The mission of the Montana Alpine Race School is to advance our student-athletes racing skills and character development by supporting their involvement in competitive alpine racing programs.
Creating a racer is what we do! We have the resources and the coaches to support you to your goals.
Our USSA certified coaches bring years of experience both in coaching at the community and collegiate level. You will feel supported and challenged as a part of the team with MARS.
Ready to join MARS?
The MARS program is designed for ski racers from age 7 and up who like to have fun and aspire to national, international competitive levels and collegiate programs. MARS has racers that are nationally ranked. Reaching this level and beyond requires dedication to a full year program including independent off-season training. MARS athletes have also earned racing opportunities to compete beyond this state and represent Montana in FIS and Masters programs.
Rockets (U8/U10)
For skiers 7-9, who have a few years of all-mountain skiing, and are interested in ski racing. Rockets practice on Saturdays 9-3. Options of 4 or 8 week sessions are available. Racers are required to be able to get on and off the chair lift without assistance, ski a Blacktail black and ski with poles. Age of skier determined by age on December 31st.
Cost: $500 for 8 weeks Or $300 for 4 weeks
Sessions start after New Years Day. Program is 4 weeks, with one week off, and then another 4 weeks.
YSL/U12/U14
For skiers ages 10-11 (U12), who have ideally done a season with the Rockets or have the skills to step up to the next level. YSL is a team that spends more time learning gates and race techniques and running drills. There is some free skiing on the weekends at the end of training days. YSL Practice one mid-week day for 2 hours, and both Saturday and Sunday 9-3. Specific gear is required for YSL, and all athletes have the opportunity to travel to races.
U14 Racers for ages 12-13, progressive training from YSL U12. Training schedule mimics U12 training with half day weekday, and full days on Saturdays and Sundays. Racers practice from mid to end of December, as the mountain opens, until the third week of March. Practices may go further as training is needed for end of season races. Racers have opportunities to travel to races statewide and gain points to progress to end of season races.
U12 Cost: $1100 season late Dec.-March
U14 Cost: $1100 season late Dec.-March
Season costs include holiday camp December 29-31st. *dates vary based on conditions and mountain availability.
Advanced Racing (U16,U18,FIS,Masters)
Skiers age 14 and up who have strong skiing experience and some racing background are encouraged to participate. U16 and above practice one mid-day a week for 2-3 hours and every Saturday and Sunday. FIS and Masters racers train 2-4 days a week, racers have an option of full training or weekends only. Race/gate focused training is offered 9-12/1 daily. Skiers tune their skills in Downhill, GS, Slalom, Super G skiing, and participate in races locally and regionally. They have opportunities to travel to races throughout the season.
Practices are mid Dec to April.
U16-FIS/U21 Cost: $2700 full season (4 days/week)
or $1800 weekends only
Masters Cost: $1600 (3-4 days/weekday and weekends) or $1200 weekends only OR weekdays only (2 days/week). *To be arranged with coaching.
Thankful for our supporters!
Our Supporters made a difference!
Stockman Bank
Park Side Credit Union
Northwest Drywall and Roofing
Lower Valley Consulting
Ben and Mary Umbriaco
Courage Speaks Counseling
Carol Zachary
Glacier Bank
Logan Health
Blacktail Mountain
Flathead Electric Safety Grant
Kelly Brush Foundation
Crown Enterprises and Sportsman Ski Haus
PTA Physical Therapy
SunRift Brewery
Ellen Stimpson
Kalispell Chamber of Commerce
Blacktail Market
Let’s meet and help you reach whatever ski goal you have set. Anything is possible!
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