The Waterville Valley Academy has a deep history that began with the Black and Blue Trail Smashers. It was founded by a group of “hearty souls” who came together to pave (quite literally) a trail for ski racers to train. The name originates from the group who climbed to the top of Mt. Tecumseh with axes, saws and shovels to clear narrow ski runs by hand. Their legacy lives on through the name of Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. Since then, the academy has continued to develop and offer safe, high-quality alpine training and racing experiences. 

They strive to offer dedicated learning facilities, excellent coaches and a safe place for young adults to meet lifelong friends. The academy offers boarding, full-time and weekend developmental programs. 

The Black and Blue Trail Smashers of Waterville Valley is a weekend training program from November through March. There are different training regimens for all ages and levels from U10 to U21. There is also a Mitey Mites program for children ages 5-7 to experience pre-competition ski development and a high school program curated for athletes pursuing competition at various educational institutions. 

The full-time Waterville Valley Academy trains athletes from U12 to their Post-Graduate year. The team trains at Waterville Valley Resort, located in their backyard. The program is curated to meet the different individual needs of their athletes through “first-rate coaching, personal attention, physical conditioning, support, and mental well-being.”

Waterville Valley Academy has built a community of club and academy athletes. They strive to embody their proud legacy and enhance the bright futures of their athletes. The academy believes “that individual success on the ski hill leads to success in life.”



Waterville Valley Academy student-athletes in the classroom.
Credit: Waterville Valley Academy
Credit: Waterville Valley Academy
Credit: Waterville Valley Academy

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