Alpine 2026 U12 NextGen Team

The SMS NextGen Team is designed to develop strong, well-rounded young alpine ski racers in a structured, supportive, and high-energy environment. The program emphasizes building fundamental technical and tactical skills, athletic habits, and a lifelong passion for ski racing. Athletes are challenged to improve and grow every day while training remains engaging, positive, and fun.

The SMS NextGen Team is intended for motivated athletes and families seeking a greater level of commitment than a traditional weekend-only program. Through increased training opportunities, consistent coaching, and a focus on long-term athlete development, athletes are provided with the tools and support needed to reach their potential. In a small team environment, athletes learn to work together, support one another, and push each other to improve, creating a culture where individuals and the team as a whole can thrive both on and off the hill.

Who It’s For & Program Requirements

Athletes joining this program should have previous experience in a competitive club ski environment and a strong commitment to training and development.

U12 athletes
Select second-year U10 and first-year U14 athletes may be accepted upon approval. For approval, please email SMS Junior Program Director, Sydney Koop (skoop@gosms.org).
Families ready for consistent, higher-level training and race commitment.
Must have previously participated on a club ski team (SWSC VARA Team or equivalent club travel program).
Must have completed a minimum of 40 ski/training days during the previous season.

Other Requirements

Stratton Mountain Season Pass
US Ski & Snowboard Competitor Membership
VARA Membership
A high level of commitment to the training program
Ability and willingness to travel for events throughout VARA and the Eastern Region

Program Details

December 4, 2026 – March 27, 2027

The program includes 4 standard days of training per week plus all NextGen in-season camps and additional training days over holiday breaks giving athletes a possible 70 days of training on snow during the season.

Traditional Weekly Schedule

Monday: Off (select Mondays include a full day NextGen Mini Camp)
Tuesday: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM (select Tuesday include a full day NextGen Mini Camp)
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: Off
Friday: 8:45 AM – 3:30 PM*
Saturday: 8:15 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: 8:15 AM – 1:00 PM

*Fridays can be attended as a full training day or afternoon-only session depending on each athlete’s academic schedule and school requirements.

Includes

Full comprehensive training and race program
A minimum of 4 days of focused training per week available with SMS coaches
Coaching support beyond southern Vermont. A seasonal calendar will be published in the fall that includes support at SVC VARA races, VARA Tri-Council events, select additional VARA races, out-of-state races and training opportunities
Includes all NextGen in-season mini camps (January 11-12, Feb 8-9, March 8-9)
Includes NextGen Holiday Camp (December 21-23)
Includes training sessions during school break (December 28, 29, 30, 31 & January 2 and 3)
Strong team and community environment
Direct and consistent parent-coach communication
End-of-season athlete evaluations and recommendations for the following season
Priority access to all SMS offseason NextGen camps (spring, summer and fall camps)
Equipment recommendations, support and boot setup guidance
Access to the SMS Wintersteiger machine for ski prep and maintenance throughout the season
Access to SMS facilities, including guided gym work (on select days and during poor weather conditions)
Note that this is an athletic program only there is no academic component

Cost $5,900

January Term Athletes: January Term athletes are welcome to be a part of this program as well. The cost to add the Team NextGen program is $4,500.

Register Here

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Stratton Mountain School

World Cup Circle
Stratton Mountain, Vermont 05155
Phone: (802) 297-1886
Fax: (802) 297- 0020

Stratton Mountain School is an independent boarding and day school that focuses on college preparatory academics and competitive winter sports. Located at the base of Stratton Mountain, SMS is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Association of Independent Schools in New England and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools.