Development Team

The Development Teams program is designed for advanced skiers and snowboarders ages 7-17 who have mastered the fundamentals and are looking to take their skiing/riding to the next level. Our specialized and certified Development Team coaches have many years of experience coaching Alpine racing and Freeride skiing/snowboarding. At this level, our coaches’ goal is to mentor athlete’s first steps into the competition world as they have the opportunity to compete in Sierra-hosted alpine races and freestyle competitions.

Development Teams + Skills

Alpine Racing Development Team :
Athletes will be introduced to skiing gates and will develop excellent technique at the hands of expert coaches. The program feeds into our Alpine Race Team, as well as our Freeride programs. Many of the world's best park riders, including Maddie Bowman, honed world champion technique in Alpine racing before moving to the park. We recommend our park-hungry skiers to spend at least one season in the gates!

The minimum skill requirement for the Alpine Development Team is the ability to link parallel turns on any terrain at Sierra at Tahoe (on and off piste), and the desire to be introduced to training in a race environment.

FreeSki Ski Development Team :
Our Freeride Ski Team is for advanced skiers who are looking to move beyond the basics and gain experience in skiercross, slopestyle, rail jam, and half pipe skiing. Our coaches are currently competing athletes, bringing up-and-coming tricks and fresh coaching to Sierra. A large focus is put on teaching safety in the park as young athletes begin to build their list of tricks.

The minimum skill requirement for the FreeSki Development Team is the ability to link parallel turns on any terrain at Sierra at Tahoe (on and off piste), and the desire to be introduced to training in a park and freestyle environment.

All Mountain Ski Development Team :
For advanced skiers who want to explore off-piste terrain and begin training for Big Air or Big Mountain events like the TJFS or IFSA sanctioned events.

The minimum skill requirement for the All Mountain Ski Development Team is the ability to link parallel turns on any terrain at Sierra at Tahoe (on and off piste).

Snowboard Development Team   :
For snowboarders who are looking to move beyond the basics and gain experience in bordercross, slopestyle, slalom, giant slalom, rail jam, and half pipe riding. Our expert coaches model the curriculum after world-class Sierra-at-Tahoe athletes, like Jaime Anderson, by exposing athletes to riding gates and all aspects of park competitions.

The minimum skill requirement for the Snowboard Development Team is the ability to link turns on any terrain at Sierra at Tahoe (on and off piste).

Not sure what team to choose? Take a look below to help guide you in choosing which team best fits your skiing/riding goals. Each table below, lists each Sierra team's corresponding skills or abilities.

2024/25 Pricing

2024/25 D-Team Calendar

Weekend Development Team

The Weekend Development Team meets 2 days a week; Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Athletes must be geared up and on the snow by 8:45 a.m. as we generally head to the lifts at 9:00 a.m. which means you may not get connected to your respective team until they break for lunch should you arrive late.

Thursday Development Team

The Thursday Development Teams meet on Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Athletes must be geared up and on the snow by 8:45 a.m. as we generally head to the lifts at 9:00 a.m. which means you may not get connected to your respective team until they break for lunch should you arrive late.

Download 2024/2025 D-Team Calendar

Good to Know

• Teams will be on-snow between 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Weekends and Thursdays with a break for lunch. We strongly recommend planning to check-in prior to 9 a.m. as the teams will head up the mountain for their warmup run.
• Coach Consistency: Each team will benefit from the dedicated coaching team both on Saturdays and Sundays for improved consistency and long term skill development.
• Lunch is not included. Please remember to pack a nutritious lunch and snacks or provide lunch money.
• Coaches will not be available to eat lunch with your athletes. Please talk to your coach in the morning to see when to meet your athlete to take them for lunch.
• If you would like your athlete to be responsible for finding their own lunch and returning to their team after the lunch period, then please sign our “Lunch Waiver”.
• Drop-off and pick-up will take place on the snow in front of the Plaza next to Easy Rider Express Chairlift
• Participation in competitions is not mandatory
• All teams are coached by PSIA, USSA or USASA certified instructors (or international equivalent) who are trained to coach competitive skiers and riders
• Tuition does not include membership in Far West/USSA/USASA, race fees, travel costs or lift tickets at other resorts
• Coaches travel to events when 5+ athletes are participating

Helpful websites

• Tahoe League Race Series
• Far West Skiing
• United States of America Snowboard Association
• US Ski and Snowboard

Contact Us

Questions can be directed to 530-543-3108, or  PassOffice@sierraattahoe.com .