Freeride Program

Freeride Program

The Freeride program is designed for big mountain freeskiers ages 10 to 18 (as of December 31st) who want to improve their skiing through training for, and competing in, regional and national, sanctioned freeride events.  Athletes are expected to be able to ski all of the terrain on Lone Peak safely and confidently.

Prospective participants who are 12 to 14 years of age must have prior approval from the Freeride head coach in order to participate in the program. Prospective participants who are 10 or 11 years of age (U12s) must pass an on-mountain skills assessment and meet other requirements.

Please see the FAQs at the bottom of this page for detailed information regarding Freeride equipment requirements, U12 skills assessment, U12 Freeride competition, and U12 Alpine training requirements.

Participants in the Freeride program are expected to participate in at least two freeride competitions during the season. In order to compete, athletes must have an IFSA license. (See the International Freeskiers Association website.) IFSA membership, competition fees, lift tickets, lodging, and transportation costs related to competitions are not covered by the program fee. (Freeride athletes who do not wish to compete are encouraged to consider the Big Sky Resort Rippers program.)

Freeride team members will develop skills ranging from foundational ski techniques to snow safety, avalanche awareness, and on-mountain travel. The program emphasizes skiing to competitive freeride criteria, including line, control, technique, fluidity, and style.  All participants must wear a helmet when on the snow and have all other required equipment.

A Volunteer Deposit is required per the terms of the BSSEF Handbook and will be automatically added to your cart. Multi-program purchase discounts applied at checkout.

Volunteer Deposit Information

BSSEF Handbook

Included in the base program fee: training on Saturday and Sunday; rental of a team jacket for the season; and the Christmas Camp.

2017-18 program dates: December 2, 2017 – March 25, 2018

This will also add the following products to your cart:

  • Volunteer Deposit

FAQs

All Freeride program participants are required to have the following equipment:

  • A digital, two or three-antenna avalanche transceiver
  • An avalanche probe
  • A metal avalanche shovel
  • A sturdy and comfortable backpack with straps for attaching and carrying skis
  • Skis suitable for firm snow and gate training less than 75 millimeters underfoot with camber
  • Skis suitable for freeride training and competition no more than 108 millimeters underfoot with camber and, ideally, tip rocker
  • A skiing certified helmet
  • Properly fitting ski boots, preferably without walk mode,
  • and other equipment related to Alpine skiing (i.e. for U12s) including hard-ear helmets suitable for competition

For everyone’s safety, prospective Freeride program participants who are 10 or 11 years old as of December 31st of the current ski season must pass an on-mountain skills assessment before they will be allowed to join the Freeride team. The Freeride Head Coach will determine the sufficiency of an applicant’s skills at his or her sole discretion. Those athletes who aren’t yet ready for the Freeride program will be encouraged to participate in one of BSSEF’s Alpine programs (e.g. Youth Ski League or Buddy Werner).

All U12 Freeride Team members must compete in a) BSSEF’s Freeride competition and b) at least one other regional IFSA-sanctioned competition. U12 athletes are encouraged, but not required, to participate in U.S. Ski & Snowboard-sanctioned Alpine race competitions, too.

Being a competent Freeride competitor requires an athlete to be a strong skier. Consequently, all U12 Freeride Team members must also participate in Alpine training—including gate training. The objective is to help you become an excellent all-around skier, not necessarily a racer. (However, U12 Freeride Team members are strongly encouraged to participate in Alpine races.) To meet this Alpine training requirement, U12 Freeride Team members must a) participate in one day of midweek Alpine training for every two days of weekend Freeride training or b) participate in one weekend of Alpine training for every three weekends of Freeride training per month.