Cross Country
Cross Country is the original form of skiing. The sport originated more than 6,000 years ago in far northern Europe and central Asia as a way to keep social contact during hard, snowy winters across the long distances between the small, isolated northern communities. Skiing for sport started in the mid 1800s with men’s cross country skiing joining the Olympics in 1924.
Today’s Cross Country is modernized, but the sport still draws from its heritage. Our Cross Country program utilizes the largest cross country ski area in North America as its training ground. Multiple alumni have gone on to compete on NCAA Ski Teams, such as Harvard, Bates College, Middlebury and the University of Alaska to continue skiing competitively.
Our Cross Country programming starts at age 5, with athletes working to develop balance, confidence, a sense of fair play, classic technique, an appreciation for adventure and a love of outdoor fun. As skiers progress, they begin to develop skate skiing skills in addition to classic skiing and start to work on basic endurance concepts while continuing to focus on technique, terrain transitions, rhythm, flow and speed development.
As athletes advance to high school, the training becomes more rigorous and the focus shifts to goal setting, mental training, technique and rhythm refinement, and racing. Athletes also do dryland training to condition for the winter season to build speed, strength, and toughness. Local, national, and international competitions are available depending on each athlete’s goals and abilities.
Ages 5-9
The Cross Country - Primary program is an entry level program that focuses on phases 1-2 of the US Ski & Snowboard Cross Country Training System. Our elementary teams have 51 days of training with an emphasis on having fun as they work to develop foundational techniques. Athletes explore the trails of Royal Gorge as they build endurance and enjoy the outdoors.
Ages 5-9 as of December 31, 2024
Ages 10-13
The Cross Country - Junior program focuses on phases 2-3 of the US Ski & Snowboard Cross Country Training System. We offer a 3-day per week or 5-day per week (expanded) team available for the junior program, with 51 - 93 training days. Junior athletes may also participate in the Winter program, which offers world-class athletics and college preparatory academics on the same mountain. Junior athletes focus on endurance training as they work to develop their own style in classic and skate skiing through games, longer explorations of the Royal Gorge trail network, technique drills, speed development, relays, and continued play. Athletes have several local and regional competition options throughout the season.
Ages 10-13 as of December 31, 2024
Ages 14-19
The Cross Country - Senior program focuses on phases 4-6 of the US Ski & Snowboard Cross Country Training System. We offer a 3-day per week or 5-day per week (expanded) team available for the senior program, with 51 - 93 training days. Senior athletes may also participate in the Winter or Full Year program, which offers world-class athletics and college preparatory academics on the same mountain. Senior athletes train dryland and on snow. Full-time athletes continue to progress toward their competitive goals with individual training plans to maximize development. Athletes may compete at local, national, and international competitions depending on each athlete’s goals and abilities.
Ages 14-19 as of December 31, 2024