Development
All teams are managed to optimize age appropriate progressions for maximal athletic development.
Baldy Devo
SVSEF’s Baldy Devo program is the developmental ski program for SVSEF Baldy-based teams. Devo is for “Baldy-proof” kids, meaning athletes who can ski top to bottom, off-piste & groomed, and who understand safety rules and mountain etiquette.
We practice all-mountain basic skiing and riding, jump and park skills, bump skills and racing techniques with a strong FUNdamental emphasis. SVSEF’s Baldy Devo program is designed to introduce and refine skills required to advance within SVSEF’s alpine, freestyle and freeski programs. The SVSEF Baldy Devo program is staffed with experienced, professional coaches who teach age-appropriate skill progressions utilizing U.S. Ski & Snowboard program, in tandem with a host of internal SVSEF skill- and team-building philosophies.
Due to the popularity of the youth programs at SVSEF we are asking that families sign up for either Baldy-Devo or LASAR. Historically, some families have registered for both. If a family wants to sign up for Baldy-Devo and LASAR, they will be put on a waiting list for LASAR. After registration closes, we will reevaluate the overall registration numbers and determine if/how we can accommodate those who are eager to do both.
The staff at SVSEF is committed to reaching as many young kids as possible who want to explore and enjoy the sport of alpine skiing.
Tuition: $1,800
Ages: Year of birth 2014, 2015, 2016 and must be in 1st grade.
Head coach: Brian Caulkins (view profile)
Enrollment limit: 84
Athlete-to-coach ratio: 6:1
Ability Level: Must be able to ski Baldy from the top.
Baldy Devo Athlete Pledge:
I, __________, pledge to do the following every day I show up for ski team. As soon as I step on the snow, I will:
- Be willing to learn
- Be a good listener
- Have FUN
- Be a good teammate
- Respect others
- Take care of my gear
- Have a positive attitude
Team Jackets & SVSEF Apparel:
- SVSEF works with Sturtevant’s on ordering Team Jackets. Visit the SVSEF online store for further information in the fall.
- Select SVSEF apparel and accessories are available through the online store.
Fall Conditioning
November 1 – November 17 Tuesday and Thursday 3:30 – 5 p.m.
On Snow, In Season Training Schedule
December 17 – March 26 Two days per week.
Saturday and Sunday, 12 – 3:30 p.m.
Additional Camp Offerings:
Holiday camps (Christmas and spring break) are included as a part of the Devo team experience, and offer specific opportunities beyond regular weekend programming. Times and dates for holiday camps are based on creating safe and appropriate practice opportunities based on crowds, practice space, and conditions.
View Calendar:
Pass & Membership:
- Must purchase SVSEF/Blaine County Student Season Pass through Sun Valley Company for 22/23 season.
- Must purchase General Non-Competitor US Ski & Snowboard Membership.
Age: Year of birth 2014, 2015, 2016 and must be in 1st grade.
Skill Prerequisites:
- Must have fundamental skills to ski anywhere/everywhere on the mountain.
- This program will include a wide variety of skill levels, but athletes must have the inherent desire to learn to be a better skier.
Maturity:
- Must be independent; able to conduct oneself appropriately when unaccompanied.
- Must be able to prepare and carry equipment.
- Responsible and accountable for hydration, nutrition, and proper layering for any weather.
- Respect teammates, coaches, parents, and all mountain employees at all times.
- Complete knowledge of Mountain Safety Policies.
Equipment:All the equipment that makes for a great day on the ski hill:
- Always bring a SMILE!
- Jacket – a warm, weather-proof one, please.
- Ski Pants for all weather.
- Mittens and/or warm gloves (p.s. mittens are warmer).
- Neck Gators/Buffs are great for any day.
- Positive Attitude to share with your team!
- Helmet and Goggles that are adjusted and fitting well.
- Poles with Straps – adjust the length by turning the pole upside down and place your hand under the basket. Your arm should be parallel to the ground.
