Winter Beginner Opportunities

Sliding Programs

The Adult Beginner Luge program operates on a first come first served pre-registration basis only. Below is a list of dates and times that are available for this season’s (2022-2023) program. Please note that all the times listed are “on-ice” times. Participants need to be at the Utah Olympic Park a minimum of 1 hour prior to the listed times in order to fill out the paperwork, pay fees, and get your equipment.

This program consists of 4 runs on the Olympic Luge track in Park City, UT. The first two runs are from Curve 12 and then the following runs are from the Tourist Start (entrance curve 11). This will give you a run on the last 4 curves (bottom ¼) of the track. By participating in this program you are then eligible, if you desire, to continue sliding with the Wasatch Luge Club. This is the only program that gives you that access. The cost of the program is $90 and includes all track fees, equipment usage, coaching, and a one-year membership to the Wasatch Luge Club. To register or ask questions e-mail parkcityluge@usaluge.org  Once we here from you and get you registered we will send a conformation letter with exact details of your particular session.

Adult Recreational Sliding is typically held on Saturday evenings during the winter, November through March. There are also a number of local club races held on weekends which adult recreational sliders may participate in during the season. New individuals must participate in one Adult Beginner Luge session prior to joining the club sessions.

Disabled Adaptive Sliding is a program available to those with physical disabilities of various types. We have luge sleds that we can fit with specialized equipment to accommodate almost any disability including amputations and spinal cord injuries resulting in lower extremity paralysis. Contact the Park City luge office for specifics of equipment needs relative to a specific disability.

2023-2024 Dates

January 6             6:30-8:00 PM

January 13           6:30-8:00 PM

January 27           6:30-8:00 PM   SOLD OUT

February 3           6:30-8:30 PM

February 17         6:30-8:30 PM

February 24        6:30-8:30 PM, New Date Added

Youth Beginner Luge Programs

There are several options available.  Please read the program summaries below, chose which program you are interested in, then e-mail or call us to find the next dates available for the program of you choice.  All programs listed are designed specifically for youth ages 8-13 (minimum height 52 inches), who have never been on a sled before and can lead to on-going training opportunities with the Wasatch Luge Club’s Youth Training Program.

All programs start at curve 12, the lowest point available on the track to run sleds. Here we take the first few runs. Then, if athlete and coach are comfortable, we move up to Curve 11 (Tourist Start). This will give you a run on the last 4 curves (bottom ¼ ) of the track. All beginner programs are designed to provide exposure to the sport and for the participant to gauge their interest in continuing with sliding. For registration information regarding any of the following e-mail parkcityluge@usaluge.org

Single Session Beginner Youth Luge:

This program is a single session with 1-½ -2 hours on the track taking 4 runs. The cost is $65, which includes all track fees, equipment usage, and a Wasatch Luge Club Membership. The Single Session Beginner program is designed to be a low impact, investigative opportunity with minimal commitment. During the session athletes are instructed on the basics of controlling a luge sled (steering right and left), basic position on the sled, and the driving points to get themselves down from their start location. This is a pre-registered program only and the deadline to register is two weeks prior to each session. However, registration is limited and done on a first come first served basis. Once we here from you we will send you a conformation letter with exact details of your particular session. Dates and times available are:

2023-2024 Dates

January 6             6:30-8:00 PM

January 13           6:30-8:00 PM

January 27           6:30-8:00 PM  SOLD OUT

February 3           6:30-8:30 PM

February 17         6:30-8:30 PM

February 24         6:30-8:30 PM, New Date Added

Multi-day Camps 2023-2024:

The Park City After School Luge program for ages 8-13 (minimum height 52 inches) runs on 3 consecutive Fridays in October and November with registered participants sliding on all three of the dates. After the program concludes athletes are then welcome to continue training with the Wasatch Luge Club’s Youth Training Program (meets Saturday nights).

For students attending Ecker Hill Middle School, transportation is provide both from the school to the UOP and back. All students coming from other schools will need to provide their own transportation. All athletes (students) need to be at the UOP by 2:00 PM. They will slide from 2:30-4:00 and be available for pick up at 4:00 PM. Parents are gladly invited to stay and watch.

Program Details:

  • Dates: November 3, 10, and 17
  • Time: Arrive UOP by 2:00 PM
  • Slide 2:30-4:00 PM
  • Pick up from UOP 4:00 PM
  • Cost: $100; includes all track fees, coaching fees, equipment usage, memberships, and transportation where applicable.Registration Deadline September 30th, 2023.
  • To register or for more information e-mail parkcityluge@usaluge.org

Volunteer Programs

Another great way to become involved with the sport of luge is through becoming an official. Sliding at 60-80 MPH hour is not for everyone but volunteering a few weekends per year goes a long way in helping develop and train the Olympians of tomorrow while meeting the Olympians of today. Our officials program consists of two levels. First is the National Official level. Here people with no experience with the sport are introduced to the basic rules of running any luge race. The course takes one weekend and after completion these officials are eligible to work any national event form local club races up to and including national championships. The second level is the FIL International Official. This again is a one-weekend course and introduces rules specific to international competitions such as World Cups, World Championships, and the Olympic Winter Games. Individuals who complete this course are then able to work any international race held in the United States and may be invited to work races in other countries. If you would like a chance to help with a race before taking the course, no one is turned away. There are many positions available even for untrained volunteers to assist in the running of our events, e-mailparkcityluge@usaluge.org for the next available course