Interfield Team

Born 2015-2020

The QAST Interfield Team is for athletes born 2015 to 2020 (U8 to U12) and is designed to get juniors excited about ski racing and to develop the physical and mental skills needed to compete as a ski racer at a higher level. This program is all about building the skier and setting them up for success further down the line by acquiring the skills that are needed, all in a fun atmosphere that lets them grow and develop.  

The program is designed to teach the love of skiing and how to play on and respect our mountains. The kids will experience a lot of different possibilities that our playground offers us including:

  • Technique/Free skiing 60%
  • Ski Racing (drills and gates) 40%

Emphasis is placed on developing their technique in many different weather and snow conditions for them to enjoy skiing with their friends and in a safe environment. We want the kids to enjoy their sport and be excited to see and play with their friends every week. The more fun they have, the more they will want to ski and with more time spent on snow they will start seeing improvements in their confidence and their skiing. The best way to learn high performance skiing is not by exclusively training in gates.

Our team of qualified coaches will decide which parts of the program are most suitable for their individual coaching group with some group training gates and others training off-piste or freeskiing. 

Age Categories

U8 - Born 2019-2020

U10 - Born 2017-2018

U12 - Born 2015-2016

Program Details

2 Day Part Time Program

Athletes born 2015 - 2020 (U8, U10, U12) 

Training 2 days on weekends as well as school holidays.

Early Bird Rate: TBC 

Standard Rate: TBC

Injury Insurance: TBC (Early Bird),  TBC (Standard)

 

3 Day Part Time Program

Athletes born 2015 - 2017  

Training 3 days per week on weekends and 1 day mid-week (Choice of day to be made at registration) as well as school holidays.

Early Bird Rate: TBC

Standard Rate: TBC

Injury Insurance: TBC (Early Bird), TBC (Standard)

 

5 Day Full Time Program

Athletes born 2015 - 2017

Training 5 days per week Wed - Sun

Early Bird Rate: TBC

Standard Rate: TBC

Injury Insurance: TBC (Early Bird), TBC (Standard)

 
Additional Day: $125

This option is available for athletes U10-U12, subject to availability. Extra days will only be accommodated if there is a group that has space available or there are enough additional day requests that it is viable to add an additional coach.

 

Club Representation

All QAST athletes are expected to register with Snowsports under the Queenstown Alpine Ski Team as both the Training Provider and the Ski Club or they will incur a non-club member fee of $1,000 for the 2025 season.

Prerequisites

To join the QAST Interfield Team, athletes must have the skills appropriate for their age group. Athletes with no prior ski racing experience should first complete the Intro to QAST Program (Winter or Spring Camp) to be assessed and qualify for the team.

U8 (Born 2019–2020)

Athletes should be able to:

  • Put on skis independently and get up after a fall
  • Ski at a consistent high speed
  • Ski parallel on blue runs (M1) and with a small wedge on red runs (Hurdle)
  • Ride all lifts safely (chairlift assistance if under 130cm)
  • Ski all groomed runs
  • Perform small jumps and ski easy off-piste terrain (e.g., lower exchange to keyhole)

Focus: Building confidence, balance, and independence on the mountain.

 

U10 (Born 2017–2018)

Athletes should be able to:

  • Complete all U8 prerequisites
  • Ski parallel on all runs
  • Perform jumps and bumps (moguls)
  • Carve on blue runs (M1)
  • Ski with confidence and speed on groomed runs and off-piste terrain (back bowls, chimney)
  • Execute short turns in control on blue runs (M1)

Focus: Technical skill development, carving, and handling more varied terrain.

 

U12 (Born 2015–2016)

Athletes should be able to:

  • Complete all U10 prerequisites
  • Execute short turns in control on red runs (Million Dollar)
  • Begin cross-blocking in slalom gates (25mm)
  • Have racing experience in Interfield races at outdoor mountains (Cardrona, Treble Cone, The Remarkables, Coronet Peak)
  • Be committed to attending the QAST Dryland program

Focus: Preparing for structured racing, refining technique, and building fitness for competitive alpine skiing.

Key Note for Parents:
These prerequisites ensure athletes are ready for the challenges of each age group, keeping them safe, confident, and set up for success.

Understanding On-Snow Activities

To balance fun, skill development, and racing experience, sessions include four main activity types:

Fun / Free Skiing 🟦

Exploration, play, and confidence-building. Kids try different terrain, small jumps, rollers, and natural features while experimenting with speed and turning.

Guided Free Skiing 🟩

“Play with purpose.” Coaches provide cues and challenges while kids ski freely, focusing on balance, edging, weight distribution, and rhythm, bridging play and structured training.

Drills / Skill Development 🟧

Short, focused exercises to improve technical skills like turn shape, pole planting, edging, agility, and rhythm. Drills build muscle memory and precision, helping athletes transfer skills to racing scenarios.

Gate Training / Ski Racing 🟥

Structured racing practice, including SL or GS courses. Athletes focus on line choice, timing, and technique, applying skills from drills and guided free skiing in a fun, competitive environment.

Key Principle:
All activities work together to help athletes grow as skiers, not just racers, developing confidence, technique, and racing ability — while still having fun every time they hit the snow.

 

U8 (6–7 years old, 5-hour session, 1-hour break included)

Activity

Time

%

Visual

Fun / Free Skiing

115 min

48%

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Guided Free Skiing

50 min

21%

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Drills / Skill Development

25 min

10%

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Gate Training

50 min

21%

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U10 (8–9 years old, 5-hour session, 1-hour break included)

Activity

Time

%

Visual

Fun / Free Skiing

90 min

38%

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Guided Free Skiing

50 min

21%

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Drills / Technical Skill

10 min

4%

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Gate Training

90 min

38%

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U12 (10–11 years old, 5-hour session, 1-hour break included)

Activity

Time

%

Visual

Fun / Free Skiing

60 min

25%

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Guided Free Skiing

40 min

17%

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Drills / Technical Skill

20 min

8%

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Gate Training

120 min

50%

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Notes for Parents:
  • Activities are rotated throughout the session to maintain engagement and match attention spans.
  • Fun and guided freeskiing prepare athletes for gate sessions and skill drills.
  • Every session balances play, skill development, and racing practice, ensuring your child learns, grows, and has fun.

Program Notes:

  • Athletes will warm up and ski with their group. More detailed instructions will be sent the day before training on Heja App
  • Athletes are encouraged to pack a healthy lunch, water, spare gloves and enough warm clothes should the weather change during the day
  • Equipment Requirements Here
  • Dryland program
  • Each athlete will receive a QAST Jacket, Athletes are also required to wear black ski pants.
    • To be returned end of season, please empty pockets and wash and waterproof.
    • If your athlete's jacket is not returned in good condition your jacket bond of $80 will be retained.
  • Access to ski tuning - This can be purchased from the QAST shop through the website.
  • Volunteer Bond: We require a volunteer bond of $600 on top of these fees which is returned to you at the end of the season if you have completed the requirements.

Registration

Registrations for 2026 will be opening soon,