winter 2014/2015

WINTER 2014/2015
600 Highland Drive, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
boynehighlands.com | 231.526.3000
Welcome to the 2015 Season
Dear athletes and families,
Welcome to the 2015 Boyne Flyers & Team Elite program at Boyne Highlands Resort! We are very
excited and look forward to another great season. Over the past four years, we have nurtured
a seed into a sapling: growing from two coaches and eight skiers to six coaches and forty-three
skiers last season, with plans to expand again.
Our Boyne Flyers program continues to focus on building strong skiers through fun and creative
coaching techniques that reinforce basic motor skills during the formative years, results speak
for themselves. This season, the program seeks to be even more attentive to the needs of our
youngest skiers, with a class design that allows those developing similar skill sets to work together
exclusively with their coach. The Team Elite program specifically designed for advanced skiers
last season was a tremendous success in promoting the tactical development of our athletes.
We have expanded the Team Elite program this season to include race-day coaching at three
CUSSA competitions throughout the winter. Several of our athletes are prepared to compete at
higher levels, and will find seasoned guidance in these arenas invaluable in pursuing their goals.
We are also extremely excited to announce plans for another annual spring Freeski Camp this
season given the tremendous success of past camps at Big Sky, Montana. Big Sky allowed us to
ski 150,000 vertical feet in a week, not to mention the incredible array of terrain that is simply not
seen in the Midwest! To many of our young flyers, this is a truly eye-opening experience as to what
skiing can be and where it can take them. Being a part of the Boyne Resorts family we have many
options for the location of this spring's camp and further details will be released as the season
progresses.
We hope that you will join us this season and urge you to register soon, as space is limited to fifty-five.
We would like to thank our partners for making this season possible, and all those involved who
believe in this program’s visionary mission of making good skiers and outstanding young people.
Prepare for progress,
Kyle Griffin
Program Director/ Head Coach
Boyne Flyers & Team Elite at Boyne Highlands
248.884.8836
krgriffin@boynehighlands.com
BOYNE Flyers Program Philosophy
The BOYNE Flyers guiding principles are very simple:
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Activities must be fun and challenging for all participants.
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Create a love for the sport skiing.
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Provide instruction with an emphasis on skill development so kids begin to develop
technical proficiency during the key motor skills learning years.
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Recognize that all kids have long-term potential to be great skiers and/or future champions
regardless of individual physical qualities. Since children mature at a different ages, we
encourage all kids, at all ability levels, to challenge themselves.
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To overstate the importance of learning to ski before learning to race.
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To help parents and kids understand that champions are made – not born.
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To teach kids that sportsmanship in athletics is far more important than just winning.
The BOYNE Flyers are at the forefront of modern coaching theories. Many long held practices
were not in the best interest of the children. In most cases, extensive gate training at a young
age did not provide a fun and rewarding experience. It is wrong to handicap a child by
asking him or her to “learn to ski” by training and racing gates.
The best ski racers in the world exhibit solid skiing technique – which is the result of proper
instruction and lots of free skiing in changing conditions over varied terrain. A consistent
regimen of free skiing and technical drills will ensure that all young skiers develop the proper
skills to become highly proficient skiers and eventually successful ski racers. Our mission is to
develop skiers for life!
“World Slalom Champion, Marcel Hirscher from Austria, wins because he is the best skier in all
terrain. Marcel skies a lot of bumps, powder and wind-pressed snow – most always with a ski
instructor. Marcel never stops working on his free skiing”.
-Former World Cup racer, Andrea Sendlhofer
Young skiers focus on striving to master the technical elements that will make them good skiers
over the long term is essential to progress and fun. A child’s primary motor skills learning years
are from ages 6 to 12. These are the years that we as coaches and parents must essentially
“hard wire” our kids so they begin to master basic sports skills.
In general, young children are not able to easily relate to goals. Coaches and parents are
equal partners in helping kids focus on acquiring skills today which will serve them well in the
long term. All too common, many families get wrapped up in the spirit of competition and
expect a higher performance from their young athletes before they even possess the skills
necessary for success. When kids are getting the same message from both coaches and
parents, success is more easily attained.
