Featured Image: Students walking through campus. Credit: Canva
Are you looking for an institution that meets your athletic, alpine ski racing requirements while also helping you thrive academically? This extensive list is designed to help you discover that ideal place with the best academies, clubs and educational platforms.
In highly competitive sports, student-athletes often struggle to strike a balance between excelling in their sport and achieving academic success. Alpine ski racers, who train and compete year-round, face particularly demanding schedules. This has led to the creation of specialized schools designed to support these athletes. As a result, there has been a rise in alpine academies, multi-sport institutions, and ski clubs that partner with educational facilities to provide the necessary flexibility for student-athletes.
Athletes should not have to give up on their athletic dreams to excel academically or vice-versa. So, how do you know what program is best for you?
Here is a list of educational institutions to choose from. All are in alphabetical order and separated by region.
Where are you looking to attend?
Central/Western Academies:
Rowmark Ski Academy at Rowland Hall
- Where is it located: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Is there boarding: NO
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Established in 1982, Rowmark Ski Academy at Rowland Hall is a full-time academic program that aims to “foster growth and resilience within the student-athletes.” Their education is committed to evidence-based best practices and investments in faculty and programs.
The student-athletes train at the Utah Olympic Park and Park City Mountain Resort. Rowmark Ski Academy has a Junior Program and an Academy Program dedicated to “fostering a lifelong appreciation of alpine skiing and racing.” A Junior Program athlete has a different number of days on snow depending on their level, while the Academy Program has a year-round training schedule. They focus on developing student-athletes dedicated to academics, athletics, technique, tactics, sports psychology, conditioning, teamwork and good citizenship.
Steamboat Mountain School with Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club
- Where is it located: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Steamboat Mountain School, located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is a private day and boarding school for competitive skiers and riders. The school offers a holistic environment, fostering diverse interests alongside vigorous academics. In partnership with the renowned Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, the school provides a comprehensive academic and alpine sports program.
The alpine team from Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club has outstanding access to Steamboat Ski Resort, Howelsen Hill Ski Area, and the lengthy Colorado winter seasons. The dedication to the sport is supported by the educational program offered at the school. The alpine program has programs for all groups and for the older ages they believe “the mileage in and out of gates becomes the foundation for all future development and success.”
Sugar Bowl Academy
- Where is it located: Sugar Bowl Resort, Norden, CA
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Sugar Bowl Academy is a college preparatory school founded in 1998 by Tricia Hellman Gibbs (U.S. Ski Team and Williams College alumni). This academy is the nation’s only ski-in/ ski-out facility that has groomed runs through campus.
Nestled in Sugar Bowl Resort’s Village, student-athletes benefit from a dedicated race arena and newly homologated speed training venue. The academy built a year-round athletic calendar catered to the racer’s ability, physical condition and experience. They also plan camps locally, nationally and internationally to optimize time on snow.
Sun Valley Ski Academy
- Where is it located: Sun Valley, Idaho
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Nestled in the breathtaking mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho, Sun Valley Ski Academy is more than just a hub for elite student-athletes—it’s a place where passions thrive and athletes achieve their dreams.
As a dynamic day and boarding school, Sun Valley Ski Academy offers an exceptional college preparatory curriculum tailored for aspiring ski racers. Our student-athletes benefit from flexible schedules and a robust summer term, empowering them to excel academically without losing their competitive edge on the slopes. Our impressive college placement speaks volumes about the exceptional educational opportunities we provide, helping our athletes succeed both in school and beyond.
The Peak School with Team Summit
- Where is it located: Frisco, Colorado
- Is there boarding: NO
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
The Peak School is a college preparatory, non-profit institution in Frisco, Colorado. It is a progressive school committed to students who will be active and enthusiastic about participation during their experience. The Peak School works with Team Summit to offer an all-inclusive program for high-performing athletes.
Team Summit has its main facilities at the base of Copper Mountain, but the athletes on the team train all over Summit County and Colorado. The team has programs for all ages, from introductory levels to post-graduate. Team Summit is a ‘Gold Certified Club’ that provides age and ability-appropriate training sessions to advance disciplines and pursue podium achievements.
Vail Mountain School with Ski and Snowboard Club Vail
- Where is it located: Vail, Colorado
- Is there boarding: NO
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
At Vail Mountain School, we understand the dedication and passion required to excel as an elite snowsports athlete. That’s why we’ve built a supportive, flexible academic environment that empowers our student-athletes to pursue their athletic dreams without sacrificing academic excellence. Located just steps from the world-renowned Vail ski resort, our students have daily access to top-tier training on some of the finest terrain in the world.
As an official academic partner of Ski and Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV), we offer an unparalleled level of academic support, providing personalized guidance and flexible scheduling that accommodates the demands of intensive training and competition. Our dedicated program director ensures that each student-athlete receives the attention and resources needed to succeed in all aspects of their growth, both in the classroom and on the slopes.
Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy with Ski and Snowboard Club Vail
- Where is it located: Vail and Minturn, Colorado
- Is there boarding: NO
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: NO
Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy works with Ski and Snowboard Club Vail to create an all-encompassing educational program that works with athletes’ rigorous schedules. This academy was the first in the country that provided a public school educational environment for serious winter athletes. It has been “specifically tailored to deliver its curriculum to a student body that can be spread across the globe.”
