season
2026/27
Plans.
We are looking forward to seeing you all again and a big welcome to those new to the Club, we hope you have a great time with us this year.
We are always busy working behind the scenes to put together an exciting coaching programme that develops your skills and confidence.
Programme Overview
At a glance view of our pathways for the upcoming season.
Bairns
Designed to develop all-round talented young skiers, taking their skiing to the next level.
Alpine racing
For those who love to ski gates FAST! Racing is a great foundation for all disciplines.
autumn programme
Dust off your gear and get back in the flow with 2x 4wk blocks on the Glenmore dry slope.
FAQs
We’ve got you covered.
Just like you, we were first-timers in the club too, so let’s help point you in the right direction.
schools
Please get in touch and we can customise coaching based on ability, upcoming events etc.
Upcoming sessions
Key Dates
autumn Block 1
26th Oct – 18th Nov
2 x Sessions Mon & Wed Evenings – Glenmore Lodge
Autumn Block 2
23rd Nov – 16th Dec
2 x Sessions Mon & Wed Evenings – Glenmore Lodge
Costs
1x Autumn Block
£30/40 Members/Non Members
Pre-requisite Ski Ability
All our trainees must already be able to ski plough-parallel in control of their speed and line on all Cairngorm Mountain terrain. They must also be able to use all the uplift independently.
Environmental conditions on Cairngorm Mountain can be challenging at times, with high winds, low temperatures and poor visibility; trainees need to be physically and mentally prepared for this, with waterproof, warm clothing and positive attitudes!
Equipment & Attire
All trainees are required to wear a Club jacket. It is possible to find second hand club jackets at the Ski Club Sale. Second hand jackets are also available via our WhatsApp group for members.
Weather contingency
*If conditions are not suitable on Cairngorm, on training days we will always offer a dry slope/dry land training option at Glenmore Lodge. We may also offer to move training to the Lecht Ski Centre, snow and conditions allowing, but this would incur additional costs for parents (a day pass per trainee).
*We do occasionally take Bairns age 7 yrs, this is at coaches’ discretion and they must be shadowed by a parent on the hill.
Contact coaching@cairngormskiclub.co.uk with any questions.
Aged 8-11
Bairns
Must be able to ski minimum plough parallel and use all Cairngorm lifts independently. The coaching ethos is about developing all mountain skills in a fun and relaxed environment.
Although we do not specifically focus on race training at this stage, we do encourage trainees to take part in fun (and usually local) competitions.
little rippers
crashing gates
Age 12+
Alpine Race
An all-mountain blend of race and freeride, and even touring if conditions allow.
The Club has a racing background and we would naturally be challenging our Trainees in brush, stubby and full gate courses. However, there will be plenty of opportunity to develop technical skills in a freeride environment through drills and free skiing with regular coach feedback and video analysis.
Age 12+
Freestyle
Encourages creativity and adventure, spending much of the time exploring the mountain, finding natural hits after fresh snowfalls, and riding the boxes and jumps in the park.
It’s not all play though as we would be working hard on the fundamentals of good body management, balance and steering, that are necessary to develop as well rounded skiers.
going
big
Ski
Every
Where
Age 12+
All-Mountain
Skiing all of the mountain with your friends sound good? Developing the fundamentals and applying them all across the mountain develops versatile skiers with a passion for the sport for life!
For skiers that want to do it all!
The Important
Stuff…
frequently asked questions
Pre-session & Registration
- ALL Bookings must be made though our booking portal WebCollect.
- Trainees will be allocated to their coaches by e-mail on the Thursday evening prior to each training weekend.
- We have a parent’s WhatsApp group for communications – please email secretary@cairngormskiclub.co.uk to get the link.
- Meeting point: Outside Funicular Entrance.
- Trainees must be ready to ski and have lift passes, lunch bags and be wearing CSC Jackets.
- Bairns, Alpine and Freeriders meet from 8.30, ready to go for 8.45am. Times vary depending on weather and lift opening – Join our parent’s WhatsApp for on the day updates.
Logistics (Lunch, Drop-off, Parents)
Lunch
Lunches for all groups will be held at staggered times at the Shieling. Parents can meet their children for these lunch sessions.
Drop off
Coaches will return the trainees to the original pick-up points between 3.00 and 3.30pm. Please ensure you are on time to meet your child/ren.
Equipment & Policies
Please ensure that all equipment fits and is in good shape prior to training.