BOYNE Flyers Coaching Staff
Kyle Griffin | Program Director / Head Coach
Fresh off an Australian ski season, Kyle Griffin returns to the program
this season as our Director and Head Coach. Following a
successful ski racing career, including All-State Honorable Mention
and podium finishes in the NASTAR pacesetter trials, Coach Kyle
decided to focus his full attention upon developing young
athletes. Having experience with numerous ski school and race
club programs, he returns from Mt. Hotham, Victoria, where he
served as a FIS Coach and instructor. Coach Kyle is a Level 2
instructor, Level 200 USSA coach and certified Referee, Chief of
Course, and Chief of Race . He is also a recent graduate of Albion
College’s Gerstacker Institute of Business.
krgriffin@boynehighlands.com
Steve Gotlieb | Assistant Program Director / Coach
Having begun his skiing career at Boyne Highlands at the age of 5,
Steve Gottlieb is returning as our Assistant Program Director this
season. Coach Gottlieb enjoyed a very active ski racing career
for Cranbrook Schools and competing in USSA Region 3. While
attending the University of Colorado in Boulder, Coach Gottlieb
continued his favorite vocation by skiing in the Colorado
mountains at every opportunity. Coach Gottlieb is a USSA
certified Level 100 coach. With impeccable technique from
many years of free skiing, we are very fortunate to have Coach
Gottlieb’s experience both on and off the hill.
sg120968@yahoo.com
David Pizzuti | Alpine Coach
As a passionate skier for over 40 years, Coach Pizzuti brings an
entirely different dimension to our coaching staff. Equally
proficient on telemark skis and a snowboard, Coach Pizzuti
understands young skiers and their need to learn the basics. After
competing for the Bloomfield Lahser High School Ski Team in the
early 80’s, David headed west and spent over a decade skiing on
Aspen Mountain. Following a return to his Midwest roots, Coach
Pizzuti attained both his PSIA Level 1 and USSA Level 100
certifications while teaching skiing for the Boyne Highlands Snow
Sports Academy.
pizzutid@hotmail.com
BOYNE Flyers Coaching Staff
Kelsey Griffin | CUSSA Alpine Coach
Backed by a decade of high school and USSA level racing
experience, Coach Kelsey understands the rigors of competition
at high levels of the sport, completing her racing career with top 10
finishes in MHSAA Giant Slalom and 3 top-5 finishes in Slalom,
including MHSAA Slalom State Champion in 2012. Coach Kelsey
also has the privileged distinction of training with the Carrabassett
Valley Academy at Sugarloaf, Maine. She is a Level 1 PSIA
instructor, certified USSA Referee and Chief of Couse, and will be
pursuing her USSA Level 100 coach this season. Her coaching
experience includes serving as an Assistant Coach of the Bloomfield
Hills High School Ski Team. Coach Kelsey is a junior at the University
of Michigan studying biology and psychology to become a
Physician’s Assistant.
kelseygriffin@comcast.net
Greg Benjamin | Alpine Coach
Hooked on skiing since age 4, Coach Benjamin began his career on
the hill in 2009 coaching with Northern Michigan Ski Academy. He
returns this season to work with the athletes of with our program. A
leader in promoting the sport, he loves working with kids and
strengthening their enthusiasm and passion for skiing. Coach
Benjamin has taken education through the USSA, participating in
both the Level 100 Coaches clinic as well as the Level 100 Course
Setting clinic.
Kristen Reber | Alpine Coach
Coach Reber brings a unique perspective to the program. A ski
racer of Alpine Valley in Southeastern Michigan, her thirst for
adventure led her to four years of residence in Longmont,
Colorado. Hitting the slopes of the Rockies each season, Coach
Reber discovered snowboarding to be just as much fun as skiing.
This rare experience with both sports undoubtedly gives her an
advantage in teaching young skiers. She will be seeking her Level 1
PSIA certification this season.
kreber@escoffier.edu
2015 BOYNE Flyers Guest Coach
Tori Pillinger Robinson
- Former World Cup Athlete and Coach We are excited to announce that former World Cup athlete and experienced coach,
Tori Pillinger Robinson, will be visiting Boyne Highlands in February, 2015. She will be
guest coaching exclusively with our Boyne Highlands Flyers & Team Elite programs.
Flyers and Team Elite members will have the unique opportunity to ski, hang with and
race against Tori.
Tori was a member of the U.S. Ski Team from 1982-1989, made the World Championship
Team in 1987, and the U.S. Olympic Team. She never slowed down, becoming an
Emergency Room nurse, Oncology nurse, Class IV whitewater kayaker, competitive
soccer player, and California 5-pass Death Ride survivor. In 2011, Tori was diagnosed
with Metastatic Breast Cancer, which is currently in remission. Through sprains, knee
surgeries, a broken femur, broken pelvis, and broken back, Tori continues to ski like it’s
nobody’s business. She is a huge believer in youth sports education at the local level,
and is currently coaching U8 and U10 soccer in California, where she resides with her
husband and two daughters.
