FREERIDE TEAM
The Snowbasin Freeride Team athletes will learn to ski all mountain terrain. The SSEF Freeride program is for athletes looking for a structured program that is geared towards exploring Snowbasin’s world-class alpine playground. This is a high-energy, creative and fun way for young skiers to ski together and mix it up on the mountain. 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.
Athlete Ages 8–18 (birth years 2015 – 2005)
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:
- Be responsible for and keeping track of equipment during practice
- Walk/hike with equipment without adult support
- Dress appropriately for variable weather
- Be a supportive and strong teammate
Program Includes:
- SSEF Team Jacket
- Dryland 1x week for 8 weeks Sept – Nov
- Holiday Camp – tentative Dec 22 & Dec 26-29
- On-snow training: Dec 1st or Resort Opening – March 30th
- 6 Days Week Option available as an Alpine/Freeride Combo (see below)
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.
FREERIDE Competitive Team
Local & Regional level athletes will strengthen fundamental skiing and freeride techniques This program is an introductory program to the IFSA and it’s competitions. Participants will gain comfort and confidence around the mountain while developing their air awareness, technical form, and mountain travel skills. Athletes at this ability level are encouraged to compete in at least 2 local or regional competitions.
Our National level athletes are top-level skiers who have a desire to be in the Junior IFSA Big Mountain Competition environment. These athletes will travel to and compete in at least 4 IFSA qualifying events to earn points towards making it to the North American Championships, as well as World Junior Events. In this program, we will heavily focus on developing a deeper understanding of competition strategies, tactics, and judging.
Competitive Team Cost (2023-24)
4/5 Day Competitive Team – T, Th or Fri/Sat/Sun
$4700 (Includes $400 Work Deposit)
3 Day Competitive Team (T or Th/Sat/Sun)
$4200 (Includes $400 Work Deposit)
2 Day Competitive Team – Sat & Sun
$3550 (Includes $300 Work Deposit)
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a team spot and current pricing. Prices will go up by $100 after August 31st and again after September 30th. Full tuition due by Nov 1st. A 3% processing fee will be automatically charged to all credit card payments or a $2.50 processing fee for all eChecks.
Intro to FREERIDE Team
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 head coach.
Intro To Freeride Team COSTS (2023-24)
2 Day Intro to Freeride Team – Sat & Sun
$3550 (Includes $300 Work Deposit)
1 Day Intro to Freeride – Sat OR Sun
$2450 (Includes $200 Work Deposit)
Friday Intro to Freeride 1/2 Day Add-on* (12:30-4pm)
$675 (includes $100 Work Deposit)
*1/2 Days are from 12:30-4pm
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a team spot and current pricing. Prices will go up by $100 after August 31st and again after September 30th. Full tuition due by Nov 1st. A 3% processing fee will be automatically charged to all credit card payments or a $2.50 processing fee for all eChecks.
ALPINE/FREERIDE COMBO TEAM (birth years 2010-2013
6 Day Team (T/Th/Sat = Freerde; W/F/Sun = Alpine)
$6000 (includes $400 Work Deposit)
5 Day Team (T/1 & 3rd Fridays/Sat = Freeride; W/2nd & 4th Fridays/Sun = Alpine;)
$5400 (includes $400 Work Deposit)
4 Day Team (T or Th/Sat = Freeride; W or F/Sun = Alpine)
$4750 (includes $400 Work Deposit)
A $500 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve a team spot and current pricing. Prices will go up by $100 after August 31st and again after September 30th. Full tuition due by Nov 1st. A 3% processing fee will be automatically charged to all credit card payments or a $2.50 processing fee for all eChecks.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Properly fitting ski equipment, including skis, boots, and poles, is crucial for athletes development and safety.
- Skis: Athletes should have 2 pairs of freeride skis.
- One in the 90-100 mm underfoot range for hardpack conditions
- One in the 105-115 mm range for deeper days and variable snow.
- Additional rock skis and GS skis are beneficial.
- Boots: Getting the right fit is essential. Proper sizing and flex based on strength and skill.
- Poles: Hold poles upside-down without boots, ensuring the elbow forms a 90-degree angle near the top of your hips.
- Protective/Safety Gear:
- Helmet and goggles are required
- Spine protection/back protector is required for competitions, recommended for training.
- Avalanche gear like a beacon/transceiver is highly recommended, especially for practicing drills and in backcountry conditions.
- As athletes progress, consider acquiring a shovel, probe, and airbag backpack for backcountry skiing.
- Softgoods/Misc
- Opt for waterproof outerwear with a 20K rating.
- Wear warm base and mid-layers.
- Choose gloves/mittens that provide warmth and dryness.
- Have extra goggle lenses for varying conditions, and consider a goggle wipe or lens bag.
Interested in joining the team for this 2023-24 season?
Please fill out this Freeride Skier Ability Questionnaire.
If you have additional questions, please contact Wynter McBride, Freeride Program Director at freeride@snowbasinskiteam.org
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
TRAINING SCHEDULE
Our training schedule is outlined in our Team Handbook with specific training dates communicated in TeamSnap.
COMPETITION SCHEDULE
For the Race Schedule Click Here – IFSA/FREERIDE SCHEDULE
10-STEPS FOR JUNIOR ATHLETE REGISTRATION ON THE DRIVEN PLATFORM
The Snowbasin Sport Education Foundation is committed to a culture of family participation, team building, & social gatherings while supporting our youth through winter sport development.
We will be using TeamSnap for all communications (email/text messaging) & schedule updates. Once you are registered with SSEF, you will receive a Team Snap invitation. You will have options on how to set up your notifications to suit you and your family. Check out TeamSnap How-Tos under our Resources Tab.
There will be many opportunities for parents to be involved with events and competitions. We need help with races, freeride competitions, club fundraisers and individual team activities such as the coordination of team tents at events.
Our Volunteer Tab will have links to sign up for activities that match your preferences. Additional volunteer opportunities will be communicated via TeamSnap.
We look forward to meeting all of you. If you have any questions, please email Freeride@snowbasinskiteam.org