Freeride
Freeride skiing is performed on natural, ungroomed terrain without a set course. The sport is about celebrating the natural terrain features on the mountainside in the most elemental format. Skiers choose impossible lines through cornices and cliff faces with big jumps and lots of excitement. Freeride athletes look for the bumpy, rowdy freeride terrain that challenges them to be the best athletes they can be.
Before starting in the Freeride program, athletes must be advanced skiers who can comfortably ski off piste and put their skis back on in soft snow unassisted. Most athletes are ready to begin Freeride at age 10, although some advanced athletes may be ready to begin at age 9 with approval from the head coach. Athletes start by building skills off piste and in the air with a focus on the skills needed to compete on the competitive Freeride circuit.
As athletes advance, they learn to hone their air skills while continuing to build their all mountain skiing skills. They learn how to approach more difficult terrain while they continue focusing on fun and adventure. All Freeride athletes are highly encouraged to compete in local Tahoe Junior Freeride Series events. More competitive Freeride athletes will also have opportunities to compete on the national and international stage.
Our U8 program for ages 5-7 is a foundational program focused on the techniques and skills needed to become an expert skier. The program focuses on phases 1-2 of the US Ski & Snowboard Alpine Training System. Our teams train on-snow for approximately 50 days with an emphasis on adventure and mileage. Our coaches create a fun environment for their teams while working on skier safety, technical ability, balance, and coordination. Our U8 team has athletes aspiring to be future Alpine, Backcountry, Freeride, or Freeski athletes as they build the necessary foundation to specialize in those disciplines.
Ages 5-7 as of December 31
This program is not for beginners who do not have ski experience. Sugar Bowl offers lessons and seasonal programs through their Snowsports School that are better suited for beginners.
U8
Our U10 program for skiers continues to build on the foundations established in the U8 program. This program continues to focus on the foundational techniques and skills needed to become an expert skier and allows athletes to begin to move towards a more specialized program in Freeride if their skill level meets minimum requirements with coach approval. We encourage most athletes at this age to select the Alpine program, as the skill development builds the appropriate foundation for other disciplines. a foundational program focused on the techniques and skills needed to become an expert skier. The program focuses on phases 1-2 of the US Ski & Snowboard athlete development model. Our teams train on-snow 2-3 days per week during the winter. The U10 program typically has one optional on-snow project available during the summer.
Ages 8-9 as of December 31
U10
Our Freeride program for athletes ages 10-11 is an advanced program focused on phases 2-3 of the US Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System. This team offers increased specialization and gives athletes the option to advance to full-time training, if desired. Athletes learn and improve basic air skills and ski technique while also learning how to approach difficult terrain and understanding Freeride judging criteria. Competition in local IFSA events is highly encouraged. Our coaches promote fun, inclusivity, and adventure in a positive environment where athletes learn what grit, grace, and courage look like off piste. Athletes have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Freeride competition, grades 6-12
Team program for specialized Freeride competition, ages 10-11
Athletes who are interested in advanced competition should enroll in the school program, which provides world-class athletics and college preparatory academics on the same mountain.
Ages 10-11 as of December 31
Freeride U12
Freeride U15
Our Freeride U15 team is an advanced program focused on phases 3-4 of the US Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System. This team offers increased specialization and gives athletes the option to advance to full-time training, if desired. Athletes continue to progress their air skills and ski technique as they move towards more advanced terrain. Athletes are highly encouraged to compete in regional IFSA events. More advanced athletes may also compete in national events as directed by their coaches. The U15 program typically has multiple optional on-snow and air skills development projects during the summer and fall to increase training opportunities prior to the start of the winter season. Athletes have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Freeride competition, grades 6-12
Team program for specialized Freeride competition, ages 12-14
Athletes who are interested in advanced competition should enroll in the school program, which provides world-class athletics and college preparatory academics on the same mountain.
Ages 12-14 as of December 31
The Freeride U19 team is an advanced program focused on phases 3-4 of the US Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System. This team offers increased specialization and gives athletes the option to advance to full-time training, if desired. Athletes continue to progress to the steepest and most exposed portions of the mountain and are focused on polishing and refining movements with increased attention to precision technique and advanced tactical development. Coaches work with athletes to determine an appropriate competition schedule for the season, with regional and national events and the goal of making the North American Championships, World Championships, and the Freeride World Tour. Athletes have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Freeride competition, grades 9-12
Team program for specialized Freeride competition, ages 15-18
Athletes who are interested in advanced competition should enroll in the school program, which provides world-class athletics and college preparatory academics on the same mountain.
Ages 15-18 as of December 31