On Saturday, January 31st, Flyers and Team Elite members will have the chance to ski
with Tori while learning valuable training skills. They will also hear Tori’s story of making
the U.S. team through hard work and dedication over a team lunch. On Sunday
February 1st, Team Elite skiers will be able to go head to head with Tori on a dual GS
course. The Midwest rarely receives people of this notoriety in our sport, and we are
extremely lucky to have her.
BOYNE Highlands Flyers & Team Elite 2015 Programs
BOYNE Flyers Season Training Membership
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$490/season
Open to young intermediate skiers 7 to 13 years old*.
Includes three pre-season training sessions during Christmas Break (December 27, 28, 29, 30 2014)
Emphasis on a variety of training drills to develop technically proficient skiers.
Specific training utilizing brushes, stubby gates on varied terrain at Boyne Highlands
World Cup video analysis throughout the season
Email updates with articles about skiing technique and general athletics
Includes a training session with renowned coach and World Cup athlete, Tori Pillinger Robinson
Participation in the 4th Annual Technical Challenge on February 28, 2015
17 training sessions are planned from January 3, 2015 to February 28, 2015.
Saturdays 10am – 12:30pm meet coaches near bottom of Camelot chairlift
Saturdays 1:30–4pm meet coaches at top of Heather Express chairlift.
* Subject to availability. New members must pass skiing interview on 27 & 28 December 2014
Boyne Team Elite Season Training Membership
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$790/season
Advanced training for high-level athletes in the U-14 category**
Includes three pre-season training sessions during Christmas Break (Dec. 27, 28, & 29 2014)
Variable Slalom & Giant Slalom gate training on the best terrain in Michigan
Includes speed camp session with technique/tactical focus
Email updates with articles discussing ski technique and general athletics
Personal and World Cup video analysis throughout the season
Includes a training session with renowned coach and World Cup athlete, Tori Pillinger Robinson
Education events emphasizing diet, conditioning, and equipment maintenance
Participation in the 4th Annual Technical Challenge on February 28, 2015
24 training sessions are planned from January 2, 2015 to February 28, 2015
Fridays 7–9pm meet coaches near bottom of Camelot chairlift
Saturdays 10am – 12:30pm meet coaches near bottom of Camelot chairlift
Saturdays 1:30–4pm meet coaches at top of Heather Express chairlift
Sundays 9–11am meet coaches near bottom of Camelot chairlift
**Subject to availability and coaches approval via skiing ability testing
USSA Coaching Option
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NMSA Races - Optional
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$150/season
Open to those involved in the Team Elite program
Includes race-day coaching at 3 CUSSA races throughout the season
Boyne Highlands, SL/GS/Kombi January 2 – 4
Schuss Mountain, SkillsQuest/SL, February 7 – 8
Boyne Mountain, SL/GS, February 28 – March 1
$130/season
GS and Slalom racing on Sundays at Boyne Highlands during 2015 season.
Membership in NMSA required - $20.00 per family membership.
Eligible to qualify for season ending championship – 2015 Welborn Cup.
**All products subject to change**
There are 2 ways to sign up for the BOYNE Flyers:
Online: http://www.boyne.com/boynehighlands/skiing-riding/boyne-flyers
or
Call: Boyne Highlands SnowSports Academy 231.526.3056
BOYNE Flyers Equipment Requirements
The BOYNE Flyers is a technically challenging ski training program. We take pride in implementing a
teaching curriculum that is substantially different from our competition. Our focus is on free skiing
and technical drills in varying ski conditions and terrain. This requires that every young skier in the
program is properly fit with the correct ski equipment. Too often, we see a young skier in boots that
are either too big or too stiff, incorrect skis (No Twin Tips) and even poles that look like they were run
over by a bus!
In order to maximize the investment in your skier’s favorite winter sport, we strongly advise making
sure they are properly equipped prior to the season. However, there is no need to purchase
expensive race equipment and apparel for young skiers, ages 7-11 years old.
Like all parents, we are very sensitive to the costs associated with skiing and are always looking at
ways to stretch our dollars when it comes to equipment. For young skiers from 7-10 years old, we
recommend Boyne Country Sports (BCS) “Junior Has A Fit” ski equipment program. This popular
program allows young skiers to rent new ski equipment each season for a fixed cost. When returned
to BCS in the spring, the voucher value can be applied to equipment purchases for the next season.
For older, more accomplished skiers, BCS has developed a specially priced program for higher
quality, semi-race equipment for Flyers 11 and up. Semi-race equipment generally refers to a higher
quality ski than what’s offered in their “Junior Has A Fit” program. Unless your skier races USSA or High
School, there is no need to purchase full, high end, race skis.
