The Northern Michigan Ski Academy (NMSA) began more than 30 years ago as a program to teach area children the fundamentals of ski racing. Today, the program is the area's only non-profit ski academy and continues to be the place where young skiers learn to have fun on the snow.

Here's what is in store for skiers during the 2010 ski season:

• 9 weeks of training beginning in early January. Training is offered at both Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain.
• Seven Sunday races plus a Saturday night race!
• The big race of the season, the Junior Ski Club Championships which brings together more than 200 skiers from across northern Michigan

Each week the NMSA offers training: On Wednesdays at Boyne Mountain and Thursdays at Boyne Highlands, training takes place from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. Skiers may attend one or both training sessions. During the Wednesday and Thursday night sessions, skiers will ski in small groups with a NMSA coach. Skiers will learn the basic fundamentals of skiing -- and skiing fast -- and the basics of racing.

Friday nights are open gate nights at Boyne Mountain with race courses set that the skiers can run as they wish. Groups will not be formed. Coaches will be available at the top and bottom of the courses.

Each Sunday, from 2 - 4:30 pm, "racing" takes place. During the nine-week season, the first Sunday will offer timed gate racing where skiers ski against the clock and against themselves. On six of the Sundays, slalom and/or giant slalom races are held, with medals awarded in each age group. At the medal races, racers earn points to qualify for the Tecnica Cup team.

It all begins: January 6 at Boyne Mountain and January 7 at Boyne Highlands. Check the training and race schedule here.

Members of the NMSA get nine weeks of training, seven medal races, a chance to race in the Tecnica Cup race and a Boyne USA Silver Pass plus great fun and great coaching!

Ready to sign-up? All early sign-ups should be taken to the Boyne Mountain Season Pass Office. Here's the application!

What's the best age to start ski racing?

There is no "perfect" age to begin but at the NMSA, the younger the better! We encourage young children to come out and have some fun. Our program is structured to provide support and training for young skiers who can independantly ride a chairlift and can control their speed on lower intermediate runs.