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 pursuing ski racing. Rockets practice on Saturdays 9-2. Options of 4 weeks or 8 weeks sessions are available. Racers are required to be able to get on and off the chair lift without assistance, ski a Blacktail black ski run and ski with poles. Age of skier determined by age on December 31st at the start of the season.
Cost: $500 for 8 weeks Or $300 for 4 weeks
Sessions start first Saturday after New Years Day. Program is 8 weeks, with an option of 4 weeks if needed.
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 (Youth Ski League) 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 to practices their skills. * Option of Saturday only training is available, the cost for Saturdays only is $900 for the winter season.
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 as snow allows. Racers have opportunities to travel to races statewide and gain points to progress to end of season races.
U12 Cost: $1100 Full Season late Dec.-March
U14 Cost: $1300 Full Season late Dec.-March
Season costs include holiday camp December 29-31st. *dates and time of practices for holiday camp 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-U18, FIS/U21 Cost: $2700 full season (4 days/week*) *schedule varies as racers need.
or $2000 weekends only
Masters Cost: $1800 (3 days/weekday and weekends) or $1500 weekends only OR weekdays only (2 days/week). *To be arranged with coaching.
Thankful for our supporters!
Our Supporters made a difference!
Stockman Bank
XEVO Optics
Mountain Flow
Lower Valley Consulting
Glacier Bank
Logan Health
Blacktail Mountain
Flathead Electric Safety Grant
Kelly Brush Foundation
Sportsman Ski Haus
PTA Physical Therapy
Blacktail Market
Let’s meet and help you reach whatever ski goal you have set. Anything is possible!
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