BOYNE Flyers Ski Equipment Program:
BOYNE Flyers 8-10 year olds:
 Kid’s under 100 lbs.
 BCS “Junior Has A Fit” ski equipment program.
 Custom fitting by Kevin Moore at BCS (Petoskey store).
 BCS Petoskey Phone: 231.439.4906
 Special Pricing on “Trim to Fit” custom insoles.
BOYNE Flyers 11+ year olds:
 Kid’s over 100 lbs.
 Special pricing on junior race boots and semi-race skis.
 Custom fitting by Kevin Moore : 231.439.4906 and/or Rob Furman (at Boyne Highlands)
BCS Phone: 231.526.3006
 Special Pricing on “Trim to Fit” custom insoles.
 Can use “Junior Has A Fit Voucher” on the purchase of new race product.
Ski Swaps
We are advocates of Ski Swaps because they benefit local ski teams and provide a great avenue
for parents to recoup their investment in ski equipment before trading up. Ski Swaps are great for
deals on race apparel and skis. However, buyers beware! We often see parents purchasing ski
boots that are the wrong size, flex or even worse, customized for another ski racer. Call Kyle Griffin,
248.884.8836 or Steve Gottlieb, 303.808.4725, before making ski equipment purchases at ski swaps.
December 2015
2014/2015 Calendar— BOYNE Flyers | Boyne Highlands Resort
Dec 28 - 30: BOYNE Flyers/Elite Christmas Camp 9am - 12pm, events @ 2pm
Dec 31: BOYNE The Amazing Race 9am - 12pm
January 2015
Jan 3: BOYNE Flyers/Elite Training 10am - 12:30pm / 1:30-4pm
Jan 4: BOYNE Elite Training 9-11am
Jan 9: BOYNE Elite Training 7-9pm
Jan 10: BOYNE Flyers/Elite Training 10am - 12:30pm / 1:30-4pm
Jan 11: BOYNE Elite Training 9-11am
Jan 16: BOYNE Elite Training 7-9pm
Jan 17: BOYNE Flyers/Elite Training 10am - 12:30pm / 1:30-4pm
Jan 18: BOYNE Elite Training 9-11am
Jan 23: BOYNE Elite Training 7-9pm
Jan 24: BOYNE Flyers/Elite Training 10am - 12:30pm / 1:30-4pm
Jan 25: BOYNE Elite Training 9-11am
Jan 30: BOYNE Elite Training 7-9pm
Jan 31: BOYNE Flyers/Elite Training 10am - 12:30pm / 2-4:30pm - Tori Pillinger Robinson Weekend
February 2015
Feb 1: BOYNE Flyers/Elite Dual GS Challenge - Tori Pillinger Robinson Weekend
Feb 6: BOYNE Elite Training 7-9pm
Feb 7: BOYNE Flyers/Elite Training 10am -12:30pm / 1:30-4pm
Feb 8: BOYNE Elite Training 9-11am
Feb 13: No Official Training
Feb 14: No Official Training
Feb 15: No Official Training
Feb 20: BOYNE Elite Training 7-9pm- Speed Camp Prep
Feb 21: BOYNE Flyers Training 10am - 12:30pm / 1:30-4pm, Elite Speed Camp 7- 10am
Feb 22: BOYNE Elite Speed Camp 7-10am
Feb 27: BOYNE Elite Training 7-9pm
Feb 28: BOYNE Flyers Technical Challenge / Boyne Highlands 9am - 3pm
March 2015
Mar 1: NMSA Welborn Cup / Boyne Highlands
Mar 7: Hornbogen Classic / Marquette Mountain
CUSSA Race Schedule 2015
Jan 2-4: BOYNE Elite CUSSA SL, GS, Kombi Races @ Boyne Highlands TBA
Feb 7-8: BOYNE Elite CUSSA SL Races @ Schuss Mountain TBA
Feb 28- Mar 1: BOYNE Elite CUSSA Region 3 Championships SL & GS TBA
**Calendar subject to change**
BOYNE Flyers FAQ
What is the BOYNE Flyers?
A fun – skills based – free skiing program that teaches young skiers how to ski technically correct during
the critical motor skills learning years.
At what age can you become a BOYNE Flyer?
We accept young skiers between the ages of 7 to 12 who are proficient enough to ski all runs and can
load themselves onto a lift. Some previous ski instruction is required.
What is the Team Elite?
A program designed for technically proficient skiers who have physically and psychologically matured to
a level that will allow them to push their skiing further through racing.