This academy provides an education that is financially attainable to give full-time athletes the chance to achieve their academic goals without missing out on athletic achievements. The student-athletes must be full-time athletes with Ski and Snowboard Club Vail. The club offers year-round training opportunities and the staff develops different plans for each athlete’s level.
Winter Sports School
- Where is it located: Park City, Utah
- Is there boarding: NO
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: NO for Utah Residents; YES for Non-Utah Residents
A public 9-12 charter school in Park City, The Winter Sports School develops student-athletes with a passion for learning and excellence in both academics and sports. After 20 years as a private school, in 2014, WSS became a tuition-free, public charter school, offering an exceptional HS education in an exceptional sports community. A unique April-Nov calendar provides the balance and support to allow dedicated student-athletes to focus on academics when in school and on their chosen sports when the season is underway. WSS offers the education to pair with the sports club of students’ choice, so they can train and compete with the coaches and teams that best suit their needs, wherever that may be.
The success of the WSS community over the years is remarkable. Graduates have gone on to compete at the highest levels, some winning Olympic, World Cup, National, and Collegiate, titles. While athletic accolades are impressive, the school’s focus is to prepare students to confidently forge their own success in college and in life. All competitive athletes eventually start their final events, cross their last finish lines, and stop competing. Even though that conclusion is inevitable, The Winter Sports School fosters a lifelong appetite and aptitude for discovering and tenaciously pursuing mastery in new challenges beyond any particular field of athletic competition.
International Academies:
Alta Badia Ski Racing
- Where is it located: Italian Alps- Two facilities
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Alta Badia Ski Racing is an international ski team and academy in the Italian Alps. They have two home bases in the Milano-Cortina 2026 venues, one in Alta Badia-Cortina (part of IKON), and the other Aprica, in the Bormio region. The academy takes a holistic approach to ski racing and offers quality and individual attention.
The academy strives to offer an “enriching experience both technically and personally.” They remain small in numbers to provide the best avenues for their athletes to succeed in their long-term goals. The academy caters to all age groups in Aprica and to FIS athletes (including postgraduate athletes) in Alta Badia. The student-athletes are encouraged to stay in the program year-round but are also offered to attend either in spring, summer, fall and winter.
APEX2100
- Where is it located: Tignes, France
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
With a purpose-built academy located in Tignes, France, and unique training and racing opportunities worldwide, Apex2100 is a truly international ski academy. It attracts athletes from over 26 nationalities and is known for its exceptional blend of academic excellence, world-leading ski coaching, and performance training. Through getting better together every day, Apex strives to become the world’s leading ski academy.
Apex2100 is an International Baccalaureate World School, offering IBDP and IBCP programs accredited by the World Academy of Sport. Apex provides flexible learning environments with in-house face-to-face and online education, delivered by fully qualified teachers.
National Ski Academy
- Where is it located: Collingwood, Ontario, Canada
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: YES
- Is there a tuition: YES
Established in 1986, National Ski Academy is Canada’s only independent boarding and day university-preparatory program coupled with a high-performance alpine ski program for athletes from U16 to PG. Our mission is to prepare our graduates in the development of transferrable skills preparing them to thrive in the exciting and ever-changing world that awaits well past the race-course finish line.
Our coaching staff consider the whole athlete by addressing their specific broader needs, including, physical fitness, tactics, nutrition, mental preparation, character, equipment, and days on snow training in a challenging yet supportive environment. Our academic faculty support student athletes in balancing a comprehensive high school education at the same time as managing a year-round, high-performance alpine ski training program and competitive season.
Zenit Ski Racing Academy
- Where is it located: Grimentz & Zinal, and Saas-Fee, Switzerland
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: YES
- Is there a tuition: YES
At Ski Zenit, we are dedicated to the success of young athletes, both on and off the slopes, through our specialized annual programs tailored for FIS athletes. Collaborating with different schools, we provide outstanding ski training integrated with high-quality education and housing options. With a focus on each athlete’s unique needs, we offer a range of choices, from ski training alone to comprehensive packages that cover all aspects.
Our partner schools offer flexible schedules enabling students to excel both in their rigorous training and academics. Whether you are an up-and-coming talent, a motivated athlete, or a seasoned competitor, Ski Zenit is committed to helping you excel in skiing and in your studies. Our diverse ski programs are designed to align with each athlete’s athletic and academic aspirations, allowing student-athletes to strike a balance between sports and education.
Eastern Academies:
Burke Mountain Academy
- Where is it located: Burke, Vermont
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: YES
- Is there a tuition: YES
Burke Mountain Academy was founded in 1970 and has made it their mission to be “all-in on ski racing.” The academy is at the base of Burke Mountain, which offers the racers easy access to a productive northeastern training facility. The academy has been trusted by many successful athletes for over 50 years and is dedicated to supporting the development of academics, training and community. The academy is an annual college-preparatory school that has developed a curriculum that complements students’ athletic schedules.
