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An Honest Guide to Buck Hill’s Youth Ski & Snowboard Programs
At Buck Hill, we know that every kid is different. Some want to fly down race courses. Others want to launch off terrain park features. Some just want to learn how to turn without eating snow (respect). No matter where your child falls on the skiing or snowboarding spectrum, Buck Hill’s winter programs offer something to match their skill level, personality, and future Olympic aspirations (or lack thereof).
You might be new to youth ski and snowboard programs or you’re a seasoned snow-sport parent looking for the next step, whatever the case – this guide will help you choose the right Buck Hill program for your kid. Registration opens to the public on Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 – so let’s break it all down now.
The Two Big Categories
At Buck Hill, winter youth programs fall into two main lanes:
Racing Programs (Ski Only) | If your child loves structure, speed, and the satisfying snap of carving turns, ski racing might be their thing.
Freestyle Programs (Ski & Snowboard) | For the kids who treat the hill like a playground, love terrain parks, or already own three beanies, freestyle might be the better fit.
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RACING PROGRAMS (Ski Only)
If your kid lives for speed, asks “Can I go faster?” on every run, or secretly pretends they’re in the Olympics on the way down the hill, ski racing might be their thing. Buck Hill’s racing programs are built for young athletes of all levels—from brand-new racers to seasoned speed demons. We offer progressive, age-appropriate training that balances structure, fun, and real-deal skill development for first time racers to athletes aiming to land on the podium.
Intro to Ski Racing
Best For: Kids ages 6-9 with basic skiing experience who want to dip a toe into racing.
Think of this as the “Little League” of ski racing. Kids learn the fundamentals of racing while building their skills in a fun, low-pressure environment. The focus is on improving technique and developing comfort with gates. No racing experience needed—just basic skiing ability and a willingness to learn.
Atmosphere: Playful, confidence-building, and foundational.
Parent Tip: If your kid is asking, “How do I go faster?” this is your program.
D-Team
Best For: Kids ages 6-15 who want to compete locally and sharpen their racing skills.
D-Team is one of Buck Hill’s most popular entry points into competitive skiing. Participants race in the South Series of the Minnesota State High School League pipeline. Training includes free-skiing, drills, and gate training.
Atmosphere: Competitive but fun, with a tight-knit team culture.
Parent Tip: Ideal for kids who want to compete but aren’t quite ready for a full-time racing schedule.
Renegades
Best For: Intermediate D-Team skiers looking for a recreational team experience.
The Renegades are all about learning racing skills in a fun and team-oriented setting. There’s no pressure to compete at a high level, but racers do get exposure to local competitions. Coaches emphasize personal growth, solid technique, and keeping things fun. Progra focuses on the advancement of the athlete to the Buck Hill Ski Racing Team.
*Must be a member of the Buck Hill D-Team to register for the Renegades program.
Atmosphere: Recreational and inclusive, with just enough challenge.
Parent Tip: Great for families who want structured training without a full-time racing commitment.
Training Group
Best For: Dedicated high school athletes (ages 14-18) who want additional snow training days.
This program is designed for serious junior racers who want focused coaching without the full competition commitment. Athletes in Training Group work alongside the Buck Hill Ski Racing Team but on a modified training schedule.
Atmosphere: Focused, disciplined, and developmental.
Parent Tip: This is the stepping stone to the elite level of racing at Buck Hill.
Buck Hill Ski Racing Team
Best For: Advanced athletes (ages 9+) committed to high-level training and competition.
This is Buck Hill’s premier alpine race program. It’s produced Olympians, national champions, and some very fast kids. The team competes in USSS and FIS races, with training that includes both on-snow and off-snow conditioning.
Atmosphere: Intense, elite, and proud.
Parent Tip: If your kid eats wax flakes for breakfast and knows what a stivot is, this is the one.
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FREESTYLE PROGRAMS (Ski & Snowboard)
Some kids dream in jumps, rails, and 360°s – and we’re here for it. Buck Hill’s freestyle programs are where creativity meets progression. Your child might be brand new to the park or already posting GoPro edits and we’ve got a program to match their skills. Our freestyle programs build confidence, encourage expression, and teach the technical skills needed to ride terrain parks safely and with style..
X-Team
Best For: Beginner-to-intermediate freestyle skiers and snowboarders ages 7-18
X-Team is where kids learn the basics of terrain park riding in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. From learning how to ride a rail to stomping their first 180°, this program helps kids progress their park skills with a strong emphasis on safety and style.
Atmosphere: Creative, energetic, and progression-focused.
Parent Tip: Perfect for the kid who spends more time looking at jumps than ski runs.
Buck Hill Freestyle Team
Best For: Advanced freestyle skiers and snowboarders ages 7-18 ready to compete.
This is Buck Hill’s elite freestyle program. Athletes train and compete in USASA and USSS slopestyle, rail jam, and halfpipe events. The focus is on refining tricks, developing contest-ready runs, and pushing progression in a team-oriented environment.
Atmosphere: Technical, driven, and full-send.
Parent Tip: For kids who want to compete and throw down with the best of them.
Why Buck Hill?
Buck Hill has been at the forefront of Midwest skiing for decades. With experienced coaches, progressive terrain, and a welcoming community, our programs are about more than just skiing or snowboarding. They’re about building confidence, teaching responsibility, and helping kids develop a lifelong love of winter.
Also, let’s be real: it’s a great way to get them off screens, outside, and burning off energy in the best way possible.
Not Sure Yet? That’s Normal.
If you’re still unsure where your kid fits, that’s totally okay. Here are a few questions to help narrow it down:
Does your child talk more about going fast or jumping high?
Do they thrive with structure and direction, or do they like to explore and improvise?
Are they brand-new to snow sports, or have they been carving since kindergarten?
Ready to Sign Up?
Winter Program Registration opens Tuesday, July 1st, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Mark your calendar, set a reminder, and sharpen those edges. We recommend registering early – some of our programs fill up fast. See you at Buck Hill!