Cross Country U16/U18/U20 and Post Graduate

Athletes and alumni interested in summer-only cross country training and strength and conditioning can contact Brian Tate, Cross Country Program Director for more information.

Cross Country U16/U18/U20 (high school)

The Cross Country U16/U18/U20 is a comprehensive year-round program that offers a high level of training for motivated athletes who love the sport and want to pursue their full potential in cross country ski racing. Each athlete works with the coaches to develop goals and an annual training plan. Training begins in early May with a focus on general conditioning training while school is in session, and then once public school is out for the summer, continues with seven training sessions per week plus weekend training recommendations with a focus on the development of aerobic fitness, strength increases, cross country specific technique improvement, speed development, and gains in agility and coordination. Fall and winter training takes place five days/week once public schools are in session. While this program continues year-round, many athletes participate in other spring, summer, and fall sports as well. All training is based out of Howelsen Hill. Skiers compete in local, regional, national, and in some cases, international competitions.

Requirements

• Skill requirement: Some cross country skiing experience is beneficial but not mandatory. There have been successful cross country athletes who began skiing in high school.

• Equipment requirement: Cross country ski racing and training equipment for classic and skate on snow. For dryland training: classic and skate roller skis, skate poles with roller ski tips, classic poles with roller ski tips, neon tops, chest-high poles for ski bounding, running shoes, drink belt, road/gravel bike, helmet (must be worn biking and roller skiing), heart rate monitor.

• High School schedule requirement: SSHS students must register for the Partial Early Release 4/8 schedule for both fall and spring semesters and not have period 4 or 8 classes in order to line up with weekday training times for the fall and winter. Boarding School option available through Steamboat Mountain School.

• Middle School schedule requirements: Steamboat Springs Middle School and Sleeping Giant School students can arrange an early release schedule with their counselors to align with fall and winter training times. Please contact the principal or SSWSC’s academic coordinator to discuss.

• Trail pass information: Purchase a Youth Premier Valley Pass.

• Competition information: Participants compete in Rocky Mountain Nordic (RMN) Junior National Qualifiers, Junior National championships (by qualification) and other events including Senior National Championships, Super Tour events and Super Tour Finals, if deemed appropriate.

• Licensing requirements: Participants will need a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competitor Membership. RMN membership is a required add-on to the USSS membership and is automatically added on to USSS Membership Annual Fee. Some athletes will also need a FIS license depending on their competition plan. Check with the coaches.

Schedule

Spring: Early May through June 3
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 3:55-6 p.m.

Summer: Finish of SSHS to start of SSHS
Monday, 7:30-10 a.m. and 4-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 7:30-11 a.m.
Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to afternoon (depending on travel requirements)
Thursday, 7:30-10 a.m. and 4-5:30 p.m.
Friday, 7:30-10 a.m.

DATES TBD - BEND, OREGON CAMP: Snow/grooming dependent/dryland if skiing not available - Bend Camp is approximately 10 days.

SUMMER TRAINING BREAK: There is a scheduled two-week break July 28 through August 8 for families to plan a summer vacation.

The program will train through school breaks with selective days off. Whenever there is a public school day off, training will be scheduled for the morning.

Fall/Winter Training Schedule:

Monday: OYO training or Rest
Tuesday: 2:45-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 2:45-5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 2:45-5:30 p.m.
Friday: 2:45-5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Sunday: OYO training or Rest

2025-2026 Program Fee

2025-2026 Program Fee (Resident)*: $9,500
2025-2026 Program Fee (Non-Resident)*: $11,400

*Residents and non-residents are required to pay an additional $600 refundable work deposit.

• Scholarships: Resident athletes in competitive year-round programs are eligible for the application-based EZ Competitive Program Scholarship and Winter Program Fee Scholarship. Non-residents are not eligible for EZ Scholarships but may apply for the Winter Program Fee Scholarship. See the chart below for the EZ Competitive Program Scholarship levels. For more information on additional program fee scholarships and other scholarship opportunities, check out the scholarship pages on our website.

• Resident Requirements: To be eligible for the resident program fee, athletes must be full-time residents of Routt or Moffat County or full-time participants of SSWSC for two years or more. See the Member Handbook for full details on resident fees. Find the Residency Status Policy HERE.

• Payment Options: SSWSC offers multiple payment options for summer, winter, and year-round program fees. eCheck (ACH bank transfer), cash, checks, and credit cards are all accepted. A 2% processing fee is applied to all credit card payments. We also offer a payment plan option. Find more information HERE.

