MT. HOOD RACE TEAM (MHRT)
MHRT Mitey Mite Program
Mt. Hood Race Team (MHRT) is a ski program for children ages 6-13. MHRT's mission and coaching philosophy focus on having fun and creating life long skiers; teaching fundamentals that build all mountain skiers; and providing a competitive training and racing environment that encourages young ski racers to push their comfort zones an strive for higher levels of accomplishment. Mt. Hood Race team won the Pacific Northwest division title, the Buddy Werner Championships, two times in the past four years!
The 2011 MHRT coaching staff consist of over a dozen coaches, many of whom were Mt. Hood Race Team members as young ski racers. MHRT’s accomplishments are reflections of the mission and demonstrate the great work and commitment of everyone in the organization - racers, parents, volunteers and coaches. 2011 is going to be another great season!
Most training is conducted at Mt. Hood Skibowl. The area offers excellent terrain and a race-friendly environment, perfect for developing young competitors. In the early season and late season, Mt. Hood Race Team trains at Timberline, where the ample snow ensures a complete season of training opportunities.
Races are held at various Mt. Hood ski areas from January through March. Age classes at races are 8 & under, 9 & 10, 11 & 12, and 13 year olds.
Download the Mt Hood Race Team 2009-10 team application and release form.
New Racers
Young skiers of any Mitey Mite age are welcome to join Mt. Hood Race Team. Prior racing experience is not required, however, skiers should be able to ride the lifts, negotiate intermediate terrain, and put on their own equipment. New racers ages 9 to 12 may join the Mitey Mite Race Team, or they can try a Learn to Race session to test their interest. Young skiers, ages 6 to 8, must first sign up for one of the Learn to Race sessions. As soon as the coaches determine that these new racers are ready, they will be invited to join the Race Team!
Orientation Meeting
Mt. Hood Race Team asks that new families attend an orientation conducted at the team’s Fall meeting and Potluck. This year’s meeting will be held on Sunday, October 24th. If you join the team after that date, we’ll work together to help orient you to the sport of Alpine ski racing!
Mitey Mite Level Descriptions
9 to 12 yr old Mitey Mites - J4 & J5 Racers
MHRT’s J4 & J5 racers begin regular season training with a 3-day Thanksgiving camp, and continue through the final race in March. Regular training is on Saturdays and Sundays, and includes two additional camps during the holidays. J4 racers are invited to join older racers in early season dryland (conditioning sessions) and on-snow training sessions. Experienced J4’s can participate in the November Canada Camp and several week-long winter camps in conjunction with Mt. Hood Academy.
8 yrs and younger Mitey Mites - J6 Racers
The MHRT J6 program offers two options for Mitey Mites 8 years old and younger who already have race team experience. Racers can choose to train on Saturdays, or train on both Saturdays and Sundays. 6 year old racers practice on Saturdays only. J6 program training begins on the first Saturday in December and continues through the final race in March. Both options include a training camp during the holidays. New racers please see Learn to Race information below.
Download the Mt Hood Race Team 2009-10 team application and release form.
Give Ski Racing a Try!
All young skiers, ages 6 to 8, who are new to ski racing or new to Mt. Hood Race Team, first participate in a Mitey Mite Learn to Race session. These sessions are designed to introduce young skiers to the sport and prepare them for the race team. The young skiers must be accompanied by a parent or adult during training. Coaches will assess each young skier’s level and recommend to parents the best MHRT program to join.
New racers ages 9 to 12 may also participate in one or more Learn to Race session, or they may directly join the Race Team. Skiers who are excited to continue racing and want to join the Race Team can apply the Learn to Race fee toward the appropriate regular season Mitey Mite Program. Learn to Race racers have the option to participate in local Mitey Mite races.
Learn to Race Program
Learn to Race sessions are designed to introduce young skiers and new racers to the sport of alpine racing and prepare them for the race team. Coaches will assess each skier’s level and recommend to parents the best MHRT program to join.
Sessions 1 and 3 are held on 3 consecutive Saturdays in December or January. Session 2, the Holiday Camp, is held on three consecutive days over winter break. All young skiers age 6 - 8 must be accompanied by an adult.
All Learn to Race sessions are conducted at Mt. Hood Skibowl. Coaches will meet participants outside Multorpor Lodge at 9:30 AM. There will be a break for lunch at 11:30 and skiing will end at 2:30. Young skiers who are excited to continue racing may apply the Learn to Race fee toward the appropriate regular season Mitey Mite Program.
Schedule of Camps:
Learn to Race Session #1 - 3 consecutive Saturdays December 4, 11, 18
Learn to Race Session #2 - Holiday camp December 27-29
Both sessions $150 each (fee can be applied to team membership dues)
On line Registration or download and mail in your application camp application and release form
