Choosing the right academy for your child can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help. With 2023 on the horizon, SRM offers a list of academies that will train the next generation of champions. This year’s academy feature delves into what each academy has to offer as well as their unique opportunities and the training grounds your child will have access to while there.

Some academies feature breathtaking campuses surrounded by gorgeous scenery. Additionally, others offer a fully online curriculum to help support traveling athletes stay on top of their coursework. 

These academies continue to be the backbone of elite skiing in the US. They all have a proven track record, both academically and athletically, with many references and satisfied alums. Don’t hesitate to investigate them more deeply. 

APEX 2100: Tignes, France

APEX 2100 International Ski Academy is located in beautiful Tignes, France. The academy is housed in a new, specifically built facility that has to be seen to be appreciated. If something makes the program better, it is available at APEX 2100. Additionally, they prioritize a diverse international student body that drives athletic performance and personal growth. APEX 2100 is an accredited school where ski racers can learn, train and perform with international teammates. APEX is fully committed to supporting all of its athletes. The academy has created an environment conducive to maximizing individual performance and potential.

APEX has programs for grades 5-12 and PGs, post-high school graduates. In the spring of 2022, APEX introduced its international elite PG program. The postgraduate program focuses on training and racing. The program is designed for athletes who aspire to compete for national teams or NCAA universities. 

With world-class facilities and coaches and access to phenomenal venues, APEX is a great option for ski racers seeking an academy outside of the US.

Burke Mountain Academy: East Burke, Vermont

The vision behind Burke Mountain Academy is to provide training beyond the traditional classroom. BMA teaches valuable tools for all aspects of a student’s life. The members of the BMA community strive to instill confidence in their students. Consequently, they encourage students to take on complex challenges, value hard work and pursue increasing intellectual growth.

Indeed, at Burke Mountain Academy, students learn for learning’s sake, not only for arbitrary performance measurements. Located in East Burke, Vermont, students will experience exceptional ski training on Burke Mountain. BMA’s athletic program involves a multi-pronged model, including training nutrition, mental health, physical conditioning, and sports science. BMA’s priority is to implement the most current research into each student’s athletic development. 

Cardigan Mountain School: Canaan, New Hampshire

Located in scenic Canaan, New Hampshire, Cardigan Mountain School is a boarding school for sixth through ninth-grade boys. Cardigan designed a program to foster a unique learning environment. It aims to nurture a student-athlete’s intellectual curiosity and academic achievement in addition to physical, social, ethical, and personal growth. With the right blend of structure, independence, challenge, and support, every student’s future has a bright and exciting potential. 

Cardigan helps the student-athlete to achieve great things while helping their community along the way. Cardigan offers students training camps at locations across the country. Alpine student-athletes can train up to six days a week, usually at Mount Sunapee. Also, they have some access to Whaleback.

Carrabassett Valley Academy: Carrabassett Valley, Maine

Boasting one of the largest alpine venues on the East Coast, Carrabassett Valley Academy is located at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain. With the only FIS-homologated downhill track in the East, Sugarloaf is ideal for athletes looking to develop skills in speed events. CVA provides a top-tier coaching staff, state-of-the-art facilities, and small group sizes. Additionally, CVA prioritizes increased training volume and individualized attention for each athlete. 

CVA expects all students to pursue one of five major athletics offerings at this academy. The sports include competitive alpine ski racing, competitive freestyle skiing, competitive ski cross racing, competitive snowboarding and backcountry skiing. CVA provides an environment for academic programs that develop independent thinkers while balancing their rigorous athletics. CVA combines traditional college preparatory curriculum with personalized attention. CVS students learn to be responsible for and take pride in their studies. All students must strive to keep pace with their classes while training and during competition trips. 

Green Mountain Valley School: Waitsfield, Vermont

Green Mountain Valley School is located in Waitsfield, Vermont and features an incredible 30,000-square-foot on-campus training facility, including a ski treadmill.

GMVS offers a challenging curriculum designed to prepare students for college and beyond. Small class sizes help emphasize critical thinking, student engagement, and personal responsibility. The selection of each student’s courses is based on academic preparedness, ability, and the demands of their travel schedule, not on their grade or age. The athletic program at GMVS provides an opportunity for hard-working and passionate ski racers to achieve their potential.

Gould Academy: Bethel, Maine

Gould Academy is a boarding school located in beautiful Bethel, Maine. The academy offers a full-time academic program for grades 8-12 and PG opportunities. Additionally, a 7th and 8th grade winter term solution is available from November through March. They offer programs for alpine, freestyle, snowboarding, and Nordic student-athletes. Thanks to a partnership with Sunday River Resort, six miles from campus, they have access to premier training venues. 

