INTRODUCTION
The Nancy Greene Ski League is a national program, inaugurated shortly after Nancy Greene Raine's Gold Medal win at the 1968 Grenoble Olympic Winter Games. Since then, the program has been successful in introducing thousands of children to alpine skiing. Many of Canada's top international skiers received their early training in Nancy Greene Ski League programs.

The program introduces children to basic ski techniques and skills, basic safety rules, and teamwork. Enjoyment of the sport and the mountain environment is also emphasized. The program is aligned with the Skier Essentials and Learn to Train phases of the Long Term Skier Development Model (AIM 2 Win), and the Husky Snow Stars Skill Achievements Program.

The Nancy Greene Ski League also introduces children to competition. These events, held at the club, zone, and provincial level, provide young skiers the opportunity to test the skills they have learned in the program in a fun and friendly environment. The emphasis in competition is placed on individual progress, team results, camaraderie, and fair play.

STANDARDS
 Each participant must be a member in good standing of an Alberta Alpine Club and registered member of the Alberta Alpine Nancy Greene Ski League.
 Each coach must be a member in good standing of the Canadian Ski Coaches Federation or the Canadian Ski Instructor's Alliance.
 Races and events must be sanctioned by Alberta Alpine and Alpine Canada Alpin.
 Clubs are expected to be proactive in coach education and to work with the Alberta Alpine to up-skill their coaching staffs. This includes providing coaching mentorship for coaches working toward full CSCF certification as Entry Level Coaches.
 Athletes born in 1998 may be given the option to participate in Nancy Greene Ski League programs based on developmental needs. These athletes may not be eligible to compete in certain events, nor be eligible for awards based on the discretion of club ROCs.   Clubs may seek approval for extended involvement in Nancy Greene Ski League programs through the High Performance Director, jim@albertaalpine.ca  

EVENTS

CALENDAR UPDATES - www.albertaalpine.ca
Please visit the Alberta Alpine website for changes and modifications to the NGSL Race Calendar.

DEVONIAN PROVINCIAL RACES

Event:   Provincial Race, Marmot Basin  
Dates:  January 30 - 31
Format: GS/SL
Eligibility: Snow Stars Level 4 + athletes born 1999-2001

Event:   Caribou Cup, Banff Norquay  
Dates:  March 13 - 14
Format: GS / Dual SL
Eligibility: Snow Stars Level 4 + athletes born 1999-2001
 
Event:   Gradfest, Nakiska  
Dates:  April 4 - 5
Format: GS / Kinder Kombi
Eligibility: Snow Stars Level 4 + athletes born 1999-2001

HUSKY SKILL AWARDS FESTIVAL

Events:    Terrain and Skills Event Castle Mountain Resort
Eligibility:   NGSL members skill level 3 +
Dates:    February 28th
Format:   Slalom, Dual Slalom, GS, Dual Obstacle Courses, Skills Events, etc        

CLUB INVITATIONAL RACES
Events:   As approved by Alberta Alpine

Eligibility:   At the discretion of the host club. Where possible E1 and E2 athletes should compete in separate environments
Dates:  Visit the race calendar page on this website

Suggested Formats:  Slalom, Dual Slalom, GS, Dual Obstacle Courses, Skills Events, etc

IMPORTANT RACE AND EVENT RULES

This is a partial list; details of the rules for Alpine Ski Racing are detailed in the ICR. 
Please see:  http://www.fis-ski.com for further information, or contact the Alberta Alpine office. 
 
1. The ICR Children's rules, Alpine Canada Alpin guidelines, and the Alberta Alpine NGSL Race & Event Rules govern Nancy Greene Ski League events in Alberta. 
2. The use of crash helmets is compulsory for all events. Helmets used must be specifically designed and manufactured for Alpine Ski Racing.
3. The use of crash helmets is strongly recommended for all coaches and volunteers.
4. The use of back protectors specifically designed for Alpine Ski racing is strongly recommended for all competitors.
5. Speed Suits:

• E2 Races (Provincial Series) - Suits are optional
• Invitational Races (E2 & E1)- Suits are optional for the oldest category  Examples:  a. 3 categories:  5-6 yrs (no suits), 7-8 yrs (no suits), 9-10 yrs (yes can wear suits)
  b. 2 categories: 5-7 yrs (no suits), 8-10 yrs (yes can wear suits)
• E1 Races (open to all ages) -Suits are NOT permitted

6. NGSL races are seeded in club order, which is determined by random draw.
7. The host club, in conjunction with Alberta Alpine, will decide the maximum quota of racers from visiting teams.
8. Racers will inspect the course by slowly side slipping down alongside the course, or through the gates unless otherwise notified by a member of the race jury
9. All racers must wear their bibs on the outside of their jacket, with bibs visible at all times.
10. All racers must be accompanied by a certified coach / instructor during course inspection.
11. A racer who has fallen or skied off the course must give way to an overtaking racer.  Subject to the foregoing, a racer who has fallen or skis off the course shall be allowed fifteen, (15), seconds to return to the course for the completion of her / his run.
12. A racer who has lost a ski, unless in the immediate area of the finish, must abandon.
13. A gate has been passed correctly when both of the competitor's ski tips and both feet have crossed the gate line. 
14. A racer may request a re-run if he/she feels that there was interference on the course.  The racer must ski off the course at the point of interference, report to an official and immediately request a provisional re-run. Re-runs may be requested only by the racer, or her/his coach, and are always subject to jury approval.
15. A racer may be disqualified if he/she accepts outside assistance of any form during a race, other than instructions from a gate judge or jury member.
16. The Team Captain's Meeting should be held the night before, or the morning of the first day of racing.
17. Awards should be within one hour of the end of the race and should last less than 30 minutes.  Award categories are determined by the host club.

HUSKY SNOW STARS PROGRAM
 
Who:   Children born 1997-2004 (Nancy Greene Ski League and K 1)
AIM 2:   Skier Essentials - Learn to Train
Where:  Clubs and Ski Areas

INTRODUCTION

Husky Snow Stars, Alpine Canada's skill development program for young skiers, will guide children, parents and coaches through the appropriate skill progression.  The goal of Snow Stars is to provide a solid foundation and knowledge base - physical, technical, tactical, and mental - to build children's athletic abilities.

The Husky Snow Stars Program consists of seven levels, which prioritize key skills that children need to progress from beginner to advanced levels of ski racing.  Each level is a guide for the coach to design a training plan that ensures competency in fundamental motor skills and fundamental skiing skills. Children will also learn about ski safety, cooperation, independence, listening skills, self-confidence, goal-setting, group/peer learning, task focused activities.

Further information about the Husky Snow Stars Program can be found in the Husky Snow Stars Parents and Coaches Manual and from your program Head Coach.

HUSKY SNOW STARS

LEVEL THEME GOAL
1 Controlled Skier 

• Safety
• Control
• Experimentation of vertical movement
• Introduction to mountain awareness
• Psychological skills
• Introduction to competitive spirit

2 Parallel Skier 

• Experimentation of fore/aft movement
• Maintain vertical movement
• Introduction to lower leg joint mobility
• Vertical explosiveness
• Psychological skills
• Introduction to competitive spirit

3 Mobile Skier
 

• Experimentation of steering and sliding
• Maintaining fore/aft movement
• Introduction to lateral movement (lateral push)
• Introduction to pole plant
• Psychological skills
• Competitive spirit

4 Dynamic Skier 

• Maintaining lateral movement
• Maintaining steering and sliding
• Pole plant timing
• Lateral explosiveness
• Linear quickness of feet
• Competitive spirit

5 Refined Skier 

• Experimentation in all planes of balance
• Maintaining pole plant
• Timing, coordination, rhythm
• Rotational stability
• Introduction to race disciplines
• Competitive spirit

6 Versatile Skier 

• Experimentation of environments
• Introduction to tactical awareness
• Rhythm and fluidity
• Lower leg joint sensitivity
• Precision and dexterity
• Awareness of gliding and acceleration in turn
• Competitive spirit

7 Racing Skills 

• Event specific race skills
• Generating and maintaining speed
• Rotational quickness
• Competitive spirit