U16 National Points Team
Born 2011-2012
The U16 National Points Program is designed for athletes born in 2011–2012 who are passionate about ski racing and ready to commit to a high-performance pathway. This program supports motivated skiers who want to challenge themselves, refine their skills, and pursue excellence on and off the mountain.
Our U16 program builds independence, professionalism, and confidence, preparing athletes for advanced racing pathways, including future FIS-level competition. Athletes develop strong technical skills, physical conditioning, and mental resilience, with a strong emphasis on learning to make smart decisions both on snow and in training.
Guided by our experienced coaching team, athletes follow a structured plan combining on-snow sessions, Strength & Conditioning training, and physical testing, supported by Ben Griffin and The Mill’s S&C team.
We also support a balanced approach to academics through our partnership with Wakatipu High School, with distance-learning options available for full-time athletes.
Programme Structure
● The U16 group will be capped at 16 athletes, including both national and international skiers.
● Athletes train closely with 1 Head Coach and 1 full-time coach, ensuring high-quality coaching and individualised progression.
● Our goal is to provide every athlete with the right pace, the right environment, and consistent access to expert coaching—supporting clear and sustainable development.
Program Details
Full Time 5-Day Program
Training 5 days per week Wed - Sun; Total Days: 70 Days
Early Bird Rate: $7,950
Standard Rate: $8,745
Injury Insurance: $398 (Early Bird), $437 (Standard)
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 2026 season.
Joining Fee
A $1500 joining fee applies to all new club members aged U14 and older.
If athletes qualify for both the club fee and the joining fee, the total combined amount will be capped at $1,500.
Volunteer Bond: $600, refundable upon completion of volunteer requirements.
Equipment & Apparel: Access to ski tuning workshops, QAST jacket (to be returned end-of-season), black ski pants.
Registration
Please apply for registration HERE
Coaching Structure
At the start of the season, athletes will train in two groups during the technical fundamentals block. Group allocation will be determined by the Head Coach based on athlete needs.
The full group will train together for course-setting sessions (brushes, stubbies, gates).
Strength & Conditioning (S&C)
Athlete development at U16 emphasises core functions that will shape future capacities in training and competition environments.
- Movement competency provides the foundation for any athletic pathway
- Energy systems development allows the athlete to perform at lower relative costs while improving the ability to recover between runs and across training blocks.
- Accurately designed and periodised strength training supports neuromuscular development, educates the athlete toward a better understanding of the demands of the sport, and more importantly, improves athlete wellbeing through greater resilience and confidence.
The program is set largely on on the Monday/Wednesday/ Friday calendar with adjustments according to the race calendar. Sessions take 1-1.5 hours and will increase in educational components in 2026. Programming that is not delivered in-house at The Mill (.e.g during race blocks) is available for the athletes to use on the Lumin Strength app, where volume load and attendance is recorded.
Domestic Training Camps
To maximise terrain variety and maintain progression throughout the season, we aim to run at least one domestic training camp.
We are currently finalising discussions with Roundhill and Ōhau, with full details to be confirmed over summer.
Season Length
20 June – 3 October 2026 (16 weeks)
There will be an option to join an additional training week during the second week of the school holidays later in the season. Further details will be provided during winter.
Prerequisites
Athletes entering the U16 program should demonstrate the ability to:
● Show outstanding work ethic and a winning attitude
● Support teammates and act as positive role models
● Tune and wax skis independently after each session
● Have previously competed in full National Points series (GS, SL & SG) at Coronet Peak, Cardrona & Mt Hutt
● Display strong technical ability (balance, outside ski pressure, stable upper body, clean arcs)
● Commit to both on-snow and off-snow S&C training
● Mentor U14 athletes
● Own and maintain appropriate equipment
Focus: Technical mastery, independence, resilience, and race readiness.
Technical Ski Focus
- Fundamentals block (first three weeks): free skiing, brushes, stubbies
- Ongoing technical drills throughout the season
- Maximum 16 athletes with 2 coaches for quality training
- Continuous video analysis (upgraded equipment for 2026)
- Access to online race-tuning booking with Snowglides completed by coaches
- Regular use of Brower timing for technical refinement
- Interaction with high-level international athletes to share work ethic, skills, and enjoyment
Athlete Goals
Overall Goal: Progress from training to train, to training to race in the QAST athlete development pathway.
● Participation in local or international training or racing opportunities
● Increased maturity, independence, and physical/mental strength
● Achieve high technical standards and consistent commitment to training
● Podium at National Points races
● Selection for the NZ Youth Squad
● Prepare confidently for future FIS-level racing
Overall Goal: Progress from training to train, to training to race
U16 National Points Training Calendar
20 June – 3 October 2026, with one recovery week after the Mt Hutt National Points races.
● June & July: Primarily training at Coronet Peak
● August & early September: Alternating between Coronet Peak and The Remarkables
● NZSki has confirmed a minimum of two training days per week at Coronet Peak during peak season for our U16 team.
● Additional lane space will be available when FIS teams are away for races/camps
Full draft calendars will be provided separately.
Weekly Structure
Weekdays (Wed–Fri)
● Session 1: Gate training
● Athletes return to Wakatipu High School after on-snow training
Weekends & School Holidays
● Fundamentals / low-end drills / freeskiing
● Gate training
QAST U16 Training Overview
Total time on snow per session: 150–240 min
(More volume at the start of the season, decreasing slightly during the race block)
|
Activity |
% of Session |
Notes |
|
Gate Training / Ski Racing |
45% |
Brushes, stubbies, gates; race strategy, timing, technique |
|
Technical Drills |
30% |
Technical skill development outside gates |
|
Free ski / Terrain Exploration |
25% |
Terrain Park, off-piste, playful challenges |
Notes for Athletes & Parents
● Activities are rotated to maintain engagement and to balance skill development, race practice, and play.
● S&C, physical testing, and video analysis support all on-snow training.
● Additional SL, GS, and SG-focused camps may be offered outside Queenstown.
Registration
Please apply for registration HERE