Alpine Racing Club
The Saint Michael’s College Alpine Racing Club team, in partnership with Smuggler’s Notch Ski Club, will provide an opportunity for student-athletes who want to continue to pursue ski racing while also pursuing a college degree, and to do so at a highly competitive level, be coached professionally, and be trained on a top-rated northern New England alpine race hill.
This unique program was established to bridge a gap between high school and college racing providing an alternative to taking an additional PG year at a ski academy. The ability to train as well as compete at this level while pursuing your college degree, can be key especially if you are returning from injury, are a late-bloomer, looking to reduce your points profile with aspirations of skiing at the NCAA Division I level, or simply want to continue to compete without the pressure of the NCAA. Either way, the Saint Michael’s Alpine Racing Club program could be just the spot for you.
Competition and Eligibility
Members of the Alpine Racing Club (ARC) will compete in the MacConnell Division, a highly competitive division. Saint Michael’s College will enter as a “guest” team meaning they can compete in the division races (six races) but will not compete in the regionals/nationals. This is a long-standing rule of USCSA for colleges/universities that also have an NCAA team. ARC athletes can also compete in both USSA and FIS sanctioned races, and may participate and compete all four years with the ARC or may strive toward future participation on the Alpine Ski team.
Training and Transportation
Training will take place at the Smugglers Notch Ski Resort which is about a 45-minute drive from campus. Video analysis, goal setting, equipment evaluation, and more will all be provided by the Smuggler’s Notch Ski Club coaches. Transportation will be provided.
Membership and Competition Level
ARC athletes will pay the $200 Smugglers Notch Club fee to be a part of their ski program. In addition, the athletes will need to purchase a Smugglers Notch full mountain ski pass which is approximately $70. These fees provide ARC athletes access to the Smugglers Notch Ski Resort with no blackout dates, as well as access to Smugglers Notch Ski Club’s equipment storage, training, tuning facilities, and clubhouse.
Travel and race fees will be the responsibility of the ARC athletes and will work directly with their coach to determine a race schedule that works best for the athlete.
*Note: Skiers who wish to only participate in the recreational ski and snowboard club or would like to purchase a recreational ski and ride pass, should check out Shred SMC and our Sugarbush Pass.