Gould Academy is a boarding school located in beautiful Bethel, Maine. The academy offers a full-time academic program for grades 8-12 and PG opportunities. Additionally, a 7th and 8th grade Winter Term solution exists from November through March. They offer programs for alpine, freestyle, snowboarding, and nordic student-athletes. Thanks to a partnership with Sunday River Resort, six miles from campus, they have access to premier training venues. 

The academy offers an approach to learning that involves meeting the students where they are academically and athletically. Gould boasts a challenging core curriculum with a small yet dedicated faculty. Teachers at Gould customize the academic experience to improve learning potential. Also, they provide the flexibility needed to explore opportunities outside of the classroom.  

Gould Academy is excited about its new Marlon Family IDEAS Center. The center provides exciting digital and physical tools—tools required for success in a world increasingly reliant on ideas, analysis, and innovation. This emphasis on experiential learning pushes the boundaries of a traditional classroom. 

Additionally, Gould Academy has tremendous pride in its unique and proven 40-year-old Four Point Program. 

The ninth grade students participate in ‘Immersion,’ traveling to unique countries to experience entirely new cultures meant to broaden students’ views. The tenth grade is dedicated to ‘Expression.’ Through service projects, students strengthen their sense of place regarding how they can impact their communities. Eleventh grade focuses on ‘Awareness,’ which includes eight nights of winter camping. During the wilderness experience, students learn more about themselves, their peers, and the benefits of teamwork. They learn about the importance of personal responsibility and facing complex challenges. The fourth point, ‘Independence,’ is during the student’s senior year.  Some students choose an independent service project. Others decide to venture out into various parts of the world. 

Gould seeks to foster citizens who lead lives of purpose, action, excellence, and compassion in our dynamic world. Gould dedicates itself to providing an experience that prepares students for college. But it also focuses on creating ethical citizens. 

Holderness School: Plymouth, New Hampshire

Holderness School, located in Plymouth, New Hampshire, offers an intellectual environment where students can grow and thrive. The hallmark of the Holderness experience is a balance between athletics and academics. The Holderness School has built its snow sports program based on a love of skiing and snowboarding. They provide an environment that encourages students to be successful as individuals and teammates. They focus on the balance between person and athlete. Holderness acknowledges that the person is much more than their athletic performance. 

Holderness has a multi-sport philosophy. The personalized training for their student-athletes includes professional snow sports coaches and strength and conditioning experts. Holderness skiers also participate in lacrosse, soccer, mountain biking, rock climbing, golf, and tennis. Holderness complements their home program with off-season training camps in Europe, South America, and Colorado.

Killington Mountain School: Killington, Vermont

Killington Mountain School has been a great institution for over 40 years, where student-athletes can become their best selves on and off the slopes. With the campus located in the ideal part of Vermont, student-athletes train on Killington Mountain, a World Cup venue. 

Undertaking a rigorous schedule, the students at KMS learn time management, initiative, and independence. However, KMS prioritizes a healthy balance between training, school, family and friends. Low student-to-faculty ratios provide an individualized focus on academics. KMS emphasizes diversity and their community is based “on mutual respect.” With the world more interconnected, KMS’s mission involves increasing awareness of inequalities and the need for a sustainable future.

Mt. Mansfield Academy: Stowe Vermont

Mt. Mansfield Academy is a full-year independent school for grades 6-12 and PGs with winter term options. It is located in Stowe, Vermont, only five minutes from Stowe Mountain Resort. The training is undoubtedly amongst the very best in the world. It is also one of the best race venues anywhere and a frequent host of NorAm events. 

The two key elements that Mt. Mansfield Academy promotes heavily in its athletic approach are physical literacy and resilience. Mt. Mansfield is undoubtedly dedicated to its proven approach to developing successful ski racers. Additionally, they provide an environment that allows students to evolve into the best versions of themselves as well-rounded human beings. Their academic approach fosters positive results, and 100% of MMA graduates pursue higher education.

Northwood/NYSEF: Lake Placid, New York

Northwood School, located in the Olympic village of Lake Placid, New York, is an independent boarding and day school for grades 9-PG. Northwood School offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum that allows students to excel athletically and academically. Furthermore, Northwood’s partnership with New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) gives their student-athletes access to high-quality professional training at Whiteface Mountain. 

If an athlete does not feel ready for the full-year commitment of Northwood, NYSEF also offers a winter term program. This program has a variety of levels to accommodate athletes in the length of time that works best for them.

