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What is dryland training?

Dryland for the Juniors, Buddy Werners and Devos is held on Sunday afternoons in the fall. We warm up, stretch, go through some obstacle course activities, do some core exercises, run some ski-specific intervals, and play a game or two. The main objective for the youngsters is to actually slow down in most cases, and work on proprioception (body awareness). It helps us coaches get to know the group and how they learn. It is also good for team dynamics and helps them make friends before the ski season. These sessions have been successful and fun!

How are racers classified by age?

Junior racers are classified into one of six age groups. Classification ages are based on the racer’s age as of December 31 of the current season.

2011-2012 Season Classification:

• Class J1 - Born in 1992, 1993, 1994 (17-19)
• Class J2 - Born in 1995 or 1996 (15-16)
• Class J3 - Born in 1997 or 1998 (13-14)
• Class J4 - Born in 1999 or 2000 (11-12)
• Class J5 - Born in 2001 or 2002 (9-10)
• Class J6 - Born in 2003 or later (8 and under)

What safety equipment is needed for Buddy Werner on snow training?

Helmets are required on all athletes at all times.  Face-guards are required when training slalom once your athlete starts making contact with gates.  Back protectors are encouraged for J4 athletes.  Athletes train in speed suits with outerwear over the top.  The athletes are regularly required to strip down to their speed suits, so please make sure the outer pants have a full side zip so can remove their outer garments without having to take off their boots.  It is a good idea to bring an extra pair of gloves and goggles to change into at lunch in the event of moist conditions.  Clear lenses are recommended for night training mid-week.  Also, make sure to bring a water bottle and some snacks to keep the energy up between runs.

Cell phones and radios are discouraged when training because they can ring at an inopportune time resulting in a crash or worse. 

How is the Buddy Werner Championship Team Selected?

The Buddy Werner Championships a fun event held between various ski racing clubs in the Pacific Norwest Skiing Association (PNSA).   The Championship is held in early March and rotates venues annually between Washington, Idaho, and Oregon ski resorts.  Seven men and seven women compete over the weekend event for individual and team  awards.

TAS Selections (7 men, 7 women):

4 athletes on objective criteria:

The best three individual runs of giant slalom and slalom from races throughout the season will be scored using world cup skiing points.  Ex, 1^st TAS Racer 100pts,  2^nd 80pts, 3^rd 60 pts, 4 50pts, etc.

3 athletes on coaches’ discretion:

Results, attitude, sportsmanship, age

Good ways to reinforce your athlete’s training

Ask about their day:

• What did you work on as a group?
• What did the coaches have to say about your skiing?
• Do you understand the coaches?
• How did your skis feel?  Do your skis need a tune? (answer is yes, tune your skis!)
• Were your boots buckled properly?  Athletes need to realize that changing the buckles on boots effects the way they work.
• Did they get frustrated with any part of the day?  Couldn’t figure out the drill?  Didn’t like their group?  How could they have changed this frustration into positive energy?

Evaluation of skiing movements and psychological focus are skills that need to be developed in the same way as ski racing technique and tactics.  Use the commute to the mountains to talk about skiing with your athletes.

What equipment and gear do buddy werner athletes need?

Well-fitted boots are undoubtedly the most important piece of equipment that any skier must have. Athletes won't have control in boots that are too big, and they will be miserable in boots that are painful to wear. Buddies can wear any good quality four buckle youth boot. Special racing boots aren't needed, and in fact might be too stiff for young, lightweight athletes.

Younger skiers generally need only one pair of GS skis. More experienced kids will want two pairs skis: one GS & one Slalom.

All Buddy Werner athletes need a hard-shell helmet on which a chin guard can be mounted. POC, Uvex and Marker are the most commonly used helmets, though it seems to be hard to find chin guards for Marker helmets. 

There is debate among parents about whether J6 & J5 buddies really need speed suits, but the kids have no doubt--a speed suit is a required piece of gear. Younger racers gain little benefit from the reduced drag of a speed suit, but every athlete wants to look the part.

Shin guards, pole guards and protective racing gloves are not required, and many of the younger kids don't use them. Expect your racer to ask for them, however! They're cool, after all.

Don't hesitate to ask coaches and other parents if you have any questions about equipment.

How do I find good deals on gear?

The best deal are undoubtedly found by buying second-hand equipment from other TAS families. Explore the TAS Classifieds online, or simply talk to other parents. You'll be amazed at the great quality equipment that families are willing to pass on at bargain prices.

How was the Webb Moffett Cup named?

William Webb Moffett founded the Snoqualmie Ski Area in 1937. Here are some articles about his life:

• Summit at Snoqualmie History
• William W. Moffett started Snoqualmie ski operations
• Webb Moffett leaves enduring legacy