Alpine Programs 

Progression, confidence, and a love for the mountains.

Training emphasizes skill development, mountain awareness, sportsmanship, and personal growth, helping athletes build confidence, resilience, and a strong foundation both on and off the slopes. Whether athletes are interested in recreational skiing, competitive racing, or simply developing a lifelong love of the sport, the Alpine Program supports individual progression while fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and a deep connection to the mountain environment.

Rooted in Leadville's rich skiing heritage, the CCMS Alpine Program continues a tradition of passionate coaching, community support, and athlete development. From first turns to high school competition, we strive to create opportunities for young athletes to challenge themselves, build lasting friendships, and develop skills that will serve them throughout their lives, both on snow and beyond.

BUDDY WERNER

The Buddy Werner Team is CCMS's introductory alpine program, designed to help young skiers build a strong foundation while developing a lifelong love for skiing. This program emphasizes solid skiing fundamentals, confidence, mountain awareness, and fun in a supportive team environment.

Athletes will continue to develop their skills through a variety of on-snow experiences, including limited gate training opportunities. Buddy Werner skiers will also receive priority access to Cooper Cup events and one Buddy Werner race hosted by CCMS and Ski Cooper each season.

This program is intended for skiers who can confidently navigate all terrain at Ski Cooper, use poles effectively, load and unload lifts independently, and function comfortably within a group setting. Skiers who are not yet at this level are encouraged to explore Ski Cooper's Learn-to-Ski Program before joining the team.

The Buddy Werner Team provides a pathway for continued growth within CCMS. Athletes may progress to the Youth Ski League (YSL) program or remain in Buddy Werner through 5th grade. From there, skiers can choose to continue their alpine journey with the Middle School Alpine Race Team or simply enjoy recreational skiing with friends and family.

Buddy Werner programs can be found at ski clubs and mountains across the country and are named in honor of Buddy Werner, one of America's pioneering ski racers and ambassadors of the sport.

You can read more about Buddy Werner himself here.

Youth Ski League Race Team (YSL)

The Youth Ski League (YSL) Race Team is Colorado's entry-level alpine racing program and serves as a pathway to middle school, high school, and beyond. Athletes compete in age groups ranging from U8 to U16, based on their age as of January 1 of the competition year.

YSL athletes train on Saturdays throughout the Ski Cooper season, typically from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00–4:00 p.m. Training includes a combination of directed free skiing, technical skill development, and gate training. To maximize growth and progression, athletes are encouraged to spend additional time skiing independently or with their families outside of scheduled team training. A commitment of 35 or more ski days per season is strongly recommended.

As snow conditions allow, YSL racers may also participate in evening training sessions at Dutch Henry Hill on Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:00–7:00 p.m. These sessions provide additional opportunities to develop racing skills and build confidence in the gates.

CCMS provides coaching support at all YSL races. The race season typically consists of five events held every other Sunday from mid-January through mid-March. Athletes should plan to use race-specific skis and wear a FIS-approved helmet during training and competition.

The YSL program is designed for skiers who can confidently make parallel turns using poles on a variety of terrain and are ready to take the next step in their skiing journey. While athletes may continue competing in YSL after entering sixth grade, we encourage middle school students to consider racing for their school teams while they continue developing their skills within the CCMS community.

Middle School Race Team

CCMS proudly supports the Lake County Middle School Alpine Race Team, providing athletes from Leadville and communities throughout the Arkansas Valley with opportunities to develop their racing skills and represent their school in competition. All athletes participating on the Middle School Team must comply with Lake County School District and Lake County Middle School athletic policies and eligibility requirements.

The team practices at Dutch Henry Hill on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00–7:00 p.m., beginning as early in the season and continuing as late into the spring as snow conditions allow. From mid-December through the end of February, athletes also train at Copper Mountain and are required to have either a Copper Mountain Season Pass or an IKON Pass.

Training focuses on technical skill development, race preparation, and fostering independence on the mountain. Athletes should be comfortable free skiing with teammates and navigating designated training areas with limited direct coach supervision.

The middle school race season consists of approximately five races held on Fridays throughout January and February. Transportation to and from competitions is provided by the Lake County School District.

