Freeride Big Mountain Program

Freeride Weekend Team 2 and 3 Day

The SSCV Freeride Weekend Team is designed for athletes who want to challenge themselves in big mountain freeride skiing while maintaining balance with school and other commitments. This program supports skiers who are motivated to improve, explore advanced terrain, and be part of a strong team culture — all while continuing to build a lifelong love of the sport.

Our Weekend Team emphasizes strong all-mountain fundamentals through structured training, creative freeskiing, and exposure to competition. Athletes develop technical skills, terrain awareness, and confidence in steeper, more complex environments, while maintaining a fun and supportive atmosphere.

Throughout the season, athletes are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone — whether that means skiing a new line, learning to manage competition nerves, or traveling with teammates to regional events. In doing so, they grow not only as skiers, but as individuals, embodying SSCV’s core values of Character, Courage, and Commitment both on the mountain and in everyday life.

New Athlete Inquiry

Program Details

Overview

Athletes meet each morning at the SSCV Clubhouse. Gear may be stored at the clubhouse during the day. Drop-off time is 8:15 AM, and athletes will meet with their assigned contact coach before heading out on snow.

Each training day is structured around current mountain conditions and seasonal priorities. The contact coach determines the focus for the day. On powder days, athletes may focus on dynamic freeskiing, terrain exploration, and line choice. On firmer snow or lower-visibility days, training may emphasize technical fundamentals, edge control, turn quality, and terrain management.

As competitions approach, training shifts toward a more competitive mindset. Athletes will work on inspection skills, line selection strategy, run structure, and understanding judging criteria to prepare for IFSA regional events.

Backflips are not permitted in junior freeride competition. However, if conditions align and athletes demonstrate appropriate skill development — including trampoline proficiency and air awareness — some training time may be devoted to advanced aerial progression. The primary aerial focus remains on strong fundamentals, controlled takeoffs and landings, and 360-degree spins.

Competition support is provided for all regional-level IFSA events that the program attends. A detailed competition calendar will be shared with families outlining which events the team plans to support during the season.

Dates: First weekend, December 4-6. Last weekend, March 26-28.

Training Days:

The 2 Day Team trains Saturdays and Sundays, 8:30am-2:30pm, plus trampoline nights on Fridays, 6:30pm-7:30pm at VSSA as calendared.

The 3 Day Team trains Friday afternoons 1pm-3:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays, 8:30am-2:30pm, plus trampoline nights on Fridays, 6:30pm-7:30pm at VSSA as calendared.

We train every weekend throughout the winter, except we take the weekend around Christmas off.

Age and Skill Requirements:

Ages 12- 18

Prerequisites:

A successful participant in this program either comes in with strong recreational skiing skills or is progressing up from our Freeski Rookie Team. Athletes should be confident skiing advanced terrain in variable conditions. This skier has an aggressive, athletic mindset and is excited about the opportunity to compete in regional and national Freeride IFSA events. Competition and team travel can be an incredible experience and a great way to explore new mountains and challenge oneself.

Fees + Scholarships

Program Fees:

  • 2 Day Non-Resident Fee: $6,840 plus $100 Club Membership
  • 2 Day Colorado Resident Fee: $5,770 plus $100 Club Membership
  • 3 Day Non-Resident Fee: $7,965 plus $100 Club Membership
  • 3 Day Colorado Resident Fee: $6,750 plus $100 Club Membership

SSCV is committed to making our programs accessible to families. Our scholarship program can cover up to 100% of program fees based on financial need and level of participation. For the 2026–2027 season, SSCV offers two types of scholarships. Explore our Scholarship Page to determine the best fit for your family.

Please note, the first deadline for 26/27 scholarship applications is May 15th, 2026 and the second deadline is October 1st, 2026. Families must have their 2025 tax return in order to complete their application.

Calendar

The Freeride Weekend Team runs during the winter season, typically from November through March, with training held on weekends and select holidays.

Athletes may have the opportunity to participate in regional freeride competitions, depending on readiness and interest. A detailed calendar outlining training days, competition opportunities, and key program dates is provided prior to the season.

Freeride Weekend Calendar
Volunteer Requirements

Points Required: 80 points (2 Day) 100 points (3 Day)

SSCV relies heavily upon the generosity of hundreds of volunteers who give thousands of hours to help with competitions, fundraising and various Club tasks and events. Volunteer points are earned by completing volunteer jobs, and these jobs are assigned a specific number of points based upon difficulty and time needed for completion. SSCV requires each family to complete a predetermined amount of volunteering based upon the programs in which they are involved. The number of points required per family is based upon the athlete’s program (and in the case of multiple athletes, it will be the program in which the most time-committed athlete participates).

There are numerous opportunities, both on and off the snow, throughout the year from May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027. Opportunities will be shared with families via email as they arise.

Failure to meet your obligation could result in an evaluation of your family’s fit with the program and SSCV culture of volunteerism.

Facilities + Technical Support

Training takes place across Vail Mountain, utilizing a wide range of natural terrain to support freeride development. Athletes train in bumps, trees, steeps, and powder, gaining experience in real mountain environments.

This exposure to varied terrain is essential for developing well-rounded freeride athletes who are confident in all conditions.

Strength Training

Athletes are introduced to the importance of equipment setup and performance, with access to SSCV Technical Services for tuning and support as needed.

Off-snow development focuses on coordination, balance, and strength in an age-appropriate format. With increased training days, athletes begin to build the physical foundation needed for skiing more demanding terrain.