Summer training season is almost here, and with it comes one of the biggest opportunities of the year for junior racers to get on next season’s equipment before winter officially begins.

As athletes from across North America head to glacier camps and elite training venues, major alpine racing brands are once again rolling out race testing programs for the 2026–27 season. From Mt. Hood to Ski Club Vail, athletes and coaches will have access to the newest race skis, boots, and setups from brands including HEAD, Stöckli, Nordica, and Atomic.

For developing racers, these testing opportunities have become an increasingly important part of offseason preparation, offering the chance to compare equipment, dial in setups, and gain confidence on the same caliber of gear used on the World Cup circuit.

Here’s where you can find each brand this summer and into the preseason.

HEAD

Fresh off another dominant World Cup season, HEAD returns with its 2026 Spring Race Testing Program, giving athletes access to the latest 2026–27 HEAD race skis throughout the summer training period.

The HEAD World Cup Rebels once again proved themselves among the top-performing teams on the circuit last winter, and now junior athletes will have the opportunity to test the same race-driven technology used at the sport’s highest level.

HEAD’s Mt. Hood Race Demo Center will operate daily from June 12–29 at the Mt. Hood Alpine Racing Center in Government Camp.

In addition to Mt. Hood, HEAD will also provide full race fleets at select race centers across the U.S., including Ski and Snowboard Club Vail and Sport Thoma locations throughout the East Coast.

HEAD Testing Information

Mt. Hood, Oregon
June 12–29, 2026
12:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. daily
Mt. Hood Alpine Racing Center
Government Camp, OR

Additional fleet access available through:

• Ski and Snowboard Club Vail
• Sport Thoma locations (NH, ME, VT)

More information: https://www.mthoodarc.com/

Stöckli

After a successful debut last summer, Stöckli is bringing its Swiss-built precision and World Cup pedigree back to Mt. Hood with the return of the Stöckli Test Center.

Trusted by athletes like Marco Odermatt, Thomas Tumler, and Alexis Monney, Stöckli continues to grow its presence within the North American junior racing community by giving developing athletes direct access to elite-level equipment and race staff support.

The Stöckli Test Center will run from June 14–28 in the Cascade Ski Club & Lodge parking lot, offering athletes the opportunity to demo a wide range of race skis, compare setups, and work directly with Stöckli representatives.

Stöckli Test Center Information

Dates: June 14–28, 2026
Hours: Daily, 12 p.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Cascade Ski Club & Lodge Parking Lot
30510 E Blossom Trail Rd.
Government Camp, OR 97028

Pre-Registration: https://demotool.stockli.co/info

(Athletes under 18 must have registration completed by a parent or guardian.)

Contact:
Max Wingard
max.wingard@stockli.co
802-560-4265

Nordica

Nordica is expanding its race testing opportunities for the 2026–27 season with increased access for junior athletes both at Mt. Hood summer camps and through Ski Club Vail during the winter season.

For athletes attending camps at Mt. Hood, Nordica will make its 2026–27 race test fleet available throughout the summer via coordinated reservations with coaches and programs.

Importantly, while Nordica representatives will not be physically present at Mt. Hood camps, programs and coaches can reserve equipment in advance to support on-snow athlete testing during scheduled camp sessions. The setup allows athletes to still access and compare the latest Nordica race equipment within their normal training environments throughout the summer.

Nordica is also continuing its partnership with Ski Club Vail, where a full fleet of race skis will be available for reservation and testing throughout the season, weather and conditions permitting. Unlike the Mt. Hood program, Ski Club Vail testing opportunities may include direct support from Nordica representatives alongside coaches and athletes.

Nordica Testing Information

Mt. Hood Summer Camps
Equipment available through advance coordination and reservation.

Ski Club Vail
Full race fleet available throughout the season (conditions permitting)

To reserve equipment or coordinate testing:
Cam Heald
cam.heald@nordicausa.com

Atomic

Atomic returns to Mt. Hood this summer with on-snow access to its latest race equipment at the Mt. Hood Alpine Racing Center.

Athletes training on the glacier will have the opportunity to test Atomic race skis throughout June, with demo access available daily and additional appointments available after June 30.

Atomic continues to be a major presence in alpine racing development, bringing World Cup-inspired race technology directly to junior athletes during one of the most important training periods of the offseason.

Atomic Testing Information

Dates: June 12–30, 2026
(After June 30 by appointment)

Hours: Open daily, 12 p.m.–4 p.m.

Location:
Mt. Hood Alpine Racing Center
Government Camp, OR 97028

Contact:
Bob Olsen
541-399-2382
Bob@mthoodarc.com

How to Make the Most of Gear Testing

Trying new skis is about more than simply taking a few runs. Athletes who approach testing with a plan often leave with a much better understanding of what actually works for their skiing.

1. Test Back-to-Back

The best comparisons happen when athletes switch directly between skis in similar conditions. Alternating between your current setup and a new brand or model during the same training session makes it much easier to identify differences in stability, turn shape, edge grip, and overall feel on snow.

2. Keep Notes

After a few runs, details can blur together. Writing down quick impressions about stability, turn shape, responsiveness, and feel can help athletes remember what stood out later.

3. Test Across Conditions

A ski that feels great in perfect morning conditions may behave differently once the surface gets rougher or softer. Testing throughout the day provides a more complete picture.

4. Talk With Coaches and Reps

Brand reps and coaches can often explain differences in construction, flex patterns, sidecuts, and setup recommendations that athletes may not immediately notice on snow.

5. Focus on Feel, Not Graphics

The fastest setup is not always the newest-looking ski or the one a favorite athlete is skiing. Testing is about finding equipment that builds confidence, consistency, and trust on snow.