Following the conclusion of the middle school season, athletes are encouraged to continue their development by training and competing with the CCMS YSL program. Middle school athletes may participate in YSL training sessions, weekend races, and events throughout the remainder of the season.

Athletes planning to participate in both the Middle School and YSL programs should register for the YSL program option. These athletes are also encouraged to obtain a Ski Cooper season pass to take full advantage of training opportunities after the middle school season concludes.

High School Race Team

CCMS proudly supports the Lake County High School Alpine Race Team, providing student-athletes from Leadville and communities throughout the Arkansas Valley with the opportunity to compete at the highest level of high school alpine racing in Colorado. All athletes participating on the team must comply with Lake County High School and Lake County School District athletic policies and eligibility requirements.

The High School Team practices at Dutch Henry Hill on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00–7:00 p.m., beginning as early in the season and continuing as late as snow conditions allow. From mid-December through the end of February, athletes also train at Copper Mountain and are required to have either a Copper Mountain Season Pass or an IKON Pass.

Training focuses on advanced skill development, race tactics, course management, and building the independence and discipline required for competitive alpine racing. Athletes benefit from both structured gate training and free-skiing opportunities that support technical progression and confidence on varied terrain.

The high school race season typically consists of six races held on Thursdays and Fridays throughout January and February, culminating with the Colorado High School State Championships. Transportation to and from competitions is provided by the Lake County School District.

The Lake County High School Alpine Team offers athletes the opportunity to represent their school, compete against top racers from across the state, and continue developing as skiers while building lasting friendships and memories on the mountain.

**SYNC and FIS racing are not supported by CCMS at this time.  Racers at this level should look at other programs**

❊ FAQs

Alpine Program Questions

  • Placement is based on age, skiing ability, independence, and goals. Buddy Werner is designed for skiers who can confidently ski all of Ski Cooper and load lifts independently. YSL is for skiers ready to begin racing and who can make parallel turns on a variety of terrain. Middle School and High School teams are for eligible student-athletes competing through their schools. If you're unsure which program is the best fit, please contact CCMS and we will be happy to help.

  • Racing opportunities increase as athletes progress through the programs. Buddy Werner focuses primarily on skill development and fun, with limited racing opportunities. YSL, Middle School, and High School programs are race-focused, though the emphasis remains on skill development, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love of skiing.

  • More time on snow leads to greater confidence and skill development. While Buddy Werner athletes can be successful with fewer days, YSL athletes are encouraged to ski at least 35 days per season. Athletes in Middle School and High School programs will benefit from additional free skiing outside of organized training.

  • All athletes need properly fitted skis, boots, poles, helmets, and appropriate winter clothing. YSL, Middle School, and High School racers should have race-specific skis and a FIS-approved helmet. Coaches can provide guidance on equipment recommendations and sizing.

  • Pass requirements vary by program. Buddy Werner and YSL athletes typically train at Ski Cooper and should have a Ski Cooper pass. Middle School and High School athletes train extensively at Copper Mountain and will need either a Copper Mountain Season Pass or an IKON Pass. Please review individual program descriptions for specific requirements.

  • Parent support is essential to the success of our programs. Volunteer hours are required for each family.

    1 day per athlete = 6 hours

    1/5 for an additional athlete = 3 hours

    Families may be asked to assist with race events, volunteer opportunities, transportation, fundraising efforts, and club activities throughout the season.

  • Safety is always our top priority. Training schedules may be adjusted, relocated, or canceled due to weather, snow conditions, or mountain operations. Coaches and program leaders will communicate changes as quickly as possible.

  • That's perfectly okay. While some of our programs are race-focused, our primary goal is to help young athletes build confidence, skills, friendships, and a lifelong love of skiing. Not every athlete will pursue racing, and there are many ways to stay involved in the sport.

  • Buddy Werner athletes should be able to ski all terrain at Ski Cooper, use poles effectively, load and unload lifts independently, and participate in a group setting without direct parental assistance. If your child is still learning these skills, Ski Cooper's Learn to Ski Program may be a better starting point.