What is the Entry Level program and how competitive is U12 racing?
Rule- Canada
- Alpine Canada
- Ski racing
- Entry Level
- U12
- Learn to Train
- 2026-27
- Parents
The ACA National Competition Rules 2026-27 describe Entry Level as the major non-points racing program for children aged 6 to 11, with regulations and criteria uniform across Canada. It is a training and racing program "designated to encourage children to ski race without subjecting them to intense competitive pressures."
- U10 and U12 are listed as non-points programs. National points are not calculated for races with a REC codex, and a REC codex can be assigned to a race for U12 and younger.
- Running alongside Entry Level is the Alpine Canada Strive Program, an 8-level development framework focused on skill development, athletic development, fitness, health and life skills.
- Alpine Canada's LTAD stage for U12 (Learn to Train) says the focus "is not on individual results", and that skiers may choose to move toward more competitive racing in the next stage (Train to Train: boys 12 to 16, girls 11 to 15).
- Racing at this stage is at club level, with local and zone racing and limited provincial racing.
Sources: ACA National Competition Rules 2026-27 and ltad.alpinecanada.org/stages/learn-to-train.
Updated 25 Oct 2026