NO HELMET – NO SKI
- CLOTHING: It can be bitterly cold so please ensure all athletes are appropriately dressed. Lots of layers. Ski Club Jackets are strongly encouraged for team identity.
- PACKED LUNCH & BACK PACK: Packed lunches will be taken out with trainees in the morning. When conditions allow we use the Shieling as a base.
- NO SNOW ON LOWER TOWS POLICY: When snow conditions do not allow for bottom tows to operate, trainees walk to the mid station. We work with CMSL to arrange transport of boots, skis and bags to the mid-station when conditions allow.
Weather & Communication
Bad Weather
It does happen that on occasion the mountain will be closed due to bad weather. We will either transfer training to the Lecht or provide dry-land training alternatives (typically at Glenmore Lodge or Badaguish). Announcements regarding these will be made as soon as we can on our parent’s WhatsApp group.
Communication
We will endeavour to make a decision about the following weekends training using weather forecasts on Thursday evening (using MWIS and Snow-Forecast.com). If marginal, we will delay decision until Friday or very early weekend morning. Updates posted on whatsapp.
Admin (Fees, Media, Feedback)
Training Fees
The club is run by volunteers and employs quality coaches. Our training is heavily subsidised by fundraising (£3k-£8k/year). To attract coaches, we offer secure employment. If we train (on snow or dry land) you pay unless prior agreement is obtained from the Coaching Trustee. Please contact in event of injury/illness. If an athlete is not attending, please let us know (though you still pay for the session).
Video Analysis & Photography
We use video analysis published on YouTube (unlisted) with links from Facebook/website. Photographs taken of athletes for promotion. Objections to secretary@cairngormskiclub.co.uk.
Feedback
Coaches endeavour to speak with parents at end of session. Approach coach or Coaching Trustee anytime. Queries to coaching@cairngormskiclub.co.uk.
Dry Slope Training
Glenmore Lodge Autumn 2025
Get your ski legs ready before the snow falls with our popular dry slope sessions.
Block 1
Every Tuesday from 28th Oct (4 weeks)
Block 2
Every Tuesday from 25th Nov (4 weeks)
- Two sessions each night: 6-7pm & 7-8pm
- Minimum age: 6 years
- Must have own equipment, use poma tow alone, control speed/line on green/easy blue runs.
A Simple
Guide to Racing
Race Formats
Slalom
Most technical format. Single blue and red gates set close together requiring short quick turns. Short skis used. Usually two runs combined.
Giant Slalom (GS)
Faster than slalom with more space between gates. Blue and red double gates with a banner. Usually two runs combined.
Kombi
Combination of slalom and GS formats designed for Children and Bairns. Might include fun challenges like jumps and rollers.
Super G
Even faster with blue and red gates. Not appropriate for young skiers due to high speeds. Longer skis required.
Downhill
Longest and fastest format. Single red gates set far apart down a 2+KM course. Speeds over 100mph.
Parallel Slalom
Two identical courses set next to each other. Racers compete to be first through finish. Individual or team event.
Age Groups
| Race Category | Year of Birth | License? | Race Category | Year of Birth | License? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAIRNS U8 | 2019 and later | ✗ | U18 | 2009-2010 | ✓ |
| BAIRNS U10 | 2017-2018 | ✗ | U21 | 2006-2008 | ✓ |
| BAIRNS U12 | 2015-2016 | ✗ | SENIOR | 1997 – 2005 | ✓ |
| CHILDREN U14 | 2013-2014 | ✓ | MASTER | 1996 and older | ✓ |
| CHILDREN U16 | 2011-2012 | ✓ |
Race Licences
All competitors 12 and above are required to register for a race license from Snowsport Scotland (SSS). This applies to all seed races (FIS, BASS and BARTS) and provides the competitor with race insurance.
In order to compete in a BASS race you need to be a ‘competitor member’ of Snowsport Scotland (a BASS license). You do NOT need one of these before you leave Bairns category (under 12) unless you are racing abroad.
Seeding & Equipment
Seeding is how racers are ranked based on performance. Lower points = better performer. BASS: On snow events. BARTS: Dry slope/indoor.
Equipment rules are stringent once no longer U12. Specs for length, radius, sidecut, and height under foot are regulated.
Talk to your coach well in advance to check what equipment you need.
Race Day: What to Expect
Race Day is an exciting day for the Trainees, Parents & Coaches. Participating allows Trainees to challenge themselves using skills developed during training. It’s a fun, organised environment with timed courses to measure performance. Usually a minimum of two runs per racer.