Welcome to Winnipeg Alpine Racers.
Our club has two age ranges:
Ages 5-11, they can choose to train only, or train and race. They can also choose to attend once a week or twice a week depending on your other commitments. Practices are at Springhill Winter Park on Tuesday nights (630-830pm) and Saturday mornings (10am-1pm). Most new families like the flexibility.
We also have a more advanced program for children ages 12 and up. They will train and race with our younger skiers, but must commit to our racing program twice a week.
Getting Started with Winnipeg Alpine Racers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU TRAIN?
Spring Hill Training:
Tuesday: 6:30-8:30 PM
Saturday: 10AM - 1PM
Asessippi Training: Optional and geared for older athletes.
2- 4 weekends a year.
WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE A SCHEDULED TRAINING DAY OR RACE?
We know families are busy and schedules are tough. If you can't make training or a race, just make sure to let us know through Team Snap.
EQUIPMENT
Hard sided helmets are mandatory for training and racing (more info below)
Skis, boots, goggles, and poles (optional for very young skiers).
Equipment progresses as children get older.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU TRAIN?
Ages 5-11 can choose 1-2 days of training per week.
Ages 12 and up must commit to 2 days of training per week.
MY CHILD ISN'T READY TO RACE
You can choose the option of just train, or train and race.
Not sure? Just train and pay for the races you think your child is ready for.
COLD WEATHER
Cold weather guideline:
-25 degrees C or -32 wind chill.
Check Environmental Canada 1 hour prior to practices. Note that these are only guidelines so please check Team Snap for official team cancellations.
You do have the option of attending our out of town races, however they are not mandatory to attend (ask our families to tell you some of their favourites). It is something to plan for as a lot of our races are out of town (Bottineau, ND; Assessippi, Kenora, Minnedosa).
RACE INFORMATION
Our yearly fee includes all coaching as well as any race fees (as long as the race option is selected). Our fees do not include lift tickets or personal ski equipment. Lift tickets can be purchased on an as needed basis when you arrive at the hill. If you do choose to train only though and decide to attend a race, you can just pay the race fees for that race directly to the club. Sometimes this works best for the first year until you know if this is something your child(ren) wants to try.
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
REGISTRATION
As far as equipment, you can rent or buy. Rentals can be leased through Sampson’s in Winnipeg on Pembina and include any sizing changes throughout the season (skis, poles, and boots). Most of the families started with this first and switch to buying once you know if your kids get hooked. The race helmet cannot be rented though, it must be purchased and needs to be a racing hard sided helmet. Again, you can buy new at Sampson’s, or sometimes one of our families is selling a used one that their kids have outgrown. If you are interested in looking at buying any used equipment, check out our teams used equipment swap site at winnipegalpineracers.com/swap/). Equipment should always be tried on though to see if it fits before you buy. Our coaches are great with that, as well as recommending the right ski length if you plan on buying.