U8

U8 Overview (Formerly U7)

• MSRC’s U8 Program is designed to develop skiing fundamentals, confidence, curiosity, and a love for the sport. This includes a focus on parallel skiing, timing cues such as pole plant, and the ability to control the ski in varying environments.
• Training plans are based on Alpine Canada’s long term athlete development plan (https://ltad.alpinecanada.org/).
  • Most U8 Athletes will start with the "gliding start" phase of the LTAD plan, progressing towards the “skier essentials” portion during their time in the U8 program.
• Time on snow and quantity of runs are a major focus in this development stage. The program structure will reflect a focus on getting as much skiing in as possible, while incorporating training environments that will create fun challenges to promote skill development.
• Competition events at the U8 age are structured for simplicity and fun in order to provide a means to introduce racing concepts and competition rules.
  • Athletes born in 2020 may not be eligible for all U8 events. (Technically they are U6 athletes and we do not have a formal U6 program; however, we wish to promote ski development at as early an age as possible and therefore accept 5 year old athletes in this program for training). Please contact us if you have any questions on this limitation.
• Breaks are included in training times. We encourage athletes to attend as many sessions as possible. However, it is not mandatory for athletes to attend all days in the schedule.
• While all participation in race and camps is optional, available U8 would typically include:
  
  • Martock Race Weekend
  • Ben Eoin Race (6/7 year old athletes only)
  • Crabbe March Break Fun Camp

Our Programs

There are 3 program options in our U8 program for the 2025-26 season:

U8 2-Day Program (Saturday & Sunday @ Ski Martock)

• The U8 2-day program is our recommended option for skiers who are looking to maximize their time on snow and develop their skiing ability. This 12 week program consists of 8 hours of weekly training at Ski Martock from January to March.
• Training is offered from 9:00 am - 1:45 pm, with a 45 minute break for lunch from 11:00 - 11:45.
• First planned day of training: January 10, 2026.
• Final planned day of training: March 29, 2026.

U8 1-Day Program (Saturday ONLY @ Ski Martock)

• The U8 1-day program is new this season and aimed at skiers who are interested in ski racing, but with a lower time commitment. This 12 week program consists of 4 hours of weekly training at Ski Martock from January to March. 
• Training is offered from 9:00 am - 1:45 pm, with a 45 minute break for lunch from 11:00 - 11:45.
• First planned day of training: January 10, 2026.
• Final planned day of training: March 28, 2026.
• Due to coach scheduling requirements athletes are NOT permitted to change their training days on a week-to-week basis. Athletes are only eligible to train on the day on which they are registered.

U8 1-Day Program (Sunday ONLY @ Ski Martock)

• The U8 1-day program is new this season and aimed at skiers who are interested in ski racing, but with a lower time commitment. This 12 week program consists of 4 hours of weekly training at Ski Martock from January to March.
• Training is offered from 9:00 am - 1:45 pm, with a 45 minute break for lunch from 11:00 - 11:45.
• First planned day of training: January 11, 2026.
• Final planned day of training: March 29, 2026.
• Due to coach scheduling requirements athletes are NOT permitted to change their training days on a week-to-week basis. Athletes are only eligible to train on the day on which they are registered.

Additional information on our NEW 1-day program

The 1-day option is a new program offering for the 2025-26 season. It was added due to feedback that the club received where athletes were interested in ski racing, but were unable to train on Saturday and Sunday due to other commitments. MSRC still highly recommends athletes join our 2-day program if possible since time on-snow is critical for building the fundamental skills for skiing at a young age.  If you have questions, please feel free to contact admin@msrc.ca and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the difference in the programs.

Ages

• Birth years 2018 - 2020
• Proof of age is required for all new members.

Skiing Ability

MSRC does not offer "learn-to-ski" programs

All athletes MUST be able to:

• Use the lifts (T-bar and/or Chairlift) independently.
  • For U8, the club has additional volunteers to assist with the retaining bar on the chairlift if required.
• Ski from the top of Ski Martock independently.
• Be away from their parents for the duration of the training session. 

Should you have concerns with your child's skills, please identify this to a member of the coaching staff or executive in advance.  We will work with you and your child to achieve this goal early in the season.  Should you wish to take advantage of a private one-on-one lesson to prepare for the season, you can arrange this through Ski Martock here:

http://www.martock.com/first-timer/private-lessons/

Lift Pass

• Program fees do not include the cost of a lift pass.
• Lift passes are available directly from Ski Martock and can be purchased online.

Equipment

• Appropriate clothing for weather conditions
• CSA certified ski helmet 
• Skis (Ski length should measure between chin and forehead; but too short is better than too long)
• An information session will be held in the fall to review equipment needs of this program

Ski Nova Scotia / Alpine Canada Membership Fee (Mandatory)

• All U8 athletes are required to have a Ski NS and Alpine Canada "Entry-Level" membership, which MUST be purchased prior to participating in any club training activities. Membership purchase information will be included on our registration pages.
  • This Membership fee is $102.43 (after taxes and fees) for the 2025-26 and is not included in our fees listed at the bottom of the page

Program Fees

We are in the process of finalizing our program costs for the 2025-26 season. This info will be posted on this page as soon as it is available.

PLEASE NOTE: 1-day athletes who participate in weekend races or training events outside of their chosen training day will be subject to an additional coaching fee surcharge for that event.