The Intro to Freeride Team is offered to athletes who are looking to progress their skills on all aspects of the mountain.  On the Intro to Freeride Team, athletes will develop or improve on the techniques to ski all upper mountain terrain, tree skiing, mogul skiing, powder skiing, terrain parks and create more air awareness.  This team is a great introduction to big mountain skiing as a whole. The advanced athletes will have the option of moving up to the Competitive Team with the approval of the Freeride Program Director.

Athletes are expected to have at least an intermediate to advanced all-mountain skiing ability, an excitement for developing their freeskiing abilities and have skied most of the terrain at Snowbasin. Generally athletes are graduates of our Devo, Devo+ or All Mountain Ripper Programs with a coach recommendation for our Freeride Program. Any member or non-member may submit a Freeride Skier Ability Questionnaire to request a discussion about an athlete’s freeride team fit with our Freeride Program Director, Wynter McBride.

For training purposes, athletes will usually be arranged in groups of approximately 5-7 athletes per coach to facilitate a productive learning environment.  Groups are dynamic but are generally based on skill, speed, and social needs. The Competitive Team Members will have the option to compete in local, regional & national IFSA events based on age & ability.

Intro to Freeride is intended to be a stepping stone to the competition freeride team. You can participate in the Intro to Freeride program for 1-2 years as necessary to build the skills and confidence required for IFSA freeride competitions. It is required to participate in 1 inter-team, non-sanctioned competition and recommended to try one sanctioned IFSA competition.

Athlete Ages 9–12 (birth years 2015 – 2012)

Required Athletic Experience:

• Be an intermediate all-mountain skier in variable conditions

• Be able to manage their own equipment both on and off the hill. This includes:

  • Being responsible for and keeping track of equipment during practice

  • Walking/hiking with equipment without adult support

  • Dressing appropriately for variable weather

• Be a supportive and strong teammate

Program Includes:

• Snowbasin Ski Team Jacket, t-shirt and beanie

• Dryland 1x week for 8 weeks Sept – Nov

• Holiday Camp – 7 days over school winter break (Dec 21-23 and Dec 27-30)

• On-snow training: Dec 1st or Resort Opening – March 30th

• 6 Days Week Option available as an Alpine/Freeride Combo (see below Program Options & Tuition)

Skill Development Focus

Mountain safety and snow safety awareness will be stressed and reinforced throughout the season. Athletes will work on the fundamentals of proper all-mountain technique, terrain and line assessment, steep-ski skill building.  The emphasis, as always, will be on having fun!  We are excited to provide a structured environment from which athletes can have a great time while nurturing a lifelong love of skiing.

If you have any questions, please email Freeride@snowbasinskiteam.org