Camelback Ski Development and Race Programs
The Camelback Mountain Resort Ski Team and the Camelback Mountain Resort Development Programs are under the supervision of the Mountain Race Department. The combined Race Staff brings years of competitive race experience and coaching expertise to Camelback Mountain Resort Ski Area. The coaching staff consists of USSCA level I, II, and III certified coaches as well as PSIA I, II, and III certified staff. Some of our coaches hold both upper level PSIA and USSCA certifications. The Camelback Mountain Resort Ski Team has produced racers who have excelled at Eastern Regional Races and gone on to excel at the college levels.
Future Stars Development Ski Program
The Camelback Mountain Resort Development program is designed for youngsters 6 to 14. This is a nine-week program for children who ski blue square trails and wish to improve their technique, build self-confidence, and enjoy a challenging skiing experience. Much like the "Team" program, these young athletes will be assigned to the same instructor/coach for the nine week (Saturday and Sunday) sessions. Learning is promoted during the five hours of daily coaching/instruction and supervised skiing. As the season progresses, the youngsters will be introduced to the fundamentals of gate training and timed racing. By skiing various terrain this program is designed to improve a youngsters skiing skills; it gives them an opportunity to learn race technique and gives them an opportunity to ski with new friends who share the same interests.
Program begins January 7, 2012, consists of Nine Weekends: $499.00
Use username: skiteam and password: skiteam11, please use this when you click on the link below to purchase your Ski Team packages. Sign in and purchase your package online
Camelback Ski Team
This program is designed for the serious ski racer who wishes to participate in the competitive United States Ski Association Sanctioned State and Regional events. The USSA is the national development base for the US Ski Team.
This program is geared for skiers (age 8-19) who can comfortably ski the entire mountain, including all Black Diamond trails. This program is a full season program that includes a Christmas Camp offering only on the team level. Primarily a competitive and travel team, the program athletes are assigned to coaches (see age classes) for the season. This format allows us to monitor progress and assure continuity of athletic development. For participants in this program additional Thursday and Friday night training is available from early January to mid February. Skiing skill development, race technique, course tactics, and equipment maintenance are all part of the program. Video sessions are also an integral part of the teaching and training.
Program begins Early December 2011, Program costs $699.00
Use username: skiteam and password: skiteam11, please use this when you click on the link below to purchase your Ski Team packages. Sign in and purchase your package online
Training times
- Saturday and Sunday 8:30am - 11:30am & 12:30pm - 2:30pm
- Optional Thursday and Friday evenings 5:00pm - 7:00pm
- Jan. through Feb. dates to be announced.
Training Levels/Categories
- J 4-5 ages 8-12
- J 3 ages 13-15
- J 1-2 ages 16-18
Each training age group has its own coaching staff that amounts to a 6:1 ratio of athletes to coach. Since this is primarily a travel program, coaches will accompany and coach athletes at races. It is the responsibility of the parents to get the athlete to and from the event. A mountain release, USSA license and release, PASEF and PARA membership are required to participate in this program. Limited space is available in this program so we recommend all fees be submitted by Nov. 22nd to assure a spot on the team.
Coaches for the Camelback Ski Team
Gus Picariello
Camelback Program Coordinator: Gus is retired Professional Educator, teacher and coach. With over 36 years of ski coaching and other sports at the high school level, Junior college level as well as 18 years as a summer ski camp director/coach. A former attendee and graduate of the United States Ski Coaches National Academy he holds both PSIA and 300 Level Coaches Certification. He has also been active in coach's education in the east serving as a clinician and examiner for coach's education. A past member of the Eastern Ski Association Development Committee, Eastern Alpine Committee, and State ACC Chair he continues to be active in PARA. In addition to his ski credentials he holds a Level 4 Technical Delegates License and is active in local, high school, and college officiating.
Kelsey Newell
Born and raised in Lake Tahoe, NV/CA she has skied and competed at all the major far west resorts. A member of the Kirkwood Ski Team ski team Kelsey skied at both the USSA and FIS levels (Junior Olympics, Development and Tech Series, etc.) She also skied for her local high school, Douglas High School. A graduate from the University of Nevada, Reno she holds a B.S. in Medical Science and Exercise Therapy. She has coached J1-5 for Kirkwood Ski Team in California while in college and immediately after. A Club coach (2001) she is working on completing her Level 100 Certification.
Joe Messina
Joe is currently the assistant J3 coach. He is USSCA Certified with 20 plus years coaching and ski teaching experience. Joe is a graduate of East Stroudsburg University. Joe also races in an adult race league.
Keith Dickerson
Keith grew up in upstate NY he raced USSA and High School where he participated in the Empire Games. Keith is a graduate from Penn State University where he played soccer. Presently Keith is a Professional Educator and Soccer Coach at the high school level in the Poconos.
Contact the Camelback Ski Team by e-mail.
