racing through all mountain free skiing, drill work, and gate training in all ski racing disciplines. Participants will be divided into small functional groups. All groups will be coached by a USSA licensed coach. A USSA alpine competitor license and a hard ear helmet will be required for participation in this program.  Additionally, all LTR participants are expected to participate in 1-2 USSA sanctioned YSL races. This program falls under the direction of DSEF’s head race team coach. A USSA alpine competitor license and a hard ear helmet will be required for participation in this program. Race skis are highly recommended. Athletes must be 7 years old by December 31st in order to participate in LTR. No prior race experience is necessary, but athletes must have the ability and desire to ski at a high level with a focus on race training. This means participants must be able to independently and confidently ski the whole mountain. Participants without the required skills will be asked to transfer to another program and will be offered a prorated refund. Fundraising is required by each family.

 

Discovery Alpine Race Team

Beginning as soon as snow conditions allow with Christmas camp during school break then continuing Sat & Sun (dates coming soon)

Discovery Alpine Race Team (DART) is designed for advanced skiers who are ready to compete at a higher level. No race experience is necessary but athletes should be committed to training to improve their performance. This program emphasizes race training and conditioning through focused free skiing, instructional drills and gate training in all ski racing disciplines. Participants are encouraged to attend Youth Ski League (YSL) races during the season which take place across Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. A USSA alpine competitor license and a hard ear helmet will be required for participation in this program. Race skis are highly recommended. Athletes must be 7 years old by December 31st in order to participate in DART. No prior race experience is necessary, but athletes must have the ability and desire to ski at a high level with a focus on race training. This means participants must be able to independently and confidently ski the whole mountain. Participants without the required skills will be asked to transfer to another program and will be offered a prorated refund. Fundraising is required by each family.