Freeski (Park)

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 Park 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 Park program, athletes must be advanced skiers or snowboarders who can comfortably ski or board off piste and put their skis back on in soft snow unassisted. Most athletes start in the Alpine program at age 5 to build foundational skiing skills, then transition into the Park program between the ages of 6-10, depending on their skill level. Athletes start by building skills off piste and in the air with a focus on skills needed to compete on the competitive Freeski circuit.

As athletes advance, they learn to hone their air skills while continuing to build their all mountain skills. 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.

Ages 5-9

Most athletes ages 5-9 begin in an entry level program that focuses on phases 1-2 of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Alpine Training System. Athletes ages 6 and up may begin training with the Freeski team if approved by the Freeski Head Coach. Our teams for this age have approximately 50 on-snow days and work to build foundational skills and be introduced to jump and jib basics. Athletes on teams have fun skiing all over the mountain with positive coaching and enthusiastic support.
Ages 5-9 as of December 31

Ages 10-13

The Park program for ages 10-13 is an advanced program focused on phases 2-3 of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System. We offer both winter and full-year team programs with approximately 65 - 100 on-snow days. We also offer winter and full-year team plus school programs which provide world-class athletics and college preparatory academics on the same mountain. Athletes learn and improve basic air skills and ski technique while also learning how to approach more advanced tricks and understanding freeski judging criteria. Competition in local 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 in the park.
Ages 10-13 as of December 31

Ages 14-18

The Park program for ages 14-18 is an advanced program focused on phases 3-4 of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System. We offer both winter and full-year team programs with approximately 65 - 100 on-snow days. We also offer winter and full-year team plus school programs which provide world-class athletics and college preparatory academics on the same mountain. Athletes continue to progress to the most advanced tricks and features and are focused on polishing and refining movements with increased attention to precision technique and advanced tactical development. Athletes compete in regional and national events with a goal of making national and international events.
Ages 14-18 as of December 31