Intro to USSS Race Team

Intro to United States Ski & Snowboard (USSS) - Program Description:


Introduction to our USSS Race Team – allow athletes to try it out without the full commitment.

This program includes the following:

  • Early Season: up to 2 days/week training with USSS (midweek or weekend)
  • In-Season Training: up to 1 day/week training with USSS (midweek or weekend)
  • Racing: Up to 3 USSS race days with coaching support throughout the season

Our USSS Race Team Schedule is as follows (to fit in above):

Early Season Training: 

  • Start ASAP - Weather and Resort Training Availability Dependent sometime in December
  • Typically Weekends at Nubs or Crystal and During the Week at Crystal Mtn
  • Training at Hickory Hills ASAP

In-Season Training Schedule: 

  • Monday: 3:30-5pm @ Hickory
  • Tuesday: 3:30-5pm @ Hickory
  • Wednesday: 4:15-6:15pm @ Crystal Mtn
  • Thursday: 4:15-6:15pm @ Crystal Mtn

USSS Racing Schedule:

  • Most weekends from mid-December through early March, there will be a USSS race option.
  • Schedule will be available here: Region 3 CUSSA

Length: This program starts as soon as we can get on snow in Northern Michigan and runs through March.

Cost: $325

Age Requirement: Ages 9+ (or coach approval required otherwise)

    • Our Intro to the USSS Race Team is intended to allow athletes interested in learning more / trying out USSS to join the Middle School USSS Race Team, without the full commitment.
    • USSS athletes are focused on looking to advance their ski racing performance in a competitive program, while learning to work hard in a focused training environment. Athletes are expected to work with coaches and teammates to support their individual growth and that of the team. 
    • USSS is a National program, providing athletes an opportunity to race within Michigan, or throughout the United States. The GTSC program falls within Region 3 of the USSS Central Region. (referred to as Central Region 3, or CR3)
    • Our USSS program seeks to elevate and prepare athletes to successfully compete at both local and national championship events.  Coaches focus on creating a fun, positive, productive, and competitive training environment to help each athlete reach their individual goals.
    • This program is a competitive race program and seeks athletes motivated, disciplined and willing to put in the work to achieve their racing goals. 
    • This program requires travel for training and racing.
    • This program focuses on a positive, productive and competitive training environment. 
  • Ski Passes:
      • Program fee DOES NOT INCLUDE Hickory Hills lift tickets or pass. Must be purchased through the City.
      • Program fee DOES NOT INCLUDE Crystal Mtn lift tickets or pass. Must be purchased through Crystal Mountain (athletes season pass offered as season nears).
      • Participants are encouraged to consider additional season passes as they see fit to help support attendance at training and racing events: Nubs Nob, Boyne Mountains, Searchmont, Big Snow Resort, etc. are all potential race venues.
  • Transportation:
      • This program does NOT include any transportation 
  • USSS Membership:
    • All USSS athletes are required to purchase a USSS athlete membership, or day memberships, prior to the season start to participate in this program.
    • Registration link is available on the CR3 website: Region 3 CUSSA

  • USSS Race Team Gear – Quality race gear is needed and required for safety – recreational gear is not allowable for USSS training or racing.

    Need quality race gear; refer to: USSS guidelines as posted on USSS Website:

Dec11_2022