Boston Ski Party Youth Race Development Program started in 2006. At its inception, the program consisted of 12 participants. Today the program has evolved into an award winning, year- long program with over 80 participants, ages 6-18. The Youth Race Development Program begins in the summer with “dryland” camps. Dryland camps are specifically designed to improve balance, flexibility, coordination, endurance, speed and strength for both skiers and snowboarders. The summer is also a time for BSP youth to enjoy other outdoor activities, such as camping, hiking, swimming and zip lining, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and community service.
The fall and winter component of the Youth Race Development Program has been recognized as a model of excellence on the Emily Rooney Show, the Boston Globe and in the Bay State Banner. On two separate occasions, the National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS) has honored Boston Ski Party’s Youth Race Development Program with the Eastern Region’s Best Youth Program Award.
The youth attend sessions from Jan to Mar which provides small group instruction to skiers and snowboarders of all levels in New Hampshire. On average, the program consists of about 4 hours of instruction per week; 2 hours with certified Ski Area instructors and 2 hours with volunteer coaches.
With this level of comprehensive and rigorous instruction, many BSP youth opt to, and are adequately prepared to; participate in local and national race competitions which last through April. Each year, BSP youth qualified for the NASTAR Nature Valley Competition held in Colorado. Eight youth participated at NASTAR Finals and return with medals. Boston Ski Party ranked in the top 10% of all NASTAR clubs in the USA.
NASTAR is a member f United State Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), which provides opportunities for youth to participate in more competitive USSA races.