Academic Partners
SSCV Academic Partners for Full-Time Athletes
Through strong partnerships cultivated over the years, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail full-time athletes can pursue their passion for snowsports while focusing on academic excellence at schools here in our local community.
While these partner schools work closely with SSCV to support student-athletes, it is important to note that each school has their own application, enrollment, and/or approval process that is separate from the SSCV full-time admissions process.
Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy (VSSA)
VSSA is a 6th-12th grade Eagle County public school that serves up to 300 full-time student-athletes. VSSA is a fully accredited and certified college preparatory school, and the first public ski and snowboard academy in the country.
VSSA is located in Minturn, Colorado, just 10 miles from SSCV’s Golden Peak training venue and Clubhouse. It is adjacent to SSCV’s Nordic training venue at Maloit Park and dryland facility at the Minturn Fitness Center.
Students who enroll at VSSA must also be accepted to and enroll in an approved full-time athletic program, which include SSCV full-time Alpine, freeski, mogul, Nordic and snowboard programs as well as some club’s hockey, swim and gymnastics programs.
VSSA was founded in 2007 through an academic partnership between SSCV and Eagle County Schools. The uniqueness of this arrangement (a public school) coupled with SSCV’s financial aid program reflects SSCV’s ongoing commitment to making snowsports accessible to more people.
Still, VSSA has limited spots available and athletes must complete an application process through the school.
Important Dates for VSSA Application Process
12/2/24- VSSA Online Application Opens
12/12/24 Parent Info Sessions begin
1/8/25- Shadow Days
2/3/25- Deadline for 1st round of applications*
2/21/25- 1st round decisions are shared with families
3/3/25- Deadline for 2nd round of applications*
3/21/25- 2nd round decisions are shared with families
Rolling Admissions after 3/21
*To be considered in this round, athletes must have an application with a current grade report and two teacher recommendations on file. Athletes must also be accepted to an approved full time athletic program.
*To be considered in this round, athletes must have an application with a current grade report and two teacher recommendations on file. Athletes must also be accepted to an approved full time athletic program. Please contact VSSA directly with any questions regarding your child’s application status or materials.
Vail Mountain School (VMS)
At VMS, we believe education should extend beyond the classroom and the mountain. Our students are immersed in a dynamic environment where they grow academically, socially, and ethically. They learn to navigate challenges with resilience, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and embrace the lifelong pursuit of learning—values that echo our mission and guide their development.
As the only independent K-12 school in Eagle and Summit counties, VMS is accredited by the Association of Colorado Independent Schools and is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools. Our reputation for educational excellence is reflected in our graduates, who matriculate to some of the top colleges and universities across the country.
Our approach to teaching is rooted in an understanding of students’ developmental needs at every stage. Whether in Lower, Middle, or Upper School, the curriculum balances academic rigor with experiential learning and character development. From outdoor education programs to leadership opportunities and global learning experiences, students are encouraged to expand their horizons and grow into thoughtful, ethical citizens.
Located just five minutes from SSCV’s Golden Peak training venue and Clubhouse, VMS ensures SSCV athletes have access to a well-rounded education that complements their pursuit of excellence on the mountain. These students benefit from being part of a vibrant community where their athletic, academic, and personal growth are equally valued.
For SSCV full-time athletes interested in attending VMS, acceptance into an SSCV full-time program is required before beginning the VMS admission process. Families should contact the VMS Admissions Office to learn more about the application process, flexible tuition, and next steps. Additional details can be found on the VMS Admissions Page.
Red Sandstone Elementary School (RSES)
RSES is a K-5th grade Eagle County public school that has a cooperative arrangement with SSCV for 3rd-5th grade students, which allows younger students in the Vail Valley to ski or snowboard competitively on a full-time basis while providing a schedule that meets their unique academic needs. This arrangement expands the partnership between SSCV and Eagle County Schools, which when coupled with SSCV’s financial aid program reflects SSCV’s ongoing commitment to increasing accessibility to snowsports.
RSES is located in Vail, Colorado, just minutes from SSCV’s Golden Peak training venue and Clubhouse.
The RSES cooperative arrangement enables 3rd, 4th and 5th grade student-athletes to train on snow four days per week (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) with a post-training study hall on Wednesday and Friday afternoons. The study hall is held at the SSCV Clubhouse and proctored by SSCV staff.
RSES students who enroll in an approved four-day SSCV Full-Time Program (currently Alpine, Freeski, Mogul and Snowboard) and who are approved academically by RSES are eligible to participate.
Please contact the RESE Office Manager for school enrollment information.