Freeride skier catching air

Freeride Program

Program Overview

The Freeride program prepares skiers and snowboarders (ages 11–18 as of December 31) for big-mountain competition under the International Freeskiers Association (IFSA). Participants must already ride most of Lone Mountain safely and confidently.

  • First-year athletes must complete the initial sessions and receive Freeride head coach approval to continue.
  • Training is structured around IFSA judging criteria, including line, control, technique, fluidity, style, and energy.
  • See “Freeride Equipment Requirements” in the FAQs for a complete gear list.
  • Athletes will learn foundational ski/snowboard techniques, air awareness and trick progressions, risk vs. reward tactics and terrain assessment, and avalanche safety.
  • Training options include 1 day per week, 2 days per week (midweek or weekend), and 4 days per week.
  • All options include the Christmas Camp.

Additional program and scholarship information is available at the bottom of this page.

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Program Dates

  • Full Freeride: 12/6/25 – 3/22/26; Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun
  • Weekend Freeride: 12/6/25 – 3/22/26; Sat/Sun
  • Saturday Freeride: 12/6/25 – 3/21/26; Sat
  • Midweek Freeride: 12/10/25 – 3/20/26; Wed/Fri

Training Times

  • Saturdays and Sundays: 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Wednesdays and Fridays: 12:30 PM to 4:00PM

All participants in the Freeride program are expected to participate in at least two (2) competitions during the season. Freeride athletes who do not wish to compete are encouraged to consider the Big Sky Resort Rippers program.

In order to compete, athletes must have an International Freeskiers Association (IFSA) or a United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association (USASA) membership for the current season. In addition, a helmet and back protector are required.

IFSA/USASA memberships, competition fees, lift tickets, lodging, and transportation costs related to competitions are not covered by the program fee.

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Freeride Equipment Requirements

Freeride Team members are required to have certain equipment including, but not limited to, a ski helmet, back protector, and avalanche backpack.

Required Equipment
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How do installment payment plans work?

As BSSEF has become active year-round, we’ve been compelled to push the Early Season pricing deadline earlier in the year for planning and cash flow purposes. However, we recognize that taking advantage of Early Season pricing might cause a cash crunch for some families. So, we offer installment payment options on a limited basis.

Here’s how installment plans work:

  • Choose the Partial.ly Payment Plan option at check out.
  • Select your down payment amount.
  • Select your payment frequency.
  • Your scheduled payments will be calculated based on the final due date of February 15th.
  • Select your payment method (credit card, debit card, or bank account ACH).
  • Read the terms carefully.
  • “Sign” the payment contract electronically.
  • Click Process Down Payment.

Installment payment terms are subject to change.

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How do I get information about competitions?

There are a number of resources related to Alpine and Freeride competitions:

  • Start with the events calendar. We do our best to keep information on the event pages up-to-date, relevant, and complete.
  • The definitive source of information for Northern Division Alpine races is the Northern Division website. The race calendar there includes links to race announcements and results.
  • The IFSA website includes information regarding Junior Freeskiing competitions.
  • During the course of a competition, coaches will send updates and communicate with parents and athletes via the TeamReach mobile app.
  • Subscribe to email notifications.
  • “Like” the team’s Facebook page.
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The temperature is below zero. Will there be training today?

With appropriate clothing, kids can ski and train in below zero weather. Sometimes, however, the start of training will be delayed in order to allow the temperature to rise a bit. In all cases, coaches will bring kids into the lodge for warm-ups as necessary. As always, check the TeamReach app for the latest updates regarding training.

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When and where do the kids eat lunch?

The team typically eats lunch between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Timing can be a bit flexible, depending on conditions and the day’s training agenda. Lunches are provided in the Team Room to Youth Ski League athletes on Saturdays, but other athletes are responsible for getting their own lunches.

Team Room Information
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How do I get information about each day’s training agenda with TeamReach?

The head coaches of each program are responsible for posting and updating training schedules to each program’s respective TeamReach group.

Learn About TeamReach
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How can I stay informed about what’s happening with the team?
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Skiing is expensive! How can I get a break?

We feel your pain. We’re helped immensely by our sponsors, and we do our best to keep our overhead low in order to keep program prices in check. Nevertheless, program fees, equipment, and travel conspire to make skiing and ski racing expensive.

To make it less so, take advantage of early season program pricing and multi-program purchase discounts. Installment payment plans may be available on certain transactions.

Purchase used equipment via Montana Ski Racing Classified on Facebook and area ski swaps. (Bridger Ski Foundation hosts a great swap every Fall in Bozeman.) Last but not least, apply for a scholarship!

Learn About Scholarships

IFSA Qualifier athletes interested in coaching support should contact Wallace Casper.

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