U19 Ski Race Academy
Full-Season alpine racing program in Switzerland

Zenit Ski Team delivers elite athletic development and personal growth for international U19 alpine ski racers. The program combines advanced, athlete-focused coaching with premier training environments and tailored follow-up, all within a flexible framework compatible with adapted or online academic schedules.

Geared toward athletes targeting provincial, regional, national, or collegiate teams, Zenit offers full-season enrollment or modular training blocks and can be integrated alongside local, regional, or national programs.

Athletic development and personal growth for international U19 alpine ski racers. High-quality coaching and competition opportunities, with individualized scheduling options.

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Development towards High-Performance

The Zenit Ski Team is designed for international U19 athletes pursuing qualification for provincial, regional, state, national junior, or college teams.

Our program supports athletes who are enrolled in an adapted or online academic pathway—or who have already graduated—and are ready to commit to a structured high-performance environment.

We provide advanced coaching, world-class training environments, and rigorous individual follow-up within a flexible structure that allows athletes to combine Zenit with their local, regional, or national programs when needed. Coaching methods are athlete-centered and align with a long-term athlete development philosophy.

  • Small training groups of 5–8 athletes per coach.
  • Access to professional-level training environments and resources.
  • Consistent professional coaching staff throughout the season.
  • Athlete-centered coaching methods.
  • Individualized training goals and programming aligned with long term athlete development and the targeted qualification criteria.
  • Remote follow-up while athletes are following a physical or ski training program at home.
  • Assistance with the choice and setup of ski equipment.
  • Structured support for post-injury return to snow.
  • Monitored progress through daily video analysis, weekly coach assessments, and three global evaluations: Post Summer–Fall, mid-racing, and end-of-racing.
  • Training schedules are carefully balanced with physical preparation and academic workload.

Athletes may enroll in a full program or select specific training blocks according to their needs.

PROGRAM OPTIONS:

Racing Academy Switzerland

June 1st – October 31st:

Designed for athletes completing their full pre-season with Zenit or maintaining limited involvement with other programs.

  • 3 training blocks.
  • 11 weeks available.
  • Up to 55 days of SL, GS and Super-G ski training.
  • Zermatt Glacier, Switzerland.
  • El Colorado Ski Center, Chile.
  • Saas-Fee Glacier, Switzerland.
  • Peer Indoor Ski Center, Belgium.

Minimum enrollment: at least five weeks across two different blocks. This includes:

  • Full fitness & conditioning planning and follow-up.
  • 5% discount on coaching rates.
  • 10% discount on coaching rates for 9 weeks programs.
  • 15% discount if combined with Fall–Winter.
  • Official Zenit Team Jacket and apparel.
Racing Academy Sion Valais Zenit

November 1st – April 10th:

Designed for athletes committing to their full competition season with Zenit or maintaining limited involvement with other programs.

  • Base in Val d’Anniviers, Switzerland, with access to training facilities across the Valais region. Lodging in Athletes’ Chalet available with full meal plan and coaches supervision.
  • Racing and training tours in the Western Alps (Switzerland, France, Italy) from late November until mid-April.
  • Participation in FIS competitions which are ideal for U19 FIS athletes, attending mid to mid-high level FIS races but also NJR, NJC, CIT, ENL and UNI venues which are FIS sanctioned events for athletes in a development stage. Race entries must be arranged through each athlete’s club and national association and are subject to national quotas.
  • 3 training and racing blocks.
  • 16 weeks available.
  • Up to 50 training days of SL, GS and Super-G ski training.
  • Up to 30 starts in SL, GS and Super-G races.

Minimum enrollment: at least nine weeks across two different blocks. This includes:

  • Full fitness & conditioning planning and follow-up
  • 10% discount on coaching rates
  • 15% discount on coaching rates if combined with Summer–Fall
  • Official Zenit Team Jacket and apparel
Racing Academy GS training Zenit

July – April:

Designed for athletes splitting time between Zenit and another program.

  • Access to all training weeks in the Zenit Ski Team year calendar
  • Fitness & conditioning planning and follow-up available as an add-on

Minimum enrollment: at least eight weeks across three different blocks from the Summer-Fall and Fall-Winter programs. This includes:

  • 5% discount on coaching rates
  • 10% discount on coaching rates from 9-week programs
  • 15% on coaching rates from 14-week programs
  • Official Zenit Team Jacket and apparel

Get to know our Highly-skilled Team of Coaches in the Ski Zenit family.

Activities and Athlete development:

There are many important aspects of our training. The core values of Ski Zenit are passed on to our athletes. We care about their skiing development, but even more important is their growth as good people through the sport we love. We hold ourselves to high standards, striving to deliver the best quality in every session, and we expect our athletes to do the same.

Ski camp europe training

Physical preparation is a key part in the program, and a long term fitness and condition development plan is fully integrated into both the Summer–Fall and Fall–Winter programs.It is also available for the Flexible Year team members, as an add-on.

The fitness & conditioning structure includes:

  • Individualized programming.
  • Weekly remote follow-up via messaging and video calls.
  • In-person supervision during all on-snow blocks.
  • Coordination with local PTs/physiotherapists when required.
  • Warm-up, activation and recovery routines are implemented and adapted individually to each athlete.
ski camp europe hiking

Athlete personal well-being is central to our philosophy, fostering a strong team spirit, a positive environment, and creating a safe space for young athletes in which maturity and accountability will be the common standards.

