About Our Youth Programs

Youth Programs

Mighty Mites – Ages 5+ | 9:30am–2:00pm

Designed for skiers still gaining their independence on the mountain from mom & dad. Requires parent chaperone. Our goal is to get your skier loading & unloading the chairlift independently, and confidently keeping up independently in a parent in a peer group. These skiers spend all their time free skiing with technical drills.

All Mountain Alpine – Ages 7+ (6, 9, & 12 Week Programs) | 9:00am–3:00pm

Curated for seasoned skiers who are ready to take on the slopes full throttle. Our All Mountain Alpine programs use the art of free skiing across all terrain to become strong skiers. These programs spend 4 hours free skiing with technical drills, and 1hr in gate training.

More About Our Youth Programs

For more than five decades, MARA has been helping skiers of all ages become confident, well-rounded, all-mountain athletes. Our youth all mountain alpine programs focus on free skiing building strong fundamentals, and technical skills training in slalom and giant slalom gates.

Our coaching staff trains through guided free-skiing, drills and skill building exercises, and stubbies and gate training. Athletes free ski and train through the mindset of a racer, whether you're here to carve with more confidence, sharpen your technique, or explore racing at your own pace. MARA provides a supportive peer-group environment where skiers grow together and become skiers for life.

Registration Opens Nov 17 For Re-Enrolling Families

Nov 24 For First Year Families

Abilities

MARA is not a learn to ski program. Our programs train downhill skiing across all mountain terrain; teaching a variety of techniques and turns, all of which require a strong foundation of basic skiing fundamentals.

Required fundamentals include: skiing with poles, making linked parallel turns in both directions at a consistent speed, have the ability to perform a hockey stop safely and effectively, the ability to ski all blue runs on Mt. Ashland, independently load and unload chairlifts (*including Ariel), and comfortably ride chairlifts by themselves. All alpine skiers required 7 years old by the start of our season. Mighty Mites required to be 5 years old by the start of our season.

Athletes’ skills will be assessed on the first day of training. This is to guarantee all athletes are placed in groups appropriate for their development and ability levels. If the skills mentioned above are beyond your athlete, we will refer you to the Mt. Ashland Ski School. They offer lessons that will help get your athlete up to speed. MARA membership fees will be returned in-full in these instances. Your athlete will be encouraged to re-enroll with MARA the following season!