Husky Snow Stars
The Husky Snow Stars is a skill development tool for young skiers. The goal of Husky Snow Stars is to provide a solid foundation and knowledge base – physical, technical, tactical and mental – upon which to build children’s athletic abilities. It also encourages children to discover a pathway to the joy of skiing, competition and excellence in a fun and rewarding environment. Skiing is a brilliant sport that offers much to the families involved. Whether you choose to be in a racing or participation program, the results are the same – a life-long love of the sport that is passed on through the generations.
Husky Snow Stars encourages the development of skiers and ski racers of all ability levels. This seven-step program will guide the child, coach, and parent through a progression that is aligned with the Alpine Canada Long Term Athlete Development Plan (AIM 2 WIN). Optimal motor skill development takes place primarily between the ages of 5 to 12. For this reason the program is aimed generally at young skiers from Entry level to the end of K1. Husky Snow Stars provides clubs and coaches guidance through the early "Windows of Trainability" where it is critical to carry out the "Right Athletic Development at the Right Time". Enthusiastic and well-prepared coaches and participants play an integral role in the success of the program.
The phases of athletic development categorized in the Alpine Canada AIM 2 WIN are as follows.
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Active start (0-6)
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FUN-damentals (males 6-9, females 6-8) *Husky Snow Stars program focuses
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Learning to Train (males 9-12, females 8-11) *Husky Snow Stars program focuses
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Train to Train (males 12-16, females 11-15)
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Train to Compete (males 16-23 /- females 15-21 )
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Train to Win (males 19 /-, females 18 /-)
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Active for life (Enter at any age)
Nancy Greene
The Nancy Greene program is the introduction to the alpine racing sport. It encourages kids from 8 to 13 to take part in friendly, competitive races with their peers in ability. It's often the first opportunity for kids to see what it's like to be part of an alpine race and they all have a great time participating.
The program itself is named after Nancy Greene - a well-known Canadian alpine skier that has lent her name to the program to introduce young skiers to the sport. The following excerpt gives more background on Nancy and is taking from Nancy Greene's official web site at www.nancygreene.com.
Nancy Greene was Canada's top ski racer through the 1960's, winning gold and silver medals at the 1968 Grenoble Olympics and overall World Cup titles in 1967 and 68. Her total of 13 World Cup victories is still a Canadian record. She won 17 Canadian Championship titles in all disciplines.