I spent this morning meeting a steady stream of parents, staff, and students in my office. I worked with Student Leadership Counsil to determine who would represent the student body at the upcoming Head of School interviews. I witnessed the Journalism Club Editor encouraging a writer to meet their deadlines. Parents put together a wonderful Appreciation Breakfast for staff in the Basecamp Room and then scooted downstairs to check out the Mini Art Gallery's rotating exhibition.

Thank you to the parents who contributed their time and effort this week. From helping decorate Village Hall for Homecoming festivities to organizing this morning's breakfast, we appreciate your generosity and willingness to jump in wherever needed. To the students who embrace the learning and leadership opportunities the Academy offers, and to the staff who enthusiastically modeled an array of costumes and headgear throughout Spirit Week, thank you for making this community such a lively and engaging place.

All the best,

moose mutlow

Interim Executive Director & Head of School

This Week

NO SCHOOL WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11 IN OBSERVANCE OF VETERANS DAY

A heartfelt thank you to our SLC members for the countless hours, thoughtful planning, and energy you put into making this week such a success. Your enthusiasm, leadership, and genuine investment did not go unnoticed. We are grateful for all the time and effort you dedicated behind the scenes to bring it all together!

Back Row: Kiana Swim, Liam Coyle, Ryan Russo, Stolle Wannamaker, Ethan Cohen, Jackson Fossum

Front Row: Jameson Pfeister, Angus Blackburn, Colin Beugelmans, Jake Beevor, Eli Jaffe

SBA Menu - Week of November 8

Academics

Thank you to Mike Wyreman and the whole team for a successful Winter Term Virtual Orientation. We are excited to welcome our middle schoolers back on campus after the New Year.

School Photos

2026-2027 Student Photos available for PURCHASE now! Thank you Lesley Marcacci Photography!

To order: click on your student photo > Buy Photo > Visit store to select printing options.

Athletics

Teams Orientation

Saturday & Sunday | November 7 & 8 | Village Hall & Academy

More information here

Upcoming Projects

Alpine Canada Project | November 14-24

Freeski Stubai Project | November 14-23

Freeride Colorado Project | November 15-21

BREATHE IN. STRESS OUT. PERFORM YOUR BEST!

One of the simplest ways to manage stress is through something you already do every day: breathing! Intentional breathing can help you relax, improve focus, and reset when things get stressful. Just as you train your body, you can train your mind!

5 Breathing Techniques to Add to Your Game Plan

1. Deep Belly Breathing – The Pre-Game Reset

Feeling nervous before a competition? Slowly inhale through your nose for four seconds, allowing your stomach to expand, and exhale for six seconds. Repeat for one to two minutes. This technique can help calm pre-game nerves and prepare you mentally to compete.

2. Box Breathing – The Focus Booster

Need to regain focus? Inhale for four seconds, gently hold for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, and pause for four seconds. Repeat three to four rounds, adjusting the timing if needed. Try this before a big play, free throw, or competition.

3. Slow Exhale Breathing – The Recovery Reset

After an intense practice or game, take a moment to unwind. Inhale gently for four seconds and exhale slowly for six seconds. Continue for two to three minutes. Remember, recovery isn't just physical; your mind needs time to recharge, too!

4. Pursed-Lip Breathing – The Stress Reliever

When things feel overwhelming, inhale through your nose for two seconds and slowly exhale through gently pursed lips for four seconds. Repeat several times. This can be helpful after a frustrating practice, during a stressful school day, or whenever you need to reset.

5. Mindful Breathing – The Mental Game Changer

Find a quiet space and spend three to five minutes focusing on your natural breathing. When your mind wanders to school, sports, or other stressors, gently bring your attention back to your breath. Stay present and focus on what you can control right now!

SBA Clubs

Looking for something to do after school and training? Join one of our SBA clubs! Clubs are open to all students.

Climbing Club
Mondays | 5:00pm | High Altitude Fitness, Truckee

Come climb with the SBA community! Climbing Club will include bouldering and ropes and is open to SBA students and staff. Climbing gym fees apply.

Ceramics Club
Wednesdays | 5:00pm | SBA Ceramics Studio

Join us for Ceramics Club meeting Wednesday’s after training! If you have any interest in ceramics, come check it out.

Young Entrepreneurship Club

Wednesdays | 5:00pm | Academy Building

Develop confidence and experience in entrepreneurship, building a business, and the opportunities that come with thinking BIG!

Journalism and Media Literacy Club

Thursdays | 5:00pm | Academy Building 

Support students who want to dissect hot-button issues, ask questions about the world around them, and share their findings with others.

Journalism Club News Desk

Fitness Testing, a Guest Speaker, and a Formal Dinner: Our Week In Review

By Ethan Cohen

Sugar Bowl Academy athletes started the week strong, trading candy for cardio at the official U.S. Ski & Snowboard fitness testing in South Lake Tahoe after Halloween weekend. Our athletes showed tremendous grit, grace, and courage throughout the events, cheering each other on until the last group finished around 8:30 p.m. By then, the team was hungry, exhausted, and ready to go home. Still, spirits stayed high on the bus ride back to the summit, where the first day of the week finally wrapped up at 11:00 p.m.

On Tuesday, the Young Entrepreneurs Club, run by Liam Coyle, welcomed guest speaker John Anderson to campus. Anderson has been on both sides of the startup world: he founded GroupCard, spent a decade at Meta after selling it, ran PayPal’s consumer business, and now invests in other founders. Members heard about his career and what it takes to build companies from the ground up. Huge thanks to Liam Coyle and James Jedlic for making this opportunity possible.

The halls were also filled with spirit, as this was our annual spirit week leading up to fall formal. Monday kicked things off with Hawaiian Day, as students and teachers brought the beach to school, swapping boots for flip-flops and pants for swim trunks. Tuesday split the school in two for Fisherman vs. Yacht Club, Wednesday brought Twin Day, and Thursday was Class Colors.

We capped off the week with fall formal, and this year our theme was HOCO. At the end of the school day, we headed down to West End Beach for a seniors vs. juniors flag football game. Seven players per side took the field, battling it out as the underclassmen cheered from the sidelines. The juniors put up a good fight but ultimately fell 34–26. Afterward, students swapped jerseys for suits and dresses and headed to the formal dinner and dance. Scott, our head chef, cooked a delicious meal while we talked with friends late into the evening. The night ended with everyone crammed into the Snowshed room, dancing until the very end. It was the perfect finish to a long and extremely spirited week at Sugar Bowl Academy.

Community

SBA Ski Swap

Saturday | November 7 | 9:30am-1:00pm | Village Hall

Great opportunity to clean out your garage and make room for more gear. Bring your gear for a great opportunity to sell or exchange ski equipment and apparel before the season to Winter Term and Ski Team Families!

SBA Community Committee Resources

Equipment Swap details see here

Looking for rentals or have a listing? See Housing Resources here

Want to connect? See WhatsApp Parent Groups see here

Upcoming Events

Dorms close at 12pm on Sunday November 15 and reopen at 12pm on Tuesday November 24

Save the Date

February 13, 2027

SBA Winter Gala: VEGAS, BABY! A night of Glitz, Glamour and Giving