Successful start for Lundbreck Livingstone Ski Academy

The first season for the new Livingstone Range Ski Academy (LSA), located in Lundbreck Livingstone School, has wrapped up.

Jason Clifton, director of the academy, says they had support from everyone.

“We experienced tremendous support from the community, Livingstone Range School Division and Castle Mountain that contributed to a remarkable inaugural season,” says Clifton.

The season began in September 2016 and was programmed for students from Grades 5 to 12 with no experience in skiing, but who wanted to be competitive. The program transported students to Castle Mountain Ski Resort three days a week.

Students not at Lundbreck Livingstone also could partake in the academy.

Clifton says there were 23 students in the academy this year ranging from Grades 5 to 11. They were under the guidance of five professional coaches in various ski disciplines including race, freestyle and big mountain.

“Now that the ski season is officially over, LSA students will return to their regular studies, but still have a mountain biking trip and a kayaking trip to look forward to before the school year is over,” adds Clifton.

The LSA Society also held a Mexicanthemed fundraising Fiesta March 25 at Castle Mountain. Clifton says the event included dinner, dancing and a silent auction.

“With over 100 donated items contributed by individuals and businesses, the fiesta raised over $17,000 that will be used to keep program costs down and allow the program to expand in the coming years,” adds Clifton.

Due to the level of community support and success experienced by the program so far, Clifton says the enrolment has more than doubled for the 2017-18 school year. Nearly 50 students are already enrolled for next year.

“The staff and students at Livingstone School are excited about the success and growth of the LSA and are proud to be able to offer such a unique and innovative program that contributes to the health and engagement of students in our community,” he adds.

The registration is currently open for the 2017-18 season. The costs are $1,200 per student for those in Grades 5 and 6 and $2,500 for students in Grades 7 through 12.

The students in Grade 5 and Grade 6 will participate in a modified program schedule with a ski development schedule of two days per week (Tuesday and Friday). Students in Grades 7 through 12 will be at the ski hill three days a week, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

The on-hill training will take place from Dec. 4, 2017 to March 29, 2018.

Extra fees are required for any students who require a billet placement. With the ski academy, students have the option to start out in the non-competitive portion of the program and move up to competitive depending on their progress.