Sierra-At-Tahoe Resort offers coaching programs for children and adults

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort will introduce four new development programs to its comprehensive team line-up for skiers and snowboarders this winter. The new programs enable skiers and riders from 3 years old to 55-plus to learn the fundamentals and continue to progress their skills up the ladder of development.

The programs include professional instruction from a PSIA Certified Instructor (or international equivalent) or a coach who works with participants to help them grow as skiers and riders so that they can enjoy a rewarding lifetime on the slopes.

The first step on the ladder is Wild Mountain Children's Ski & Snowboard School, which teaches kids ages 3 through 12 how to ski and snowboard. Offering first-time through advanced group and private lessons, Wild Mountain is open seven days a week and can cost as little as $45 per day with a lesson 10-Pak that can be used any day of the winter season including holidays.

The next step is the popular Rippers program, for youths ages 5 through 12, which offers participants more flexibility this season with an extra day of training each weekend. Perfect for young skiers and riders who are still mastering the fundamentals, getting comfortable on their equipment and need supervision on the mountain, Rippers is available both Saturday and Sunday this year, costs $650 and includes a season pass.

Once skiers and riders are ready to graduate from Rippers, they move on to the Development Team, designed for upper intermediate and advanced skiers ages 8 to 17 who are honing their skills and have an interest in competing but aren't necessarily ready for the time commitment that being part of a Competition Team requires. Members of the Development Team can train with the other Alpine teams any 20 days during the season. The cost is $699 and includes a season pass.

Next on the ladder are the Competition Teams, designed for upper intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders ages 8 through 17 who are interested in training and competing against their peers. The Full Competition Team trains five days a week for a total of 400 hours and is $1,650 including a season pass while the Weekend Competition Team trains on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays for a total of 300 hours and is $1,350 including a season pass.

Gravity Camp is a program for teens ages 13 through 17 that crave a non-competitive, social group for skiing and snowboarding. Professional instructors keep the group together and offer fundamental tips and basic instruction to help participants continue to grow their skills. The camp program is offered on Sundays and is $699 including a season pass.

Once skiers and riders reach the top of the development ladder, they can join the Adult Rippers program, created for adults age 18 and over who want a very social, regular group to ski and ride with and would enjoy exploring the mountain with a professional instructor (not to mention jumping to the front of the lift line). The program is offered on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and costs $699, which includes a season pass.

The Masters Drop-In program is for adults age 18 and over who have racing experience and want to continue skiing or riding gates. The program allows members to train in the gates with Sierra Resort's competitive teams during designated practice times. Registration in the program is free for members of the Masters Racing organization with a season pass or a valid lift ticket for the day on which they would like to train.