2012/2013 Season
The Purgatory Snowboard Team is partnered with the Durango Winter Sports Foundation (a 501.3C organization), and is a peer of the very successful Alpine, Freestyle and Nordic Ski Teams.
Mission
The mission of the Purgatory Snowboard Team is to promote the development of recreational and competitive snowboard athletes in the Southwest Rocky Mountain Region through Athletic Excellence, and core values such as Team, Loyalty, Integrity, Respect, Perseverance, and Accountability. The Team is currently comprised of athletes age 7 through 18.
Team Procedures
The team will adopt procedures and developmental techniques from USSA and USASA athlete competency guidelines. These guiding principles are useful tools enabling steady learning in a social environment that is fun and enjoyable. We also identify that parental approval and support, fun association with peers, and enjoyment are all important motivational factors to promote a rising and intimate interest in the sport. We hope to include participation and encouragement from parents and peers on regular basis to provide an atmosphere that is fun and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Daily Training Activities
The content of riding time will include the following approximate percentages of activity as outlined by USSA:
Devo Team
Undirected riding 30% (Athletes will be under coaches supervision)
Directed riding 30%
Technical Drills 30%
Tactics 5%
Competition simulation 5%
Enrichment Team
Undirected riding 25% (Athletes will be under coaches supervision)
Directed riding 30%
Technical Drills 30%
Tactics 5%
Competition simulation 10%
Park and Pipe Team
Undirected riding 10% (Athletes will be under coaches supervision)
Directed riding 30%
Technical Drills 30%
Tactics 15%
Competition simulation 15%
Alpine Boarder Cross Team
Undirected riding 10% (Athletes will be under coaches supervision)
Directed riding 30%
Technical Drills 30%
Tactics 15%
Competition simulation 15%
Our intention is to give young athletes a rounded experience combining all the workings of an enjoyable boarding day. Athletes need to be able to ride the lift on their own and snowboard unsupervised for a portion of a run. Often coaches need to prepare and perform maintenance on training courses for athletes; including building jumps, softening landings or flagging courses. Instead of having athlete’s stand around watching coaches perform these tasks, we prefer the athletes go for a run and come back to the designated training area.
An integral part of the training is to assist each athlete in becoming comfortable with exploring the mountain on their own while respecting their coaches, team members, and the rules and ski procedures of the mountain. At the beginning of each training session, coaches will pair athletes with a riding buddy. Buddies should expect to stay together and return to the designated area in a timely manner when granted undirected riding time. If an athlete is uncomfortable taking a run on their own or with a buddy, they may stay at the course with their designated coach. Athletes who abuse this privilege by acting inappropriately, not following skiers code, or not returning to the training course in a timely manner will be subject to disciplinary actions:
- Loss of undirected riding privileges
- Helping the coach prepare the course
- Suspension from the next training day
- Expulsion from the team
Groups
Training group make up is based primarily on riding ability and not by age. Our goal is to provide an enjoyable experience with all athletes riding at the same pace and ability level. An exception will be made for friends as long as it does not disrupt the pace of the group.
Programs
Snowboard Alpine & Boardercross
Athletes will train for and compete in USASA Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Snowboard Cross race competitions through out the SW Colorado and surrounding areas. Athletes will work towards qualifying for 2013 USASA National Championships held at Copper Mountain in April 2013. Athletes MAY have a chance to visit/participate in the LG/USSA FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup held in Telluride, December 2012.
**NOTE: We must have 5 athletes register for this program to move forward this season.
Snowboard Park & Pipe
Athletes will train for and compete in USASA SlopeStyle and Halp-pipe competitions through out the SW Colorado and surrounding areas. Athletes will work towards qualifying for 2013 USASA National Championships held at Copper Mountain in April 2013. Athletes MAY have a chance to visit/participate in the LG/USSA FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup held in Telluride, December 2012. **NOTE: We must have 5 athletes register for this program to move forward this season.
Snowboard Enrichment
Athletes will encompass all snowboard disciplines including slope style, half pipe, alpine, and snowboard-cross. This program is targetted for the athlete who is undecided in what snowboard discipline they wish to pursue, as well as Athletes who desire to strengthen their skills before entering a competitve snowboard environment. This is an intermediate level program, with emphasis placed on safety as athletes learn to use the features of the terrain park, and perform high speed maneuvers in an alpine setting. There is minimal travel involved with this team. Athletes will be encouraged to participate in local area competitions.
**NOTE: We must have 5 athletes register for this program to move forward this season.
Snowboard Devo
The “Devo” program allows athletes to gain appreciation for all disciplines of snowboarding. The “Devo” program allows younger or less advanced athletes to gain appreciation for all disciplines of snowboarding. It is an entry level program designed to help athletes learn about snowboarding. **NOTE: We must have 5 athletes register for this program to move forward this season.
Chapman Only Program
Do you want to take your skiing to the next level? The Purgatory Ski and Snowboard Team will offer coaching to skiers and snowboarders at Chapman Hill. The Purgatory Ski and Snowboard Team coaches will train participants. The Chapman Only program is designed to give athletes a taste of the three different teams introducing children to either the Freestyle, Alpine or Snowboard disciplines.
Weekday Private Coaching:
The Purgatory Snowboard Team will be offering private coaching sessions this season. These sessions will cater to individuals looking to improve their skills in specific areas. Participants are expected to be at an INTERMEDIATE LEVEL. This means they can use both edges making turns on any blue and easy black on the mountain with speed and control. Training can include basic snowboarding techniques, free ride for the terrain park, and snowboard race techniques.
Memberships:
United States of America Snowboard Association (USASA) – ONLY Athletes who compete in USASA sponsored events will be required to join the USASA. There are different “levels” of membership varying from 1-day to full season. Information for joining USASA can be found here. Membership fee is typically around $75.00
