Freeski
Freeski, or Park, is for athletes who train on jumps, jibs (boxes and rails) and in the halfpipe. Freeski athletes grow to compete in events like slopestyle, big air, rail jams, and halfpipe competitions at every level.
The Sugar Bowl Academy Freeski program offers unmatched progression opportunities for athletes, with the resort and the Academy making significant investments to create a world-class training center. Most recently, we completed earth work for our large jump line in the summer of 2025. SBA Freeski athletes will have everything they need to reach the World Cup, including the option to enroll in our school program to combine world-class training with college preparatory academics – all on the same mountain.
Training
We utilize multiple training venues to give athletes access to multiple mountains, trampolines, and airbag facilities, including:
On-snow full-size progression facility at Sugar Bowl
On-site gym and recovery center with daily workouts during the spring, summer, and fall with our Director of Athletic Performance
Woodward Tahoe, just 10 minutes from Sugar Bowl Academy, for super tramp, ramp, and foam pit training
Sugar Bowl Spring Camp gives athletes exclusive access to the full park
Olympic Park (Utah) summer camp with water ramps and bag landing
Mt. Hood (Oregon) camp with airbag, snowflex rails, super tramp and skiing - offered in summer and fall
Cardrona (New Zealand) exclusive multi-week summer camp at one of the best terrain parks in the world during the peak of southern hemisphere season
Partnership with HPC for athletes to train and compete for second season in southern hemisphere
Before starting in the Freeski program, athletes must be advanced skiers who can comfortably ski in advanced terrain and are ready to begin developing air skills. Athletes between 6-7 can transition into the Freeski program with approval from the head coach. Our Freeski athletes begin with jump and jib basics, then progress to more advanced trick development.
As athletes advance, they learn to hone their air skills while continuing to build their ski technique. They learn how to approach more advanced tricks, such as spinning in all four directions, while they continue focusing on fun and adventure. Athletes are highly encouraged to compete in local events. More competitive 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. Athletes ages 6 and up may begin training with the Freeski team if approved by the Freeski Head Coach.
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
The Freeski Ruggie program for ages 7-8 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 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System. Our teams train on-snow for approximately 50 days with an emphasis on adventure. Athletes will work on basics of jumps and jibs, following our progression principles to ensure safe, appropriate progression. Athletes may train with the Freeski team at this age with the approval of the Freeski Head Coach.
Ages 7-8 as of December 31
Team registration will open on Thursday, March 12.
Freeski Ruggie (7-8)
The Freeski Grommet program for ages 9-10 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 Freeski. Athletes will continue working on jumps and jibs and will add aerial training to facilitate trick progression, following our progression principles. Competition in local USASA events is highly encouraged.The program focuses on phases 1-2 of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System. Athletes on this team have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Freeski competition, grades 6-12
Team program for specialized Freeski competition, ages 9-10
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 9-10 as of December 31
Freeski Grommet (9-10)
The Freeski Menehune program for ages 11-12 is an intermediate to advanced program that focuses on phases 2-3 of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System. This team offers increased specialization and gives athletes the option to advance to full-time training, if desired. Athletes will continue trick progression with aerial and on-snow training. Competition in local USASA events is highly encouraged. The Freeski program typically has multiple on-snow projects and training camps during the summer and fall. Athletes on this team have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Freeski competition, grades 6-12
Team program for specialized Freeski competition, ages 11-12
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 11-12 as of December 31
Freeski Menehune (11-12)
The Freeski Breaker team for ages 13-14 is an intermediate to advanced program that focuses on phases 2-3 of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System. Athletes will continue to focus on trick progression with both aerial and on-snow training. Athletes on this team can begin to qualify for Futures and Rev Tour. Coaches will work with athletes to determine an individual competition schedule based on athlete desire, rank, and skill. The Freeski program typically has multiple on-snow projects and training camps during the summer and fall. Athletes on this team have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Freeski competition, grades 6-12
Team program for specialized Freeski competition, ages 13-14
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 13-14 as of December 31
Freeski Breaker (13-14)
The Freeski Youth team for ages 15-16 is an advanced program that focuses on phases 3-4 of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System. Athletes will continue to focus on trick progression with both aerial and on-snow training. Athletes on this team can qualify for Futures and Rev Tour. Coaches will work with athletes to determine an individual competition schedule based on athlete desire, rank, and skill. The Freeski program typically has multiple on-snow projects and training camps during the summer and fall. Athletes on this team have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Freeski competition, grades 6-12
Team program for specialized Freeski competition, ages 15-16
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 15-16 as of December 31
Freeski Youth (15-16)
The Freeski Junior team for ages 17-18 is an advanced program that focuses on phases 3-4 of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System. Athletes will continue to focus on trick progression with both aerial and on-snow training. Athletes on this team can qualify for Futures and Rev Tour. Coaches will work with athletes to determine an individual competition schedule based on athlete desire, rank, and skill. The Freeski program typically has multiple on-snow projects and training camps during the summer and fall. Athletes on this team have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Freeski competition, grades 6-12
Team program for specialized Freeski competition, ages 17-18
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 17-18 as of December 31