At what age can you join Team Elite?
Membership in the Team Elite is offered by the coaching staff on an individual basis. Ages in the program
range from 11-14.
What if my child is interested in only training gates?
Training young skiers with repetitive runs in gates primarily is detrimental to their ability to learn proper ski
technique. We concentrate on free skiing progressions and drills first to develop proper ski technique. This
is how the Europeans have trained their athletes for decades. When a young skier becomes proficient at
the basics, their confidence is high and racing gates becomes easier and safer. We gradually introduce
them to gate training through the Team Elite program with a focus on executing proper turns around
Brushes, Stubby Gates and lighter, shorter 25mm gates that are non-intimidating. Skiers in the Team Elite
program are encouraged to compete, with several coached racing opportunities throughout the season.
Do the BOYNE Flyers enter any competitions?
Yes, we believe in competition and encourage all our Flyers to participate in local races like NASTAR
and NMSA. We have a close alliance with the Northern Michigan Ski Academy, allowing our BOYNE
Flyers members to participate in NMSA races as long as they become NMSA members and pay the
yearly racing fees.
When do the Flyers training sessions take place?
There are 18 Flyers sessions during the ski season that take place at Boyne Highlands on Saturdays
between January 4, 2015 and March 1, 2015. There is a morning session from 10am - Noon and an
afternoon session from 1:30-4:00pm. Due to a high volume of skiers during President’s weekend, we
do not participate in organized training at that time.
Do the BOYNE Flyers conduct any holiday camps?
This season we will have four half-day Flyers holiday camp sessions at Boyne Highlands. The dates are
December 27-30 from 9am - Noon, with short seminars on nutrition and tuning in the afternoons as
specified, as well as a live streaming ski race from Austria! Our final day will be a fun team-building
activity called “The Amazing Race”.
Where does the training take place?
Various locations on the slopes of Boyne Highlands.
Where do we meet?
Near the bottom of the Camelot chairlift at 8:45am during holiday camp and 9:45am during the regular
season. The Saturday afternoon session meets at the top of the Heather Express chairlift at 1:30pm sharp.
BOYNE Flyers FAQ
What type of ski equipment does my child need?
You do not need to spend a lot of money on equipment for your young skier. Most important are properly
sized ski boots that are fit by a ski shop equipment expert. DO NOT purchase ski boots for your child that
are two sizes too big for multiple seasons! That’s ok for apparel, but is a detriment to the performance of
the ski boots and your child’s development. We do require regular junior carving skis. Please note that no
twin-tips allowed unless specified for freeskiing. We recommend visiting Boyne Country Sports early in the
season to join their “Junior Has A Fit” program. There is also no need to purchase race suits or slalom pads
for your young skier between the ages of 7 and 11.
What type of ski clothing is required?
This might seem like an elementary question, but it’s amazing how many kids show up at the Flyers who
are improperly dressed. Remember, it’s winter!! We get snow, wind, sleet, rain and bitter cold conditions.
Our recommendation is to layer them in either wool or fleece undergarments, warm jackets and pants,
an approved, “full shell” ski helmet, goggles with clear lenses for night skiing and some packets of hand
warmers. Comfortable skiers are happier and perform better!
Does my young skier need a special helmet?
We advocate purchasing a FULL shell helmet vs. the soft sided half shell. Not only does it offer more
protection, but is required during any organized competitions and keeps your young skier warmer.
Do the BOYNE Flyers have any special events?
The following special events are planned for the 2014/15 season:
 Four pre-season half-day sessions during Christmas and New Year’s break.
 Guest appearance by U.S. National Team World Cup skier, Tori Pillinger Robinson!
 February Speed Camp at Boyne Highlands (must qualify).
 Technical Challenge Competition at Boyne Highlands on February 28, 2015
What other activities are planned for the BOYNE Flyers?
Due to great success in season’s past, we will be offering another spring break trip this season.
Last spring, the Flyers skied over 150,000 vertical feet in a week at Big Sky, Montana! It’s a chance for
all BOYNE Flyers families to free ski on long runs and experience the rich skiing culture that other resorts
and regions have to offer.
How much does it cost to joint the BOYNE Flyers?
$490.00 for the 2014 season with the BOYNE Flyers; $790 for the season with Team Elite: includes
Holiday training sessions, Speed Camp (if qualified) and the chance to ski with former U. S. National
Team Member, Tori Pillinger Robinson.
How Have more questions?
Please feel free to call either Steve or Kyle:
Kyle Griffin 248.884.8836
Steve Gottlieb 303.808.4725