Clifford Racing Programs

This program is eligible for the Child Tax Credit.

Racing makes the best skiers - period. It teaches everything your son or daughter needs to become the very best on the slopes. Its 9 consecutive Saturdays beginning December 29th and includes 4 hours of race instruction/day plus races.

The Clifford family produced some of the best ski racers in Canada. Starting with Mount Pakenham founder John Clifford, the Cliffords have been tearing up (and down slopes) for over 50 years. John’s racing legacy was passed on to his daughters Betsy, Susan, and Joanne; Mount Pakenham’s president.

Because of the Clifford racing heritage, our Racing Program is one of the best. Our coaches are dedicated to their profession and it shows in the caliber of our young racers.

The Clifford Race program is for all young skiers and boarders who are looking to add more speed and variety to their lesson program. Participants will benefit from the extended on-snow hours offered by this program. Individual performance will improve tremendously. 'Racers’ will spend 4 hours each training day on snow in a group with approximately 6-7 peers. Students will receive loads of individual feedback and will have plenty of supervised practice time. Fun races are scheduled to offer participants the opportunity to race in a team environment and to measure individual results.

Clifford Mini’s Ski Only
Clifford Mini’s was designed for the 4 and 5 year olds who spend hours on the slopes with Mom or Dad or who have passed levels E or F in Mount Pakenham’s popular weekend program. To participate in Clifford Mini’s students must be able to ride the chair and ski the terrain that is accessed from the chairlift with minimal assistance. Clifford Mini’s will follow a modified Clifford Race curriculum that will allow for more rest and playtime. Helmets are mandatory.

Upon completion of the Clifford Race program, students will be proficient, versatile skiers/boarders. They will have obtained the confidence and maturity gained from training in a supportive team environment. They’ll have acquired all the qualities that we seek in our Teaching Assistants.

Mount Pakenham’s Teaching Assistants youth development program is the perfect way for young skiers and boarders to earn money and further improve technically while developing solid communication and interpersonal skills as they assist instructors. The Teaching Assistants program is designed for skiers and boarders ages 12+ with the desire to eventually become an instructor.

Students with Special Needs and ‘Inclusion’ in Group Ski and Snowboard Lessons
We often receive requests from schools and families to accommodate children with various challenges in group lessons.
Although schools now routinely include students with significant behavioral or emotional problems that occasionally render them disruptive, special needs students may not do well in a group ski lesson.
Students with intellectual, emotional, or behavioral challenges learn better one-on-one in a private lesson setting.
Students with physical challenges, requiring an instructor with special adaptive training should consider booking private lessons with a CADS (Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers) certified instructor.
If you need to switch your child to private lessons, please speak to a reservation agent.