FAQ
Program Questions
What is the difference between your Alpine Racing and All-Mountain programs?
Alpine Racing focuses on gate training, race skills and performance for kids who are keen to refine their alpine racing. All-Mountain focuses on technical skills, varied terrain and building confidence across the entire mountain for kids who want a broader experience. Discover more.
What ages are eligible for the programs?
Our Alpine and All-Mountain core programs are for juniors aged 8yrs+. The 4-week Alpine Intensive requires age 10yrs+.
Young skiers aged 4yrs+ can join Tiny Arc (age 4) or Mini Arc (5-7yrs).
What is the required skiing ability level?
Applicants will need to be strong intermediate to advanced skiers to join our Alpine or All-Mountain programs.
Our 4-week Alpine Intensive is for advanced skiers who are committed to progressing their ski racing. Most do season-long alpine specific programs in the Australian winter.
Younger athletes in Tiny or Mini Arc (4-7yrs) must be confident skiing most of the mountain independently.
Are program numbers capped?
Yes. We have limited spots available to ensure every skier receives quality, personalised coaching attention. Due to the popularity of our programs we recommend registering as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Spots are allocated on a first come, first serve basis and are subject to skills assessment via video submission.
What days do the kids train during the program?
Training is in 6-day blocks from Sundays - Fridays inclusive with Saturdays the scheduled arrival or rest day. All programs start with a Welcome Event on the Saturday evening where families will meet the coaching team and receive their welcome bag and lift passes.
What does a typical training day look like?
A typical day starts at 8.30am and continues until 3.30pm. The morning usually includes a morning warm-up and an on-snow training block, followed by a short morning tea. At around 1pm, a 1-hour lunch break is taken before heading back out for an afternoon of skills or free-ski block.
The overarching training plan is communicated ahead of the program, then depending on snow and weather conditions, coaches will share the plan for the following day via the coaching WhatsApp groups. For example, whether it will be GS, SL or freeskiing. Discover more.
What equipment does my child need?
Essential Equipment Checklist
Clothing:
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Waterproof, windproof insulated jacket and pants
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Thermal base layers
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Puffer jacket
The Basics:
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Ski-specific socks
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Neck warmer
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High-quality, well-insulated gloves or mittens
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Hand and toe warmers (recommended for extra-cold days)
Protection:
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Helmet (mandatory)
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Goggles (highly recommended)
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Back protector (highly recommended)
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Two goggle lenses: one for bright sun, one for low-light days
Ski Equipment – Alpine Program:
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Minimum: GS/Carve skis, boots, and poles
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Slalom skis recommended
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Protective equipment varies by age and skill level*
Ski Equipment – All-Mountain Program:
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Minimum: All-mountain carve skis, boots, and poles
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Optional: Twin tips, GS skis
Ski Equipment – Mini Arc:
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All-mountain carve skis, boots, and poles
*Alpine Gear & Protection Notes*
U12 Alpine Program:
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Focus is primarily on Giant Slalom (GS)
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Depending on ability, athletes may do a "Transition to Slalom" using short “stubby” gates
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Full protective gear (chin, shin, arm, and pole guards) generally not required
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Slalom skis recommended
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The Arc offers a limited quantity of Slalom skis for day rental (subject to size availability)
U14+ Alpine Program (Ages 12+):
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Train on stubby gates and progress to full-size Slalom gates based on skill level
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Full Slalom protection required once training in full gates, including:
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Shin guards
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Arm/forearm guards
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Pole guards (punch guards mounted on poles)
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Chin guard / chin bar (helmet must be hard-ear and compatible with chin guard)
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Optional / Recommended: Mouthguard
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What are the group sizes and ages?
Groups are limited to 7 participants, averaging 5. We group athletes by age and ability to ensure the best development experience for everyone.
Is there specific discipline training?
Yes. While Alpine programs focus on GS and Slalom gates, All-Mountain athletes train in Ski X, Slopestyle and Moguls, depending on snow conditions and available courses.