• Work Deposit Program: SSWSC requires a work deposit for each family. During the registration process, the program fee listed includes the work deposit. Families can earn back the work deposit by volunteering for SSWSC or opt out of volunteering and donate the work deposit to SSWSC. Find more information on the Work Deposit Program HERE.

Cross Country Post Graduate, ages 18+

The Cross Country Post Graduate program is designed for motivated athletes taking time off between high school and college to pursue competitive cross country skiing at a high level. Athletes have the opportunity to train and compete for two years before they begin to impact their NCAA eligibility, and this program has served as a successful stepping-stone to advance athletes to NCAA programs. Athletes in the Post Grad program also have the opportunity to further their education by taking classes at Colorado Mountain College (CMC) and/or to find employment in Steamboat Springs.

Requirements

• Skill requirement: Participants in this program should be accomplished cross country racers and can expect to compete in regional, national and potentially international competitions.

• Equipment requirement: Cross country ski racing equipment for classic and skate on snow and classic, skate roller skis, classic roller skis, skate poles with roller ski tips, classic poles with roller ski tips, neon tops, chest-high poles for ski bounding, running shoes, water pack, road bike, helmet (must be worn biking and roller skiing), heart rate monitor.

• Trail pass information: Purchase a Premier Valley Pass.

• Licensing requirements: Participants will need a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Competitor Membership and a FIS Competitor License. RMN membership is a required add on to the USSS membership and is automatically added on to USSS Membership Annual Fee.

Schedule

Spring: Early May through June 3
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 3:55-6 p.m.

Summer: June 5 through August 16
Monday, 7:30-10 a.m. and 4-5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 7:30-11 a.m.
Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. - afternoon (depending on travel requirements)
Thursday, 7:30-10 a.m. and 4-5:30 p.m.
Friday, 7:30-10 a.m.

DATES TBD - BEND, OREGON CAMP: Snow/grooming dependent/dryland if skiing not available - Bend Camp is approximately 10 days.

SUMMER TRAINING BREAK: There is a scheduled two-week break July 28 through August 8 for families to plan a summer vacation.

The program will train through school breaks with selective days off. Whenever there is a public school day off, we will train in the morning.

Fall/Winter Schedule:
Monday, OYO training or Rest
Tuesday, 2:45-5:30 p.m.
Wednesday,  2:45-5:30 p.m.
Thursday,  2:45-5:30 p.m.
Friday,  2:45-5:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Sunday, OYO training or Rest

2025-2026 Program Fee

2025-2026 Program Fee (Resident)*: $10,500
2025-2026 Program Fee (Non-Resident)*: $12,500

*Residents and non-residents are required to pay an additional $450 refundable work deposit.

• Scholarships: Resident athletes in competitive year-round programs are eligible for the application-based EZ Competitive Program Scholarship and Winter Program Fee Scholarship. Non-residents are not eligible for EZ Scholarships but may apply for the Winter Program Fee Scholarship. See the chart below for the EZ Competitive Program Scholarship levels. For more information on additional program fee scholarships and other scholarship opportunities, check out the scholarship pages on our website.

• Resident Requirements: To be eligible for the resident program fee, athletes must be full-time residents of Routt or Moffat County or full-time participants of SSWSC for two years or more. See the Member Handbook for full details on resident fees. Find the Residency Status Policy HERE.

• Payment Options: SSWSC offers multiple payment options for summer, winter, and year-round program fees. eCheck (ACH bank transfer), cash, checks, and credit cards are all accepted. A 2% processing fee is applied to all credit card payments. We also offer a payment plan option. Find more information HERE.

• Work Deposit Program: SSWSC requires a work deposit for each family. During the registration process, the program fee listed includes the work deposit. Families can earn back the work deposit by volunteering for SSWSC or opt out of volunteering and donate the work deposit to SSWSC. Find more information on the Work Deposit Program HERE.

Questions?
Email Brian Tate, Cross Country Program Director
or
Email Josh Smullin, Cross Country Head Coach

Steamboat Mountain School: For decades, numerous SSWSC student-athletes have attended Steamboat Mountain School—an independent college-preparatory school with day and boarding opportunities. SSWSC partners with SMS offering a coordinated and world-class educational and athletic experience.

For more details about Steamboat Mountain School and its collaboration with the SSWSC, visit the SMS website or email Pearson Alspach, Upper School Director of Admissions.