Park
Park (Freeski) is a specific type of skiing and snowboarding involving jumps, tricks, and terrain park features such as rails, jibs, boxes, pipes, and other obstacles. Snowboarders, the original masters of the terrain park, started the style, quickly followed by skiers looking for the same big air.
The Sugar Bowl Academy Park program offers unmatched progression opportunities for athletes, with the resort and the Academy making significant investment to create a world-class training center with earth work planning this summer. SBA Park 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
Windells (Oregon) summer camp with airbag, snowflex rails, super trams and skiing
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. Athletes start in the Alpine program at age 5, then transition into the Park program at age 10. 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 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
The program for ages 5-9 is an entry level program that focuses on phases 1-2 of the US Ski & Snowboard Alpine Training System. Our teams have 51 on-snow days with an emphasis on mileage and adventure while acquiring basic skills through games and drills. Athletes on teams have fun skiing all over the mountain with positive coaching and enthusiastic support. Future freeski athletes start in this program to learn the foundational skills needed to excel as a freeski athlete.
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 US Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System. WWe 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 US Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System. WWe 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