During a year heavily influenced by the pandemic, Ski & Snowboard Club Vail’s Freeski park and pipe team has only thrived. SSCV has been named the 2021 Freeski Club of the Year by United States Ski & Snowboard from among development level clubs across the United States for the third time in the history of the Club.

Through the leadership of SSCV Freeski and Snowboard Program Director Chris Laske, Freeski Park & Pipe Head Coach Willis Engelhart and other experienced and dedicated coaching staff, including former pro skier Sean Jordan and other level 100-300 staff, the Freeski team has never performed better. 

SSCV’s Freeski’s enrollments continue to grow with a strong development level pipeline and impressive performances from Rookie Team members. From as young as six years old to elite level athletes, including US Freeski Team member Riley Jacobs, the depth of talent stands evident.  The overall engagement, commitment, and camaraderie amongst the team produce a highly enthusiastic and productive training environment. 

More SSCV athletes qualified and competed in the United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association sanctioned Futures Tour and U.S Ski & Snowboard sanctioned Revolution Tour and World Cup events than ever before.  The club had seven finalists at Rev Tour, three Futures Tour wins, and five other podiums. In addition, four athletes qualified for World Cup starts in both Slopestyle and Halfpipe.

“I want to thank Willis for everything he has contributed to the Freeski team since joining SSCV in 2019,” said Laske. “Following US Ski & Snowboard’s model with Freeski and Snowboard falling under one veil has truly elevated the standard of training both on and off-snow for both sports. The added positive energy to the group as a whole is evident, as the kids push it hard every day, day in and day out.” 

“I am very honored that SSCV has won this award and super excited to see what the 2021-2022 season holds for our team, especially with a number of our athletes pre-qualified for Rev Tour, and at least one athlete and possibly more with World Cup starts for next season and a number of brand new additions to both the part-time and full-time teams,” said Engelhart. 

Ski & Snowboard Club Vail is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing both part-time and full-time training and competition services for aspiring youth athletes across five snowsport disciplines of Alpine, Freeski, Moguls, Nordic, and Snowboard along with Cycling.  Learn more at www.skiclubvail.org.