Race Programs
Learn ski racing or perfect your techniques on our competition team!
At Black Mountain of Maine, our Race Programs offer 2 exciting options for aspiring racers. New this season our Gates and Glades Explorers program is perfect for skiers who want to explore every corner of Black Mountain and get a taste of racing along the way. For more advanced skiers, the Chisholm Alpine Race Team provides an opportunity to sharpen skills & compete at higher levels. Both programs focus on skill development, teamwork, & a love for racing on the slopes!
Gates & Glades Explorers
Race. Explore. Adventure.
This 10 week program is for skiers ages 7–12 who want to explore every corner of Black Mountain and get a taste of racing along the way. Each week mixes coached skill-building with guided exploring. Skiers learn to run gates, follow trails through the glades, and take on bumps and steeper terrain, with plenty of games to build confidence.
Explorers may train in race courses alongside the full-time race team, but there is no pressure to compete. The goal is to become a strong, well-rounded skier who knows the whole mountain and loves being on it. All explorers entry fee for the BFAST race will be waived. Our Explorer Program runs every Sunday for 10 weeks with the exception of Feb 14th (school vacation week).
Cost: $395 (Lift tickets & season passes are NOT included.)
26/27 Schedule:
Sundays 9am-12pm
First Session: January 3rd
Last Session: March 7th
Chisholm Alpine Race Team
This season-long program is designed for children ages 7-18 who want to sharpen their alpine racing skills. Participants must have previous race experience, the ability to ski the entire mountain, have safe & properly fitting equipment, & must follow all rules of the mountain. Participants will have the fees for all home races waived.
Cost: $595 (Lift Tickets and Season Passes are NOT included.) Fees for optional away races are not included & average $25 per race.
25/26 Schedule:
Saturdays & Sundays 9am-1pm
First Session: December 27th
Last Session: March 15th
Example Daily Schedule:
9am Meet at the Base Area
9:05 am Warm up Run
9:15 am Practice Proper skiing techniques (drills) as a group.
10:15 am Directed free runs
10:45 am Set courses as a group, discuss tactics used in course
11:15am-12:45pm Run the course with focus on skills & tactics of the day
12:45 pm Tear down as a group
Expectations:
Be respectful. Be kind. Listen to your coaches. Have FUN!
Registration coming soon
Gates & Glades Explorers Coach
Shannon Belt
Shannon Belt is a PSIA Telemark examiner with 34+ years of experience as an instructor for all ages. He will push your little skiers to be better while also having fun, skiing safely and exploring the entire mountain.
Chisholm Alpine Race Team Coach
Jeff Farnum
Hold onto your B-Net.
Program Director / Head Coach
Jeff is back for the 2026/27 race season! Jeff was born & raised in the River Valley. He raced on the Rumford Senior High School ski team & was a ski instructor at Mt. Abram & Sunday River.
He is a certified USSA Level 100 Alpine Ski Coach.
His love of the sport took him out west for many years, living in Colorado, Montana & eventually Alaska.
He has been in the Black Mountain of Maine family for 8 years & plans on many more to come.