Okemo Mountain School: Ludlow, Vermont

Okemo Mountain School is located in Ludlow, Vermont. The Okemo Mountain Resort is just minutes away from the school’s campus. Thankfully, Okemo Mountain Resort graciously provides a dedicated training venue conveniently serviced by a triple chairlift. This provides the student-athletes with productive training sessions less burdened by waiting in lift lines. Every student is provided an individualized curriculum using their home school’s agenda. This ensures that each student returns home in sync with their classmates. It is not uncommon for OMS students to return to their schools, not only having achieved this goal but indeed having exceeded it. Consequently, many arrive home ahead of their cohorts. 

To achieve a seamless transition between schools, the students at OMS enjoy a high degree of personalization in their academic programming. Students continually work closely with teachers to explore concepts deeply. OMS also boasts a low faculty-to-student ratio of one to two. Uniquely, many of the faculty members provide a variety of enrichment or remediation in addition to the offered home school content. 

OMS focuses on providing outstanding programs for the needs of winter-term athletes. But it also meets all the athletic and academic needs of a small group of full-time students. OMS’s athletic coaches provide individualized attention on and off the hill. Full-term student-athletes participate in golf in the fall and spring while also focusing on strength and conditioning training. The Okemo Mountain parks and pipe offer world-class snowboard and free ski student-athletes training. Additionally, student-athletes have full access to the school’s private fitness facility and the in-ground trampoline. 

Proctor Academy: Andover, New Hampshire

Proctor Academy’s motto is “Live to Learn, Learn to Live.” The academy provides a curriculum founded on the belief that academic challenge, integrated support systems, and a preference for hands-on learning that includes experiential modes of teaching combined will result in an enduring love of learning for life. This academy offers a sports-specific model within a mainstream college preparatory school, which allows student-athletes to pursue other sports off-season. This model helps open the door to more opportunities for student-athletes. Also, it will enable them to become stronger and better competitors through cross-training. This academy, located in Andover, New Hampshire, is near numerous ski areas, including Proctor Ski Area.  

The ski program at Proctor offers year-round athlete management, including comprehensive strength conditioning and four pre-season training camps. The Proctor Ski Area is an extraordinary, privately owned FIS homologated hill next to the campus. However, Proctor Academy is also near Ragged Mountain, providing athletes access to various training venues.

Rowmark Ski Academy: Salt Lake City, Utah

Rowmark Ski Academy places a significant emphasis on academic excellence while balancing it with its elite ski programs. The rigorous year-round ski racing program is unlike any other and fosters growth and resilience in student-athletes.

Founded in 1982, RSA is part of Rowland Hall, a college prep school in Salt Lake City. In 2014, the ski academy became one of the first clubs designated for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association’s highest Gold Certification level. The staff at Rowmark ensures that every student-athlete prepares well for whatever life path they choose.

Ski & Snowboard Club Vail: Vail Colorado, Academic Partners – Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy, Vail Mountain School and Red Sandstone Elementary School

Ski and Snowboard Club Vail is perhaps the world’s largest winter snow sports program. It has one of the world’s largest and best training venues and one of the most diverse staff in the industry. It offers a program for every level of athlete. To maximize its potential, it partners with three unique academic providers to guarantee that athletes can utilize their athletic programs. 

Academic partners

Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy is a public school offering 5th through 12th grade dedicated primarily to SSCV full-time athletes. Vail Mountain School, K-12, is a private school. Additionally, Red Sandstone Elementary School offers K-5th grade as a public school. All the schools provide full-time athletes the opportunity to pursue their passion for snow sports harmoniously with rigorous academics. These partner schools are all located in the beautiful Vail Valley.

Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy is an Eagle County public school in Minturn, Colorado. The school is a short drive from the world-class Golden Peak training venue on Vail Mountain. The school offers grades 5th-12th. VSSA enables students to achieve academic pursuits without compromising rigorous training and competition schedules. During the ski season, the athletes experience a unique schedule. They have morning training followed by afternoon classes, creating an opportunity for student-athletes to balance their athletic and academic lives. Various advanced placement and college courses are available to help student-athletes compete without sacrificing academic achievement. An online educational learning management system, Schoology, supplements the extensive in-class offerings. Using the Schoology tool, athletes can easily access and continue their studies while traveling. 

Vail Mountain School is a private school. Its faculty works with students, parents, and coaches to ensure the possibility of athletic pursuits with flexible academic schedules. VMS accomplishes this without compromising academic or intellectual achievements. VMS students can get involved in theater, art, music, clubs, and student leadership. An online course management system at VMS helps students and parents keep track of schoolwork and grades. The dedicated liaisons at VMS help with communication, management functions, and mental health support. 

