Mt. Ashland Association and Southern Oregon Ski Education Foundation Partner to Expand Youth Ski Racing Opportunities
Two new programs providing young skiers with a pathway from foundational race development to competitive alpine ski racing.
Mt. Ashland Association (MAA) and the Southern Oregon Ski Education Foundation (SOSEF) are pleased to announce the development of two new youth ski racing programs for the upcoming 2026/27 winter season. Through a collaborative effort, the organizations are working to ensure that young athletes throughout Southern Oregon continue to have opportunities to develop their skiing abilities, build confidence, and participate in alpine ski racing at Mt. Ashland.
Following the announcement that the Mt. Ashland Racing Association (MARA) would not operate its youth ski racing program for the upcoming season, MAA and SOSEF began working together to develop a solution for the families and athletes affected by the program’s absence. Recognizing the importance of maintaining youth racing opportunities in Southern Oregon, the organizations have established two complementary programs designed to accommodate different ages and skill levels while creating a clear pathway for continued athletic development.
Mt. Ashland Race Development Program | Ages 7–10
Mt. Ashland Association will introduce a new nine-week Race Development Program designed for intermediate to advanced skiers ages 7 through 10 who are interested in developing the foundational skills necessary for alpine ski racing.
The program will emphasize strong skiing fundamentals, including balance, edge control, speed management, and clean, controlled turns. As participants progress, coaches will introduce basic gate training, beginning with smaller, flexible training gates to help young athletes become comfortable navigating a racecourse.
The program is intended to serve as a stepping stone into SOSEF’s Junior Ski Racing Program, providing younger athletes with the skills and confidence needed to pursue more advanced race training as they develop.
The nine-week program will run Saturdays from January 16 through March 13, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at a cost of $449 per participant. Skiers must already be comfortable navigating intermediate to advanced terrain, controlling their speed, performing mostly parallel turns and hockey stops, and riding a chairlift independently. Lift tickets and rental equipment are not included.
SOSEF Junior Ski Racing Program | 5th–8th Grade
Building upon its established high school alpine racing program, SOSEF is expanding its offerings to include a new Junior Ski Racing Program for students in 5th through 8th grade.
The nine-week program will provide young athletes with dedicated coaching, structured race training, and opportunities to participate in competitive alpine ski racing. Training will focus on skiing fundamentals, safety, gate training, and race technique, with participants gaining firsthand racing experience on high school racecourses with official timing and results.
The program will operate Saturdays from January 2 through February 27, 2027, at a cost of $600 per athlete, including race entry fees. Participants should already possess a strong skiing foundation and be comfortable skiing blue and black runs. Lift tickets and ski equipment are not included.
The addition of a junior racing program will create a natural progression into SOSEF’s established high school ski racing teams, strengthening the future of competitive alpine ski racing in Southern Oregon.
Building a Pathway for the Next Generation
Together, the two programs establish a progressive approach to youth ski racing at Mt. Ashland, beginning with fundamental skill development and advancing toward structured race training and competition.
While the Mt. Ashland Race Development Program is designed for ages 7–10, SOSEF’s Junior Ski Racing Program is available to eligible students beginning in 5th grade. This intentional overlap allows families of 10-year-old athletes to select the program that best aligns with their child’s skiing abilities, confidence, and readiness for competitive racing.
“At Mt. Ashland, we believe that introducing young people to alpine recreation creates opportunities that extend far beyond the slopes,” said Rachel Canada, General Manager of Mt. Ashland Ski Area. “When we learned that MARA would not be operating this season, we knew how important it was to work toward a solution for the young athletes and families who wanted to continue skiing and racing. We’re grateful to SOSEF for working alongside us to develop programs that not only serve those families today, but also create opportunities for the next generation of Southern Oregon skiers.”
“Adding a younger age group to SOSEF is about building the future of ski racing in Southern Oregon,” said Gary King of SOSEF. “The MARA program showed us how powerful it is when you give young kids great coaching, teamwork, and a love for the mountain. We want to bring that back for the next generation and create a clear, exciting pathway into our high school teams.”
For decades, Mt. Ashland Association and SOSEF have shared a commitment to supporting youth alpine recreation in Southern Oregon. Through their continued collaboration, both organizations hope to strengthen the local ski racing community, support young athletes as they progress, and inspire a lifelong love of skiing. After the 26/27 winter season, MAA, SOSEF, and MARA will continue to connect to provide the best path forward for all organizations. Former MARA coaches who are interested in coaching this season are encouraged to apply directly to Mt. Ashland or SOSEF, depending on which program they are interested in coaching.
Program Registration and Information
Enrollment for both programs is limited, and families are encouraged to register early.
Mt. Ashland Race Development Program
- Ages: 7–10
- Dates: Saturdays, January 16–March 13, 2027
- Time: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Cost: $449 per participant
- Registration will open early November
- Information and Registration: www.mtashland.com/lessons
SOSEF Junior Ski Racing Program
- Grades: 5th–8th
- Dates: Saturdays, January 2–February 27, 2027
- Cost: $600 per athlete
- Registration deadline: December 7, 2026
- Information and registration: www.sosefskier.com
About Mt. Ashland Association
Mt. Ashland Association (MAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing and promoting a healthy, quality experience in an alpine environment. As Southern Oregon’s community ski area, Mt. Ashland is committed to making skiing and snowboarding accessible and affordable for individuals and families throughout the region. Through affordable beginner group lessons starting at just $53, youth development programs, and $25,000 in annual youth scholarships, MAA works to remove barriers to alpine recreation and inspire the next generation of skiers and riders. For more than 30 years, Mt. Ashland’s School & Youth Group Learn-to-Ski Program has introduced tens of thousands of children to skiing and snowboarding, serving approximately 1,400 youth annually with the support of generous sponsors, dedicated school staff, and volunteers. From first-time lessons to advanced Freeride and Race Development programs, Mt. Ashland provides opportunities for young athletes to build confidence, develop their skills, foster a lifelong connection to outdoor recreation and find community.
About Southern Oregon Ski Education Foundation
The Southern Oregon Ski Education Foundation (SOSEF) provides alpine ski racing opportunities for students throughout the Rogue Valley and Grants Pass, with training and competitions held at Mt. Ashland. Through its established high school racing program, SOSEF hosts up to eight slalom and giant slalom races during the winter season, culminating in the Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association (OISRA) three-day championship competition in early March.
SOSEF is dedicated to creating a positive, supportive, and competitive environment where young athletes of all abilities can develop their skiing skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships through shared experiences on the mountain. With an emphasis on athlete development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, SOSEF strives to help every skier reach their individual potential, whether as a competitive racer or a lifelong skier. Supported by a dedicated community of parents, volunteers, alumni, and local supporters, SOSEF remains committed to providing a simple, transparent, and athlete-focused program that fosters a lifelong love of skiing.