Designed for athletes who wish to improve in competitive Big Mountain and Park & Pipe skiing. This group focuses on the continued development of freeskiing fundamentals and competitive skills. The National Level Competitive winter program starts in September with pre-season training after school through a fun, fitness-based movement and conditioning program.
Athletes on the Freeskiing Competitive Team program will strive to make USASA or IFSA Championship events at the end of the season. The competition season usually starts in January and culminates with National Championships in April. Athletes will be expected to travel to 4-5 competitions throughout the season.
Those competing in IFSA Big Mountain Events will need to be pre-qualified for National Level events. There may be the opportunity for quota spots for athletes not pre-qualified for IFSA National level events.
All athletes are expected to attend the Summer Strength and Conditioning program along with the pre-season training and gym time throughout the season to meet the physical demand our sport requires at this level. Exceptions can be made for those doing other summer/fall sports or circumstances that prevent athletes from attending. Contact Andy Michnay for questions on this via email.
Minimum ability requirement:
Big Mountain: Ability to ski the entire mountain, comfortable on double black and extreme terrain.
Park/Pipe: Ability to ski the entire mountain, comfortable in the terrain park, half pipe, and double black and extreme terrain.
Equipment requirements: Alpine skiing, snowboarding or telemark equipment, a back protector and a helmet
Season pass information: Purchase ski passes to Steamboat Ski Resort and Howelsen Hill. Ikon pass recommended for camp opportunities.
Competition information: Athletes will be expected to compete in National and Regional level IFSA events and/or Rev/Futures Tour and Regional level USASA events. Athletes should have prior competition experience.
Licensing requirements:
Big Mountain: IFSA and RMFS memberships are required for all Big Mountain events.
Park/Pipe: A USASA membership is required for all regional competitions and a US Ski and Snowboard membership is required for all Futures Tour/Rev Tour competitions.
*US Ski & Snowboard memberships are required for athletes who are 18 or older per Safesport rules (choose the volunteer membership level).
School Schedule/Skier Schedule: Athletes are required to have a full-time skier’s schedule starting in January. No skier schedule is needed for the first semester.
Travel Requirements: Athletes are expected to travel and lodge with the team to competitions and camps. Arrangements can be made if there are circumstances that prevent this. Please contact Freeskiing Director, Andy Michnay, if you have any questions on this.
2022/23 DATES: September 6-April 1
(or through IFSA Nor Ams/USASA Nationals if qualified)
DRYLAND: September 6-November 23
Tuesday & Thursday 4:00-5:30 at Howelsen Hill
Wednesday 4:00-6:00 at Bald Eagle Lake for Trampoline/Field Workout
ON-SNOW:
Early Season, November 28-December 23; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 4:00-6:00 at Howelsen Hill Saturday 9:00-1:00 at Steamboat Resort
Regular Season, December 26-April 1: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 1:00-3:30 at Steamboat Resort, Saturday 9:00-1:00 at Steamboat Resort
Winter Strength and Conditioning: November 28-April 1 Tuesday 4:00-5:00 at Howelsen
PROGRAM FEE:
RESIDENT*: $5,750, plus $450 refundable work deposit
NON-RESIDENT: $6,875, plus $450 refundable work deposit
*Full-time residents of Routt or Moffat County, or full-time participants of SSWSC for two years or more (see Member Handbook for full details on resident fees)
See the Scholarship page for information on program fee scholarships, including the one-step EZ Scholarship.
For more information on the SSWSC work deposit program, click here.
Questions?
Email Andy Michnay, Freeskiing Program Director