Are lunch and lift passes included?
Training days include a delicious a la carte on-mountain lunch for all participants.
In our January program, lift passes are included for all participants. They are distributed at our Welcome Event along with a Welcome Bag for each participant with some gifts.
The Arc can also arrange lift passes for other family members to be ready upon your arrival. When you register, we’ll send you all relevant information, pricing and an option to opt in.
In April, many accommodation providers are part of Livigno's SkiPass Free where lift passes are free when booking accommodation with certain providers. Therefore, we do not include a lift pass in the program cost for April.
How do we coordinate our travel and stay in Livigno?
Visit our Livigno page for planning information where we have a wealth of information to assist with your planning. We recommend sourcing accommodation near our meeting point at Valandrea Lift #29b, accessible by foot or bus.
Our team is available to offer specific advice if you have specific requirements or need assistance with sourcing accommodation or any other aspect of your travel. Discover more.
Travel Insurance and Travel Support
We’ve partnered with Kim Culyer from TC Travel (ex-Hotham local with 30+ years of experience) to offer Snow Australia-endorsed travel insurance tailored for The Arc.
Alpine Specific: Covers all training, racing, and Alpine/Mogul competitions in a single, comprehensive policy (no extra insurance needed). Note: Does not cover off-piste/heli-skiing, but Kim can arrange separate policies for family or off-piste coverage if needed.
Individual Endorsement: Each athlete receives a specific endorsement attached to their policy. Athletes must be on a separate policy from family members.
Next Steps: Reach out to Kim for a simple form. She’ll provide a quote with 3 coverage tiers to choose from. We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance as soon as flights/program fees are paid to cover unforeseen circumstances.
Travel Services & Europe Flights: Kim can also assist with your flights to/from Europe. She has access to a special Europe airfare that is significantly cheaper and includes an extra 10kg of checked baggage.
Contact Kim Culyer: kim@tctravel.com | 0412 101 940
Is ski equipment available locally for hire?
Yes, Livigno offers premium retail and rental options. Through our partnership with Zinermann Livigno, families can access expert tuning and the ability to purchase high-end racing gear. We recommend athletes have their own equipment however we are able to assist with rental requirements for other members of the family if needed.
Can you arrange lessons for other family members?
Yes. We partner with Autentico Alpine Experience who have highly qualified instructors available for private and small group lessons. Email hello@thearcski.com with your requirements. Note that the more notice that is provided, the more likely it is that we are able to find the perfect instructor/coach for you.
Autentico Alpine Experience is a luxury concierge business that is more than just a ski school. If you have unique accommodation requirements or requests, a special event to celebrate while in Livigno or any other specific requirements, Autentico will be able to assist. Contact us for more information.
When is payment due?
A 50% deposit is required at enrolment. The final balance must be paid at least 30 days before the program begins. Read Terms & Conditions here.
How do I register my interest?
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Submit the Registration Form as an expression of interest.
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Once The Arc's team reviews your registration form and accompanying video, you will be advised if your child/ren have a place in our program.
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If so, you will receive a Welcome Email with an Information Request Form, Waiver and deposit invoice.
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Book local accommodation, flights and travel insurance with winter sports cover.
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Return the form and pay the 50% deposit to secure your spot.
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Pay the remaining fee balance no later than 30 days before the start.
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Receive your final training itinerary, extra experiences and other important program information 4 weeks before arrival.
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Join us in Livigno and hit the slopes!
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FAQ
Safety & Supervision
What are your safety protocols?
Athlete safety is our top priority. We follow Snow Australia guidelines, maintain high coach ratios, require helmets and conduct daily safety briefings with real-time team communication.
How is supervision managed?
Qualified youth coaches provide constant supervision. We focus on both technical training and emotional support to ensure a safe, encouraging environment on the mountain.
Child safeguarding
We adhere strictly to Snow Australia Child Safety Standards. The Arc maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any abusive or disrespectful behaviour, ensuring a secure environment for every young skier.