- Hand Warmers to keep in your pocket.
- Boots with good fit and soft flex.
- Skis*: one pair of carving skis or combi ski (slalom/giant slalom mix). Length should be where the tip of your ski reaches between your chin and forehead when standing on end.
- Ski Pass – please remember your ski pass!
- Snack – and remember a snack!
*Watch for pre-season email from the coaches with information about ski equipment lease packages through PK’s Ski & Sports and Sturtevant’s.
p.s. There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!
Supervision:
Baldy Devo athletes remain with their groups under the supervision of their coach during all training sessions.
Parents:
- Must actively communicate needs of athlete including planned absences and injuries.
- Must register for competitions in a timely manner per team communication.
- Must complete Team Agreement (Code of Conduct).
- Must remain actively engaged with team communication method(s) and check schedule/updates regularly.
Communications Overview:
Weekly In-Season emails
XC Devo North
No prior experience is required to join. The Cross Country Devo team takes new skiers from the first steps of learning how to put on their skis to competency in both skate and classic ski techniques. Meet for practice at the Devo Hut, located at the Lake Creek Trailhead, just north of Ketchum.
The Devo team offers skiers the opportunity to participate in a variety of team outings in addition to regularly scheduled practices. These include; backcountry adventures, the annual Bruneau Sand Dunes trip, winter backcountry yurt trips and the Intermountain Division Youth Championships.
Tuition: $850
Grades: 2-5
Head coach: Martha Pendl (view profile)
Enrollment limit: 65
Athlete-to-coach ratio: 8:1
Practice two days a week. October 31, 2022 – March 4, 2023
4th and 5th Graders: Monday and Wednesday, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
2nd and 3rd Graders: Tuesday and Thursday, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Fall Dryland
Starting October 31, 2022 at Lake Creek Trailhead
On-Snow
Transition to on-snow training is dependent on snow pack; start date is variable. Practice two days a week at Lake Creek Trailhead. See Devo Calendar for weekend races/events.
View Calendar:
SVSEF provides Devo XC participants with ski equipment during the season. This includes combi boots, skate and classic skis, and skate and classic poles. Skiers are expected to keep all equipment in good repair, and return gear with normal/reasonable wear at the end of the season. Skiers are also welcome to bring their own gear if they so chose. Optional team ski jackets, training pants, and ski hats are available for purchase during the season.
License requirements: A US Ski & Snowboard general membership ($20) is required in addition to the tuition fee.
Racing is not required, however we encourage skiers & families to participate in fun, local cross country events. Older skiers have the opportunity to travel to Intermountain Youth Championships at the end of February. Additionally, we host a Devo Team Festival in early March at Lake Creek. All Devo North, Devo South, & Striders skiers & families are invited to participate in this end of season celebration and athlete recognition party.
XC Devo South
No prior experience is required to join. The Cross Country Devo team takes new skiers from the first steps of learning how to put on their skis to competency in both skate and classic ski techniques, and builds on existing skills for those who already have ski experience. This program runs for three months in the winter- giving skiers an extended opportunity to practice their skiing. Devo South trains at the Quigley Nordic Center; SVSEF has a modular, which serves as an indoor meeting facility with gear storage for skiers. SVSEF coordinates after school transportation from the local public elementary schools to the training center in partnership with the Blaine County School District.
The Devo team offers skiers the opportunity to participate in a variety of team outings in addition to our regularly scheduled practices. These include; backcountry adventures, the annual Bruneau Sand Dunes trip, winter backcountry yurt trips and the Intermountain Division Youth Championships.
Tuition: $700
Grades: 2-5
Head coach: Mikey Sinnott
Enrollment limit: 60
Athlete-to-coach ratio: 8:1
Dates: November 28, 2022 – March 4, 2023
Activities are snow pack dependent, practices may include dryland if applicable.
Training sessions two days a week.
4th and 5th Grades on Monday and Wednesday 3-4:30pm.
2nd and 3rd Grades on Tuesday and Thursday 3-4:30pm.
