Zenit Ski Team Builds Flexible High-Performance Pathway for U19 Alpine Racers

The Zenit Ski Team is creating a flexible high-performance training pathway for international U19 alpine ski racers looking to combine world-class training environments with individualized development and academic flexibility.

Designed for athletes targeting provincial, regional, state, national junior, or collegiate teams, the program supports racers following an online or adapted academic pathway, or those who have already graduated.

Zenit’s philosophy centers on athlete-focused development built on Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) principles, allowing athletes to train within a structured high-performance environment while maintaining flexibility to combine Zenit training blocks with their home programs.

Key Features of the Zenit Ski Team Program

Athletes benefit from a high-performance environment that includes:

• Small training groups for individualized coaching
• Consistent coaching staff throughout the season
• Training across world-class venues in Europe and South America
• Daily video analysis and structured performance reviews
• Equipment guidance and race preparation support
• Individualized goal setting aligned with qualification pathways
• Return-to-snow planning and injury management support

Progress is monitored through:

• Daily video feedback
• Weekly coach evaluations
• Three key seasonal assessments:
  • Post summer–fall training block
  • Mid-season evaluation
  • End-of-season performance review

Training Structure and Seasonal Options

The Zenit Ski Team offers three flexible program options that allow athletes to commit to the full season or participate in specific training blocks.

Summer–Fall Training Program

June 1 – October 31

This phase focuses on building technical consistency and race preparation through glacier, indoor, and southern hemisphere training.

Training highlights include:

• Up to 55 on-snow training days
• Disciplines: Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super-G
• Training venues include:
  • Zermatt Glacier, Switzerland
  • Saas-Fee, Switzerland
  • El Colorado, Chile
  • Peer Indoor Ski Center, Belgium

Minimum enrollment: 5 weeks across two training blocks

Fall–Winter Competition Program

November 1 – April 10

The winter program is based in Val d’Anniviers, Switzerland, providing access to training venues across the Valais region and race travel throughout the Western Alps.

Athletes can expect:

• Up to 50 on-snow training days
• Up to 30 race starts
• Competition opportunities including: FIS Races, NJR, NJC, CIT, ENL, University- Level races

Training and racing take place across:

• Switzerland
• France
• Italy

Athletes may stay in the Zenit Athletes’ Chalet, which includes lodging, meals, and coach supervision.

Minimum enrollment: 9 weeks across two training blocks

Flexible Program Option

July 1 – April 10

The flexible program allows athletes to combine Zenit with their local, regional, or national programs.

Features include:

• Access to all training blocks in the Zenit calendar
• Optional strength and conditioning planning
• Flexible participation across the season

Minimum enrollment: 8 weeks across three training blocks

Integrated Strength and Conditioning

Physical preparation is fully integrated throughout the year and includes:

• Individualized strength and conditioning programs
• Weekly remote coaching follow-up
• In-person supervision during training blocks
• Coordination with local physiotherapists and performance staff
• Personalized warm-up, activation, and recovery routines

Admission Process

Athletes interested in joining the Zenit Ski Team complete a structured application process that includes:

1. Initial contact with athletes and families to discuss goals and development plans
2. Application submission, including:
   • Motivation letter or athlete CV
   • Registration form and athlete questionnaire
   • Training and race video footage
   • Support letter from the previous coach
3. Performance assessment, including physical screening and an online interview
4. Eligibility verification, including confirmation of:
   • Online or adapted academic pathway (or graduation)
   • Membership in a home-country ski club and national association
   • Appropriate travel, health, and accident insurance

A Flexible Pathway Toward High Performance

By combining elite training venues, individualized coaching, and flexible scheduling, the Zenit Ski Team provides a structured pathway for international U19 athletes preparing for the next step in their racing careers.