Steamboat Mountain School: Steamboat Springs, Colorado

The Steamboat Mountain School partners with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. This collaboration makes a nearly unbeatable combination of elite academics and athletics.

Steamboat Mountain School offers a demanding and rewarding program that balances athletic success with academic achievements. Student-athletes can drop up to two classes during the winter trimester to accommodate busy training and racing schedules. Consequently, during the following spring intersession, the dropped classes are available to the student-athlete. At the heart of Steamboat Mountain school is an outstanding education that prepares students for collegiate and life success. 

The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) trains at the Stevens Family Alpine Venue, a first-class training facility located at the gorgeous Steamboat Ski Resort. Additionally, the program has access to the historic Howelsen Hill, the extraordinary Steamboat Springs public park in the city. Both facilities have lights for night training. Steamboat is known to attract the highest level of professional staff. With professionally maintained slopes for every level of athlete, Steamboat offers an incredible experience appropriate for all levels of serious athletes.

Sugar Bowl Academy: Norden, California

Sugar Bowl offers rigorous academic programs catering to the individual needs of each student with one-on-one attention. The staff creates assignments that inspire creativity while academically challenging the student. They do this while always considering the interests of the individual. Each student is provided with a laptop to stay on top of coursework when they travel.  Another benefit of working electronically is reducing paper and book use which helps save trees. 

Student-athletes will experience a minimum of seven weekly workouts designed to make the athlete stronger, faster, and more agile. These opportunities offer improvements in body connection and mental fortitude. This is where Sugar Bowl’s motto of “grit, grace and courage” really shines. The motto instills every student with a personal sense of pride and motivation. The goal of Sugar Bowl Academy is to produce graduates that are confident and resilient, leading to happy, healthy, and meaningful lives.

Sun Valley Ski Academy: Ketchum, Idaho

Sun Valley Ski Academy is located in the Rocky Mountain area of Sun Valley, Idaho. SVSA student-athletes have access to world-class ski and snowboard terrain at Sun Valley’s Bald Mountain and its sister slope Dollar Mountain. This academy features a ninth through twelfth-grade day school and boarding program. They offer a combination of college preparatory, high-quality private education with ski coaching and training. 

Student-athletes also have access to the Sun Valley Community School’s Outdoor Program. The outdoor program includes trips exploring the wilderness areas throughout the West and helps connect students to their community. Uniquely, SVSA student-athletes have a designated academic tutor who travels with the student during training and competition trips. The academic calendar features shorter days in the winter to allow for training on the slopes. It also offers a summer session to assist students with completing their educational goals. The program is designed to maximize student-athlete winter training opportunities.

US Performance Academy: Online

US Performance Academy is for student-athletes grades 6-12, fully accredited, NCAA-approved online middle and high school – a 100% online academy designed to support athletes with their diverse needs and traveling schedules. Specifically designed for student-athletes, USPA fully supports their unique schedules. Additionally, it creates a pathway for them to achieve their goals academically, professionally, and athletically. The support system within the academy keeps students involved, motivated, and on track to succeed. 

Waterville Valley Academy: Waterville, New Hampshire

Waterville Valley Academy (WVA) partners with Waterville Valley Black and Blue Trail Smashers Snowsports Educational Foundation (WVBBTS). WVBBTS is a non-profit education foundation operating a ski club outside the academy.

A full-term program is available to student-athletes from grades 9 to 12. WVA offers a hybrid program that includes the student athlete’s home school and teacher’s curricula. The individual’s academic program at WVA orients around the home school’s learning requirements. Small class sizes and highly trained staff are essential to the design. This program provides an individualized approach to achieving each student’s academic success. Coaches here help each student achieve their mutually developed goals through constant support and personalized training programs. 

Winter Sports School: Park City, Utah

The Winter Sports School in Park City, Utah, is home to the 2002 Winter Olympics. The Winter Sports School offers a college preparatory program with an accelerated spring/summer/fall calendar. The school focuses on critical thinking, knowledge application, and performance skills. The Winter Sports School is tuition-free for all Utah residents

The Winter School has the incredible benefit of accessing Park City World-Class 2002 Olympic legacy venues. Consequently, student-athletes train at notable places such as Utah Olympic Park, Park City Mountain, Deer Valley, Utah Olympic Oval, Soldier Hollow Ski Resort, Snowbird Resort, and Snow Basin Resort.

Academic classes run from April through November to give students more flexibility during the ski season. The condensed calendar does, however, create a greater intellectual intensity during the academy year. The condensed calendar also offers a unique opportunity for students to train for greatness and achieve their goals.