View Calendar:
No experience required. SVSEF provides skis, boots and poles for participants. Optional team ski jackets, training pants and ski hats are available for purchase during the season.
License requirements: A US Ski & Snowboard general membership ($20) is required in addition to the tuition fee.
Racing is not required, however we encourage skiers & families to participate in fun, local cross country events. Older skiers have the opportunity to travel to Intermountain Youth Championships at the end of February. Additionally, we host a Devo Team Festival in early March at Lake Creek. All Devo North, Devo South, & Striders skiers & families are invited to participate in this end of season celebration and athlete recognition party.
Dual Devo North
The Dual Devo Program is designed to give our families the opportunity to participate in a four day a week program that encompasses both Baldy-based programs (ski and ride) and cross country skiing. Members of the Dual Devo team will be members of Baldy Devo and Cross Country Devo North at Lake Creek.
Tuition: $TBD
Head coaches: Brian Caulkins (alpine – view profile), Martha Pendl (XC – view profile)
Ages: Grades 2-5
Communication for each aspect of the program will come from the discipline’s head coach. For full program descriptions of each aspect, please refer to Baldy Devo and Cross Country Devo program overviews.
Dual Devo South
The Dual Devo Program is designed to give our families the opportunity to participate in a four day a week program that encompasses both Baldy-based programs (ski and ride) and cross country skiing. Members of the Dual Devo team will be members of Baldy Devo and Cross Country Devo South at Quigley Canyon.
Tuition: $TBD
Head coaches: Brian Caulkins (alpine – view profile), Emily Williams (XC – view profile)
Ages: Grades 2-5
Communication for each aspect of the program will come from the discipline’s head coach. For full program descriptions of each aspect, please refer to Baldy Devo and Cross Country Devo team overviews.
Snowboard Devo
SVSEF’s Snowboard Devo program is the developmental snowboard program for SVSEF Baldy-based teams. Devo is for “Baldy- Ready” kids, meaning athletes who can ride the lift and are ready for the challenges of longer, more advanced runs, off-piste & groomed, and who understand safety rules and mountain etiquette. We practice all-mountain basic riding, jump and park skills, bump skills and racing techniques with a strong FUN-damental emphasis. SVSEF’s Devo program is designed to introduce and refine skills required to advance within SVSEF’s snowboard program. The SVSEF Devo program is staffed with professional coaches who teach age-appropriate skill progression inline with SVSEF and USSA team building and skill development philosophies. Snowboard athletes in the Baldy Devo program will be grouped with fellow riders at the beginning of each session.
Holiday camps (Christmas and spring break) are included as a part of the Devo team experience, and offer specific opportunities beyond regular weekend programming. Times and dates for holiday camps are based on creating safe and appropriate practice opportunities based on crowds, practice space, and conditions.
Tuition: $1,800
Ages: Grade 2-6
Head coach: JaNessa Gilbert
Limit: 15
Athlete-to-coach ratio: 6:1
On Snow, In Season Training Schedule
December 3/4 through March 25/26, plus April 1
Two days per week.
Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Sessions are 3-4 hours in length.
Additional training opportunities include special sessions in-season and during school breaks.
View Calendar:
Pass & Membership:
- Must purchase SVSEF/Blaine County Student Season Pass through Sun Valley Company for 22/23 season.
- Must purchase General US Ski & Snowboard Membership.
Age: Grades 2 – 6
Maturity:
- Must be independent; able to conduct oneself appropriately when unaccompanied.
- Must be able to care for and maintain all snowboard equipment.
- Responsible and accountable for hydration, nutrition, and proper layering for any weather.
- Respect teammates, coaches, parents, and all all mountain employees at all times.
- Complete knowledge of Mountain Safety Policies.
Supervision:
Snowboard Devo athletes remain with their groups under the supervision of their coach during all training sessions.
Travel & Competitions:
Local competitions: Baldy Banked Slalom, Rotarun Intramural Scrimmage.