Race Teams

Race Team:​

This is a competitive ski race team for strong intermediate to advanced skier athletes aged 6-17 years old who are looking to improve their racing skills, have a passion for racing, and are ready to compete at a top level.

Ideal for committed young athletes that want to train and compete with the support of a solid team and enthusiastic coaches, the team trains for four hours each day during every weekend of the winter season and includes a holiday training camp between Christmas and New Year’s.

The Race Team participates in Bear Valley’s Rasmussen Classic race and travels to other Central Sierra resorts for 3 other races during the season along with the Championships typically hosted at the Tahoe resorts or Mammoth Mountain. The focus of this team is on developing fundamental technical skills to improve racing technique. This team requires a minimum skill level of intermediate skiing.

Development Race Team:​

The Development Race Team is for skiers aged 6-17, who are considering ski racing while enjoying the Mountain and improving their technique. Development Race Teams train four hours per day on Saturdays and Sundays, every other weekend, including a holiday training camp between Christmas and New Year’s.

An important component of this program is the introduction to the technical skills needed to transition to the Bear Valley Race Team. The program includes drills, free skiing, race techniques and an introduction to giant slalom and slalom race courses, while emphasizing skill development in all snow conditions and terrain in a safe and confidence building environment. This team requires a minimum skill level of intermediate skiing.

Development Race Team members may race in the Central Series and Far West races at Bear Valley and other resorts with the agreement of the Head Race Team Coach.

Youth Development Teams

Youth Development Teams (Ski & Snowboard):​

Development Teams are for skiers and riders between 6-17 years of age who are excited to improve their ski/boarding technique in a team setting. Development teams train four hours per day on Saturdays and Sundays, every other weekend, including a holiday training camp between Christmas and New Year’s. Participants work on a variety of skill development in all snow conditions and terrain, building skills and confidence under the direction of a professional instructor. The emphasis is on fun, while developing mountain safety and teamwork skills. Team members will be introduced to freeski features and elements, skier/boarder cross course techniques, and running gates. Development Teams require a minimum skill level of advanced beginner to intermediate skiing or riding ability and all members must be capable of riding a chairlift without assistance.

Kodiak Team (Ski Only):​

This team is a ski development program for children 4-5 years of age that are at a minimum of strong beginner skiing level with successful chairlift loading and unloading experience. Kodiak Team members train for 2 hours per day on Saturdays and Sundays, every other weekend, including a holiday training camp between Christmas and New Year’s. This schedule allows parents who are snow enthusiasts an opportunity to get a few hours of skiing or boarding while their kids are safe and learning new skills in a team environment. Parents are also welcome to join trainings, especially early in the season, to provide additional support for the chairlift loading and unloading procedure. For effective instruction, skier/Instructor ratios are from 4-6:1.

Adult Development Team

Adult Development Teams (Ski Only):​ Known for a friendly and supportive environment, the Adult Development Team is the best and most affordable way to improve your skiing technique. Open to strong beginner through advanced skiers, teams focus on improving specific skills with Bear Valley’s professional and friendly coaching staff. Adult Development Teams train two hours per day on Saturdays and Sundays, every other weekend, including a holiday training camp between Christmas and New Year’s. Participants work on a variety of skill development in all snow conditions and terrain, building skills and confidence under the direction of a professional instructor. The emphasis is on fun, while developing mountain safety and teamwork skills.

NASTAR Racing

NASTAR recreational racing at Bear Valley Mountain

This program provides the opportunity for skiers, boarders and telemarkers of all ages and abilities to compete with friends, family and other racers around the country or just work on their own personal improvement. The NASTAR handicap system provides racers with a handicap number that represents their ability as compared to the national zero handicap held by Ted Ligety (USST). You will be able to see your stats and how you rank nationally on the NASTAR website. Based on performance racers can win medals and qualify to compete in the NASTAR National Competition each year.

Bear Valley Mtn, in cooperation with Bear Valley Snowsports Foundation (BVSF), is proud to be one of just 2 resorts in California to host this program. For more information about NASTAR check the www.nastar.com website.

Click on the button below for planned race dates (subject to weather/conditions)

All days when NASTAR is running, the NASTAR coordinator will be at the kiosk in the Sunroom in the mornings.  Happy to answer any questions and get you signed-up if you wish to race.

ALL BEAR VALLEY SKI TEAM MEMBERS get a FREE NASTAR SEASON PASS.  You only need to fill out the paperwork.

Daily race sign-ups & NASTAR season passes can be purchased at the Kiosk in the Sunroom starting at 9am, or the Main Office at the ski area. Individual race price is $10 for 2 runs; $15 for unlimited runs.  

If you miss us there, just stop by the NASTAR course.  You can sign up on site!

Season NASTAR Race Passes for all 20+ races are available for $59 for Youth 17 & under and $99 for Adults (18 & over). There will be no refunds on Season Passes if some races are cancelled due to conditions. Season passes can be purchased online at the Skyline Bear Valley Mtn website, at the Kiosk in the Sunroom OR in the Main Office at the ski area.

Any questions can be emailed directly to Ellen at: nastar@bvsef.org

Visit www.nastar.com for more detailed information and to register

Adaptive Program

The Adaptive Program at Bear Valley is geared for people of all ages with varying types of disabilities. The Mountain has several specifically  trained and certified  instructors on staff. In addition,all-inclusive ski packages with equipment, lift ticket and instruction make adaptive learning at Bear Valley convenient and enjoyable.  Adaptive lessons are by prior arrangement only and more information is available on the Bear Valley Mountain website.

In years past, Bear Valley’s Adaptive Program was a good bit larger. In fact, Special Olympics held some of their events at Bear Valley. While the program may have waned, the need certainly has not. BVSEF has recently added its support for Adaptive Program with fund raising and other tasks to make the Adaptive lessons more affordable.

The Adaptive Program instructors have assembled a list of needed equipment. Work is  underway to develop a plan to support and expand the Adaptive Program  at Bear Valley.  More information will be available soon.  In the meantime, BVSEF and the Adaptive Program would cherish your donation. Make sure you indicate your donation is for the Adaptive Program.

Snow Safety