University of Wisconsin Hoofers Alpine Team

How It All Works

The team leaves for each race Friday afternoon after class in University Fleet Vehicles. The majority of the team leaves around 2:00 PM, but there is typically a van that leaves later for those with late Friday class.

The entire team stays in hotels close to the ski hill. It can be tight, so it may be wise to have an extra pillow or blankets.

The wake-up call on Saturday and Sunday is early (6:00 – 6:30 AM) so the entire team can get to the hill with ample time to get ready for the race.

Most races have one day of GS and one day of Slalom. On each day, every racer will complete two runs. One of the advantages of having a club team is that the entire team can race every weekend. The top five racers for each team (Alpine – Men, Alpine – Women, Snowboard – Men, and Snowboard – Women) make up the “A – Team” and can score points for the team. Everyone else is on the “B – Team” and will have to pay race fees – $5.00 per day.

Be prepared to get back to Madison late Sunday evening. Each race is a full weekend, but of course, tons of fun!

Practice

Pre-Season

Pre-Season dryland practices take place all of first semester. The team gets together almost every Tuesday and Thursday for dryland conditioning. You can find practice at 6 PM at the NAT fields.

When there’s SNOW!

Once Tyrol Basin opens, the team starts training on snow. If we are lucky, there are a few practices in December (without gates). Starting second semester, the team practices every Tuesday and Thursday. Someone on the team will pick you up around 4:30 – 5:00 PM and you will return around 9:30 PM. We practice both slalom and GS, so watch the website and the “Ski Team Weekly” to make sure that you bring the appropriate skis. Be aware that you will have to pay for lift tickets at all practices. Expect to pay approximately $25.00 per week.