The Middle School Freeride Freeski Full Time program (formerly Junior Team) is designed for the driven freeskiing athlete interested in regional competition or looking for an extra day on snow. Coaching will be geared toward Freeskiing/ Freeride skill development across the entire mountain, including terrain parks, halfpipe, and off-piste, generally splitting time 40/60 between the competitive venue and out-of-venue. Cross-training activities will include trampoline strength and durability training. Travel will be encouraged for training camps and competitions to build team cohesion. This program is for 7th and 8th graders, as well as 6th graders who will turn 12 by December 31, 2026.
October 6 – March 28
Dryland Training: October 6 – November 13
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 4-5:30 p.m. at Howelsen Hill for field workout or Bald Eagle Lake for Trampoline/Field Workout
On-Snow Training: December 1 – April 3
Tuesday, 4:15-6:15 p.m. at Howelsen Hill
Wednesday, 4:15-6:15 p.m. at Howelsen Hill
Thursday, 4:15-6:15 p.m. at Howelsen Hill until December 4, then 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Steamboat Resort starting December 11
Saturday, 8:15 a.m.-2 p.m. at Steamboat Resort
Tuesday, 6-7 p.m. strength session at Howelsen Hill gym
Adjusted training camp December 22 – January 2
Adjusted schedule for Blues Break February 16-20
Training Camps may be offered during breaks.
Skill Requirement
Desire and ability to ski the entire mountain, to improve skills and to improve in all areas of skiing, including slopestyle, halfpipe, and hike to terrain. Mindset: Train to train, developing the joy in the process of improvement. Willingness to hike to the East Face on a weekly basis.
Equipment
Alpine skiing or telemark equipment and a helmet. *Back protector required for IFSA competitions and recommended for training and USASA competitions but not required.
Passes
Full IKON and Howelsen Hill pass required.
Competition Information
Athletes will participate in regional and national level USASA and/or IFSA events.
Memberships
A USASA license is required for USASA slopestyle, Rail Jam and Halfpipe competitions, and an IFSA membership is required for all Freeride events.
Team Jacket
Athletes are issued a SSWSC jacket in the fall to use for the season.
Age Group
Grades 6-8. Must be 12 years old by December 31, 2026.
Payment and Payment Plans: 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. We also offer a payment plan option. Find more information HERE.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships: SSWSC offers the EZ Program Fee Scholarships for local families with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) up to $175,000 for winter and summer programs and up to $250,000 for competitive programs. All EZ Program Fee Scholarship applicants are required to submit a current 1040 or 1040EZ tax return to determine eligibility.