Skeleton Schools

Anyone who wants to get involved in sliding regularly, whether recreationally or competitively, must complete a skeleton school.

This three-day course, which is generally held on weekends, costs $345 and includes all equipment, a one-year membership to Alberta Skeleton, a one-year membership to our national federation (Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton) and a DVD copy of your first runs down the track. Upon successful completion of your school, you will have earned your skeleton pilot's license, which, in general, does not expire. License renewal is $55 each year and is good until the following September.

While Canadians have priority for school spots, international (non-Canadian) sliders may participate in a school for $500.

You must be a minimum of 14 years of age in order to participate, and sliders under 18 years of age require a signature from a parent/legal guardian

A typical skeleton school follows the follwing format:

Day 1 (Beginning at the Junior Start Position, entering corner 8 of 16)

1. Sign-up
2. Welcome and Introduction
3. Safety
4. Equipment
5. Body Position
6. Basic Steering and Control
7. Position on Track
8. Track Walk
9. Sliding from Junior Start (2 runs)
10. Video Review and Questions

Day 2 (Beginning at the Ladies Luge Start Position, entering corner 6 of 16)

1. Introduction to Day 2
2. Body and Head Position
3. Intermediate Steering and Control
4. Position on Track (additional corners)
5. Track Walk
6. Sliding from Ladies Luge Start (3 runs)
7. Video Review and Questions

Day 3 (Beginning at the TOP! entering corner 1 of 16)

1. Introduction to Day 3
   
2. Position on Track (additional corners)
   
3. Advanced Steering
   
4. Push Start Technique
   
5. Competition Rules
   
6. Track Walk
   
7. Start Announcer Procedure
   
8. Sliding from Bob Start (3 runs)
9. Video Review and Questions
   
10. How to Continue in Skeleton
    
11. Local Sliding Clubs
12. Presentation of Licenses and Awards