Mighty Mites & Alpine Rangers

(School Age Participants)

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Program Information

Program Overview - Table

Overview	Mighty Mites and Alpine Rangers build a solid foundation, empowering athletes to progress to U10 Jr Development, Development, or Big Mountain programs—proud of their skills and fostering a lifelong love of skiing. These programs serve school-aged athletes 5–9. Intermediate and advanced skiers focus on skill acquisition, fun, and healthy challenge.
Seasonal Training Goals	We ski & get mileage! 75–90% coached/directed freeskiing 10–20% coached drills 5–10% intro to training runs (gate training)
Age Eligibility	Ages 5–9 by December 31^st of the upcoming winter season. See matrix on page 1.
Attendance	Athletes should aim to attend at least 65% of scheduled training sessions to ensure steady progress throughout the season.
Supervision	Athletes are supervised at all times, including snack breaks. Athletes under 51″ must wear a Kindervest and load the chairlift with an appropriate companion.
Skill Prerequisite	Two full seasons of skiing experience (40+ total days) Can skate on skis and hockey stop Can stop unassisted Can turn on beginner terrain confidently and ski intermediate terrain unassisted Can glide (semi-parallel across fall-line and on flats) Can put on, take off, carry equipment; can get up unassisted Can follow directions Has chairlift-riding experience (with an adult). See Kindervest note in Equipment. No edgie-wedgies, leashes, or other training aids
Maturity	This is NOT a beginner program. Must be able to participate in a full day of team activities without parent assistance (4.5 hours) Must enjoy winter weather and outdoor environment This program is intended for children accustomed to full-day activities Children in pre-school (especially those still napping) should enroll in Shooting Stars, Mountain Rangers, or Mountain Sport School programs
Equipment	Skis: 1 pair carving-style skis chin high (no twin tips); owned or seasonal lease (no rentals); in good condition Boots: must be properly fit (size/flex) and in excellent working order (no rear-entry boots) Poles: required at the appropriate level (coach/manager will advise) Protection: helmet & goggles required Kindervest: all athletes under 51″ must wear a Kindervest (provided on first training day for the season, returned at season end)
Breaks / Snack and Lunch	Midweek and PLUS Fridays: Athletes take short snack and water breaks. Parents are expected to provide a healthy, hearty pocket snack (no candy). Weekend/Holiday Teams: Quick breaks. A hearty snack and water are provided with the program. Parents may send additional pocket snacks if needed.

Program Options

Program Options (Table)

Team Options	Weekend & Holiday	PLUS Fridays¹	Midweek (Wed/Thu – non-holidays)
Location	Alpine or Palisades	Alpine or Palisades	Palisades ONLY
Times when athletes must be fully ready to ski/ride	8:45 am – 1:30 pm	Palisades: Choice of morning OR afternoon (not both!) 9 am – 12 pm or 1 pm – 4 pm Alpine: 1 pm – 4 pm *only* – no AM session	Palisades ONLY 1 pm – 4 pm
Dates²	Dec through first week in April	Dec through March	Dec through March

¹ Fridays can be added to both the Weekend/Holiday program or to the Wednesday/Thursday program. Athlete must be paid/registered to participate on Fridays.

² Please check the team calendar every week in the Team Platform for the weekly schedule.

2026-27 SEASON - NEW ATHLETE APPLICATION

All athletes who were not part of Team Palisades Tahoe during the 2025-26 season need to complete this form. This includes athletes transferring over from Palisades or Alpine Mountain Sport School, Mountain Camp, Summiteer, or Alpine Unlimited programs, as well as athletes from teams at other mountains.

2026-27 SEASON - NEW ATHLETE APPLICATION

Requirements

Program Requirements

Age Eligibility

Age Eligibility

Ages 5-9 by December 31, 2025 (year of birth matrix)

Registration Requirements

Registration Requirements

An IKON Pass or equivalent for Palisades Tahoe for all training days.
Participate in the Team Uniform Program.
New athletes must submit an application.

General Information & Cancelation Policy

General Program Information & Cancellation Policy

Team Uniform Policy

Team Uniform Policy