  • Coach supervision during travel and lodging.
  • Team house available at the base in Val d’Anniviers, with all meals provided. Athletes must also take part in certain housekeeping tasks
  • Clear team values and code of conduct.
  • Defined communication protocols.
  • Structured training systems.
  • Team transport, lodging and meal options available during camps.
  • Ski tuning support and education.
school-brain-zenit

Athletes and families are invited to contact us and share their racing projects and objectives. Candidates must complete:

  • Physical screening by their local PT and physiotherapist.
  • Online personal interview and goal assessment.
  • Brief athlete report and support letter from previous coach.
  • Nutrition, sleep and injury-prevention questionnaire.
  • Motivation letter, CV and registration form.
  • Training and racing video footage.
  • Enrollment in an adapted or online schooling program.
  • Submission of qualification criteria from the team they aim to join.
  • Athletes must be members of a club and national ski association in their home country, being fully covered for travel, health care and accidents.
Sports Psychology

At Ski Zenit, we believe long-term performance goes hand in hand with academic stability and personal balance. When schooling is well-structured and adapted to training and travel, athletes reduce stress, improve time-management, and can fully focus on training and competition—while still protecting future opportunities (graduation pathways, university access, scholarships, and career options).

Families are always free to choose the school solution that best fits their child’s needs and long-term goals. That said, Ski Zenit works with a selection of trusted education partners and flexible schooling pathways that are well-suited to student-athletes. If a family needs support in this area, we can help guide them toward the right option and facilitate the search for an appropriate solution.

1. US Performance Academy (USPA) – Fully online (US system)

  • What it is: A fully online school designed for student-athletes, following the US education system.
  • Why it works for athletes: very flexible and travel-friendly (online format).
  • More info: https://gouspa.org/partners/usss/

2. A’ksent Suisse International School – Online (Cambridge)

  • What it is: An online school following the Cambridge pathway.
  • Why it works for athletes: flexible online structure; includes the possibility of a Winter Term format depending on availability and admissions.
  • More info: https://aksentsuisseacademy.ch/en/

3. International School of Sion (ISSion) – In-person in Valais (Cambridge)

  • What it is: An international school in Sion (Valais), aligned with the Cambridge system.
  • Why it works for athletes: local in Valais; families can discuss schedule adaptation directly with the school (subject to approval).
  • More info: https://is-sion.ch/en/

4. Haut-Lac International Bilingual School – In-person (IB)

  • What it is: A Swiss international bilingual school offering IB programmes (MYP & DP), with day school and boarding options.
  • Why it works for athletes: structured international pathway; sport-friendly environment (confirm specific “sport & study” options with admissions).
  • More info: https://haut-lac.ch/

ZENIT ski TEAM

Personalized offer

Multiple weeks available

Physical training plan

July – April

HOUSING

Personalized offer

Multiple options

Adapted to athletes

July – June

SCHOOLING

Personalized offer

Multiple options

Adapted to athletes

September – June

add-ons

Make sure you check out our extras to make the most out of your experience with Ski Zenit.

Testimonials
Google reviews

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Sasha Cromwell profile picture
Sasha Cromwell
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I had an amazing experience with the ski Zenit team while training in Chile. The coaches were extremely knowledgeable and the accommodation was excellent.
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Thea Han profile picture
Thea Han
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I attended the Chile camps in El Colorado with Ski Zenit, and it was an extremely productive camp. The coaches were very attentive, and the training/content was amazing. One of the best ski camps I've attended :)
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Anya profile picture
Anya
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Spent 3 Weeks in Chile. Best coaching I’ve ever had, and an amazing team environment!
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Dita Mayer profile picture
Dita Mayer
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A reliable, well organized camp with great coaches. I got exactly what I was hoping for from the camp. I would certainly recommend both for junior athletes and masters. Will be back.
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Nigel Gibb profile picture
Nigel Gibb
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I would like to thank the team at ski Zenit. My daughter had a blast. A big thank you to Lucia and Miquel for their ski racing tips and coaching.

Most frequent questions & answers
FAQ

Zenit Ski Team is for international U19 alpine racers pursuing a structured development programme. Athletes may combine the team with an adapted or online academic pathway, or join after graduating.

Admission involves reviewing the athlete’s goals, racing footage, coach feedback, physical readiness and academic pathway. Club and national-association membership and valid insurance are required. Read the admissions guide.

The team offers Summer–Fall, Fall–Winter and Flexible Year options, each with its own minimum commitment. Confirm your blocks and calendar with the team. This is a separate enrolment structure from a weekly camp.

The seasonal programme can include Swiss glaciers, Chile and winter training in Valais. Locations and race travel depend on the agreed calendar and conditions. Confirm the destination for each block before organising transport.

Training needs to fit an agreed academic pathway. Discuss adapted schooling, online study or a partner-school option before enrolment, and confirm arrangements directly with the education provider. Read about schooling and admissions.

Options can include school boarding, shared team accommodation or independent family arrangements. Availability, supervision, meals and costs depend on the selected programme and must be confirmed in your offer.

Confirm the meeting point and transport for each block. International athletes must also check entry, transit and any residence requirements for their nationality, study arrangement and length of stay. Contact the team early; permits are not automatic.

The team uses coaching and training fees plus a prepaid operational credit for variable costs such as accommodation, passes and race travel. Follow your confirmed offer and the Zenit Ski Team terms for payment, insurance and cancellation requirements.

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