Training times and places

The standard schedule is 9:00am- 11:30 and 12:15-2:30 Saturdays and Sundays.  We also train most school vacation periods including Christmas and February vacations.  We meet in front of the club by the Tiger chair.  This is skis on, ready to go, all dressed up on-time.  We normally ski off this chair the first 2 runs.  We always return to the club at each session’s end.  PLEASE MAKE THE EFFORT TO HAVE YOUR ATHLETE HERE AND READY ON TIME.  It shows your encouragement and helps foster responsibility.  Also, be sure your athlete is well rested, well nourished and well dressed for the winter elements.  We train in just about all weather so be prepared.  In extreme conditions we take warm up breaks as needed, but not every run!

NOTE:  SOME WEEKNIGHT TRAINING IS AVAILABLE AS WELL FOR J5’s.  (Information will be posted later)

Training deviation?

Yes, this happens often.  In order to access gate training we often start earlier, 8:00 or 8:30 on snow; or alter the lunch time; or occasionally ski later.  We will notify you in advance of this through the website and email.

Communications

E-mail updates will go out every week or so from now on. We try to have them out by Wednesdays.

The J-5/6 BWL bulletin board is located by the door closest to Cannonball trail on the main floor of the club. Each day the training schedule, focus, schedule changes and coaches will be posted here. Check it every day morning and at lunch.

GSC info phone gives up to date info program wide. 603-293-0123

GSC website: www.gunstockskiclub.org

GSC e-mail group

NHalpine.org.

Coaches are generally available before training by 8:30 in the coach’s office and for a while after training. Just come down and knock. You can also contact the J5/J6 lead coach at:

FOR SAFETY PURPOSES:  If your athlete needs to leave training early let us know in person or provide a note with the details.  Also, a parent or responsible party must be available during training periods in case of emergency.

The coaches are on radios during training should you have an urgent need to contact an athlete.  This is not a message service please don't misuse.

Item	Tip/Hints
Helmet	All kids need them all the time and they should be hard shelled helmets (no soft ear flaps).  There are USSA certification requirements for helmets at all USSA races.    Refer to page 138 from Chapter 8 of the USSA Alpine Competition Guide for additional details at http://www.ussa.org/magnoliaPublic/ussa/en/sports/alpine/rules/compguide.html.
Core Clothing Layers	On an “average” day, every child should have:   - Base layer (long john top and bottom) - Turtle neck - Fleece top - Fleece bottom or jogging pants   On a really cold day, add a second base layer and or a fleece vest.
Socks	Socks should be made for skiing, a medium to heavy knit.  No street socks, there feet will freeze.  “Extra-thick” socks can be a problem unless the ski boot is too big.    Don’t have them wear two pairs of socks on a cold day, it is too bulky and cuts down circulation.
Warm-up’s	Kids should have a good pair of “zip” warm-ups.  Make sure the zippers work.  If the zipper pull breaks, use a paper click wrapped in duck tape or a zip tie.
Jacket	Most kids have jackets that do the job just fine.  A nice warm coat that isn’t so stiff you child turns into a mummy will be perfect.
Boot Heaters	Totally optional and fairly uncommon for a JV.  If you get them, make sure you are comfortable your child is responsible enough to use them correctly and not loose them.
Gloves	Good gloves make a difference.  They seem to cost way too much, but your kids hands get cold fast and they make a difference.  Mittens are great on a cold day.   Glove padding is nice, but not a must have enough they are cross blocking (more later on cross blocking).
GS Suite	Totally optional, but they generally make kids feel faster and more confident.  For me, it should be the athlete’s choice.  If they want one and you can afford it, great.  If not, they will be fine.    If you get one that does not look “to baggy” it will stretch for years.  My kids had the same GS suite for all J5 years and first year as a J4.
Armor	In general, last year 5’s are the group of athletes most likely to need armor, but only if they are skiing very aggressively. Any athlete cross blocking needs shin guards and pole guards.    The pole guards come as ½, ¾ or full-coverage.  For J5’s, ¾ of full coverage is best.  A ¾ coverage pole guard covers the knuckles, but does not go up over the top of the pole.  A full pole guard goes up over the knuckles and screws into the top of the pole. Pole guards are often to “big” to fit the shaft of a J5 pole.  Use duct tape or any other space that allows you to get a good tight fit to the pole shaft.    Shin guards should be JR shin guards that cover the knee, but don’t ride up into the thigh.  A shin guard that rides up the leg is too big.   Chin guards that mount to the helmet are optional.  If used, they can only be used in SL and have to be removed before training or racing GS.
Poles	To see if the pole is the right length, using the following test:   1)      Flip the pole upside down 2)      Stand straight 3)      Grab the pole under the basket 4)      Tuck the elbow to your side with the forearm at a 90 degree angle   If the forearm is not at 90 degrees, but slopes up slightly that is fine.  If it slopes down, the pole is too short.  If it slopes up more than a few degrees, it is too long.   J5’s can you use one pair of poles, but some kids prefer separate pools for GS and SL.  Once you are cross blocking, you need two pairs because you shouldn’t use pole guards when running GS.    The GS poles are bent so they naturally wrap around the body when in a tuck.
Skis	Most manufactures make a good race ski 130 CM and longer.  Shorter than that, talk to a coach.    You don’t need SL and GS skis as a J5.  Get a “mid length” SL and you will be fine.  However, your athlete will perform better with two pairs.  General guidance is to have 2 pairs for last year J5’s who have high expectations or when it’s something you can afford and want to do.    In general ski length can be tested as follows:   - For an SL ski, the ski should go to the nose - For a GS ski, the ski should go to the top of the head
Tuning Gear	We can’t over emphasize how important well tuned ski’s are.  Refer to /Ski_Tuning_Equipment_Recommendations.html for detail.
$$$$$$$$’s	No way around it, skiing is an expensive sport.  If you need something for your athlete and want help, there is a good chance someone else in the club has what you need and would let you borrow or buy cheap.   The best way to find out is to post an inquiry at the club house or send an e-mail.  If you would prefer one of the coaching staff or club officers can inquire on your behalf.