The U10-U12 Development (aka Devo) Program is for the young skier (ages 8-11) who enjoys skiing and is comfortable skiing the upper mountain at Bridger. Devo is a good fit for the skier that wants to experience the thrills of Alpine gates and is ready to move up from BSF's Intro programs or Bridger Bowl's more advanced ski programs. Typically, this is U10 & U12 ages, but some U8 skiers join us on a case-by-case basis. Coaches reinforce the fundamentals while giving athletes the tools to be an entry-level Alpine racer. We maintain a balance between having fun, building a positive team environment, and advancing our skiing in all terrain and conditions. We want you to love skiing as much as we do!
FALL DRYLAND
Fall Dryland is a good time for athletes to be active and get ready for ski season while getting to know coaches and teammates. We do a mix of activities focusing on agility, speed, strength, and endurance. This is optional - come as you can.
WINTER PROGRAM
Skiers are ready for the Development program as they develop their skills, gain independence, and are comfortable skiing the upper mountain at Bridger Bowl. We start to emphasize race techniques by skiing challenging terrain and working on drills in and out of gates. This is the adventure phase for Alpine skiers, and we encourage lots of ski miles and exploration on the mountain.
BSF programming follows the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Training System (ATS) and Long-Term Athlete Development Model (LTAD). Most U10 & U12 athletes are in Phase 2 or Phase 3 of the ATS. On snow, this breaks down to 45-60% being coached freeskiing, 20% coached drills, 10 -25% coached gate training, 10% competition simulation, and as much freeskiing with family and friends. BSF strives to attain this balance of training for our athletes.
RACING
U10/U12 Devo skiers have the opportunity to compete in U.S. Ski & Snowboard Northern Division races held at Bridger Bowl and other ski areas located across Montana; Terry Peak, SD; and Casper, WY. Coaches will help each skier determine appropriate races and the degree of travel. Neither is required.
Stay up to date with last-minute announcements via the Sports U app. Download the app in your app store and enter the code for your team to access the team communications.
Optional
Additional Cost
Big Sky
Nov 14-19, 2026
REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 22, 2026. Stay tuned for more info.
July 22: Registration opens
September 14: Dryland begins
Sept 15: BSF Scholarship deadline
October TBA: Parent Info Meeting
December 12: On-snow program begins
Payment options:
At checkout, you can choose:
Payment Methods: Credit cards or ACH Bank Transfer
BSF can no longer accept checks or American Express. If you have special financial circumstances, please contact the Program Director.
Payment Plans
When checking out in SkiClub Pro (our registration system) choose "payment plan." The SkiClubPro system will automatically charge you monthly over the course of the payment plan. All program fees must be paid in full by Dec 31.
Late Payment Policy:
All unpaid balances over 30 days past due will be automatically applied to the payment method on file.
Processing fees:
The following processing fees will be added to your cart total. These are the fees charged by the payment processor; not BSF.
Credit cards: 3.5% fee
Bank ACH : 2.4%
BSF offers a generous scholarship and financial aid program. Applications are due Sept 15.
Please note: If you need assistance, apply for it! These funds are meant to keep kids skiing. Applications are confidential, and we take into account all your circumstances, not just taxable income. (Too often, we see families assume they make too much money to qualify for help, and yet they are considering dropping out of a program because of the cost. Apply! )
When you register for the program, you will be added to an email list. Your coaches will send weekly emails with the full schedule, important notes, and info for parents. Last-minute changes may also be emailed. (It’s important that you do not unsubscribe to any BSF emails, as this is our main mode of communication in the winter.) If for some reason, you are not receiving emails from us, subscribe with the button below.
(Suggested donation calculated based on an average volunteer session of 3 hours and the industry standard value of volunteer time ($25/hour).)
One of the ways BSF keeps program fees lower is through volunteer hours. Without your volunteer hours, we would need to use additional paid staff to fill the void; this would increase program costs significantly, which would also make it more difficult for some families to afford BSF. When only a small percentage of BSF parents take on the brunt of volunteer hours, it leads to volunteer burnout.
We have openings for help at practices, organizing ski and fundraising events, helping at the events themselves, as well as trail work and volunteering for our community trails. We encourage you to volunteer for ANY program--Nordic, Alpine, Freestyle, or trails. If you have a specific skill set you think would be helpful, please let us know. There are always little things we need, from photography, to database entry, to hanging up posters around town.
We highly encourage BSF athletes to volunteer as well, not just parents!
We post signup sheets and volunteer needs throughout the year HERE.
Skis - At the U10 age, one pair of skis is sufficient. U12's may start experimenting with discipline specific skis with the help of coach discretion. The rule of thumb is to size the skis to "head height." There can be some variation based on weight and skiing skills. Chin to nose for a newer, less aggressive skier. This also applies to Slalom skis for older athletes. Nose to forehead for a more experienced skier (GS skis for older athletes). U10/12 athletes can benefit from an introduction to ski preparation/tuning but will need the help of a parent or coach for a while yet.
Boots - Proper fit with soft and even forward flex. This will allow for ankle movement facilitating a balanced athletic stance. Please don't size boots too big with the hopes of getting multiple seasons out of one pair of boots. At this age, athletes will most likely need boots every year and we can help cut costs with hand-me-downs and deals at the BSF Ski Swap in November.
Protection - Helmets are required. Hard Shell (no soft eared) CE approved or equivalent helmet required. Older athletes (typically U12 and up) will start using shin and arm protection. BSF coaches can help determine when an athlete needs additional protection based on training/racing needs.
Poles - The Standard "rule of thumb" for poles is to have the forearm parallel with the snow with the tip of the pole in the snow. This should be done with the athlete standing in his/her skis. U12 athletes may start using slalom poles that can be slightly shorter and may need pole guards for slalom protection. Again, coaches will help determine when athletes should be using what equipment.
Rescue Beacon: Given the terrain and requirements for certain areas at Bridger Bowl, rescue beacon and confidence in its use is recommended. BSF will also share information on avalanche awareness opportunities for athletes; we feel its important for even our young athletes to have basic avy awareness.
Since skiing is not an inexpensive sport to participate in, we make every effort to help parents and athletes secure gear in a variety of ways. BSF coaches will be available at all swaps to help answer questions.
Bozeman kids are a hardy bunch, but we will cancel a session if temperatures are extreme--especially if paired with wind. Whenever possible, an email and/or Team Reach message will be sent out notifying everyone as soon as it is determined to be too cold to train.
Your best bet is to always bring lots of warm layers; weather changes quickly.
Please make yourself familiar with our policies, the BSF Athlete & Parent Handbook, and other important information on the Resources Page.
BSF Newsletters contain regular "Parent Corner" articles to help you navigate the parent/athlete dynamic.
There’s a bigger picture to what BSF teaches skiers, when and why. BSF’s programs are consistent with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Training System.
What does that mean? We’re not focused on short-term success—and the hazards (and burnout) that often come with it. Instead, we follow LTAD plans that are individualized and based on science to make sure your child can maximize their long-term potential as a skier (should they wish to do so) and their enjoyment in the sport. We take into account a child’s development physiologically, cognitively and socially, as well as their experience skiing.
This makes it easy for your child to progress through our programs—from Introductory, to the Development Teams, to the competitive teams, and even on to skiing as an adult Masters athlete.
(View the most up-to-date LTAD for Alpine HERE.)
The BSF Alpine LTAD follows the guidelines of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard LTAD.
This plan addresses:
BSF office: 406 587 2445