Snowboard
Our snowboard program combines Park and Freeride styles with park riding, boarder cross, bank slaloms, and lots of tricks. Freeride is performed on natural, ungroomed terrain without a set course. The event is about celebrating the natural terrain features on the mountainside in the most elemental format. Riders 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. Park calls for time in the park using park terrain such as boxes, rails, jibs, and pipes.
Snowboard athletes work on foundational skills in our U8 and U10 programs, then begin building skills off piste and in the air with a focus on skills needed to compete on the competitive Freeride or 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 difficult terrain and progressively tackle more difficult tricks. Athletes are highly encouraged to compete in local events. More competitive athletes will also have opportunities to compete on the national and international stage.
U8
Our U8 program for ages 5-7 is a foundational program focused on the techniques and skills needed to become an expert snowboarder. The program focuses on phases 1-2 of the US Ski & Snowboard athlete development 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 rider safety, technical ability, balance, and coordination.
Ages 5-7 as of December 31
This program is not for beginners who do not have snowboarding experience. Sugar Bowl offers lessons and seasonal programs through their Snowsports School that are better suited for beginners.
U10
Our U10 snowboard program 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 snowboarder and allows athletes to begin to move towards a more specialized program in Freeride or Park if their skill level meets minimum requirements with coach approval. 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.
Ages 8-9 as of December 31
Snowboard U12
Our Snowboard program for athletes ages 10-11 is an advanced program focused on phases 2-3 of the US Ski & Snowboard athlete development model. This team offers increased specialization and gives athletes the option to advance to full-time training in the winter, if desired. Athletes learn and improve basic air skills and ride technique while also learning how to approach difficult terrain. Competition in local IFSA or USASA events is highly encouraged. 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
Snowboard U15
Our Freeride U15 team is an advanced program focused on phases 3-4 of the US Ski & Snowboard athlete development 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 ride technique as they move towards more advanced terrain. Athletes are highly encouraged to compete in regional IFSA or USASA events. More advanced athletes may also compete in national events as directed by their coaches. Athletes have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Snowboard competition, grades 6-12
Team program for specialized Snowboard 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
Snowboard U19
Our Snowboard U19 team is an advanced program focused on phases 3-4 of the US Ski & Snowboard athlete development 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 ride technique as they move towards more advanced terrain. Athletes are highly encouraged to compete in regional IFSA or USASA events and national events as directed by their coaches. Athletes have multiple program options:
School program for advanced Snowboard competition, grades 9-12
Team program for specialized Snowboard 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