Burke emphasizes long-term planning and steps to succeed at the “highest level over a short-term, outcome-driven strategy.”
Cardigan Mountain School
- Where is it located: Canaan, New Hampshire
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
The school provides a ski academy dedicated to academic enrichment, character development and athletic growth. The alpine program at Cardigan runs fall through spring and the student-athletes train five days a week. However, they have a dynamic curriculum that sets the boys up for success, academically and athletically. The school is a multi-sport school, so student-athletes can participate in other age-appropriate, competitive athletic programs that teach them the value of ethical conduct, sportsmanship, fair play and teamwork.
Cardigan Mountain School has over 75 years of experience teaching middle school boys. They strive to create an atmosphere that is motivating and effective. They prioritize active and experiential learning: boys that are doing, are boys that are learning. The academic program puts a lot of effort into researching the latest adolescent brain development, methods of teaching, and various learning styles. Research ensures that each individual is understood and teachers are prepared for versatility.
Carrabassett Valley Academy
- Where is it located: Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Carrabassett Valley Academy offers a balance of college preparatory academics and competitive ski & snowboard training for grades 7-12 and postgraduates. Since 1982, CVA has empowered student-athletes to achieve more; from winning Olympic gold to launching successful careers and becoming contributing members of their communities.
The alpine program at CVA combines sports science principles with expertise in working with world-class athletes, equipping racers for success. Located at Sugarloaf Mountain, the academy offers an ideal environment for alpine athletes, including one of the only FIS-certified downhill courses in the Eastern United States, a dedicated, high-speed surface lift, and state-of-the-art snowmaking to ensure consistent, high-quality training. Sugarloaf’s long season reduces travel, maximizing training time and minimizing costs. In addition to the academy program, CVA also offers summer and early-season training camps.
Fryeburg Academy
- Where is it located: Fryeburg, Maine
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Founded in 1792 in the foothills of Western Maine, Fryeburg Academy is one of the oldest boarding high schools in the U.S. They aim to help students achieve excellence in every aspect of their lives and explore new ideas, passions, and dreams, opening up a world of possibilities for their future. They prioritize inclusion and uphold core values of respect, growth, and community, ensuring every student feels supported and challenged.
Fryeburg Academy’s partnership with the Mount Washington Valley Ski Team continues a long history of skiing tradition at Fryeburg Academy, dating back to 1947 with the formation of the first Fryeburg Academy ski team. MWV Ski Team members at Fryeburg Academy have access to a comprehensive academic and athletic program.
Gould
- Where is it located: Bethel, Maine
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Discover Gould Academy for yourself. Whether you’re exploring our Winter Term for middle schoolers or looking for a high school program designed for elite ski racers, Gould Academy provides the ultimate environment for training, learning, and personal growth.
Come visit us. Train with our expert coaches, experience our cutting-edge facilities, and see how Gould can help you reach your full potential. Gould Academy: Your key to the world is waiting in the Maine mountains.
Green Mountain Valley School
- Where is it located: Waitsfield, Vermont
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: YES
- Is there a tuition: YES
Green Mountain Valley School (GMVS) is one of the nation’s most highly respected and well established premier ski academies, dedicated to developing elite alpine and nordic ski racers who excel both academically and athletically. With a proven record of producing NCAA champions, U.S. Ski Team members, and Olympians, GMVS provides world-class coaching, and a rigorous integrated academic program that prepares student-athletes for success at the highest levels.
Located in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, programming is offered for boarding and day students in grades 6 through post-graduate, with a specialized winter term program for U14s who are in 6th and 7th grade.
Holderness School
- Where is it located: Holderness, New Hampshire
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
At Holderness we combine state-of-the-art training facilities, elite-level coaching, and rigorous academics to offer the best preparatory school Snow Sports program in the nation. Recognized as a Gold-certified club and High Performance Center by US Ski & Snowboard, the highest distinction for affiliated programs, Holderness is where aspiring athletes can reach their full potential. Our legacy speaks for itself: 17 Olympians, 38 National Team members, 15 current Division 1 team members and countless alumni who have carried their love for snow sports into every facet of their lives. Whether you’re striving for the podium or cultivating a lifelong passion, Holderness is the place to pursue your dreams – both on the mountain and in the classroom.
The Eastern Alpine program consists of FIS U21/U18 and USSS U16 Student-Athletes. The Eastern programs are year-round, providing individualized training in the spring, summer and fall as well as dryland opportunities. They train at Mittersill Training Slopes at Cannon Mountain, a designated US Ski Team training venue. We also have a Varsity Level Alpine Team that participates annually in NEPSAC and Lake Region Competitions.
Kents Hill School
- Where is it located: Kents Hill, Maine
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Nestled in the foothills of Maine, Kents Hill School is a 200-year-old co-educational boarding and day school offering world-class education alongside exceptional athletic programs. The school’s Alpine Skiing Program provides high school athletes with a competitive edge, built on the foundation of the USSS Alpine Training System. With a student-athlete-centered coaching philosophy, Kents Hill focuses on the unique needs and potential of each individual. Featuring a private alpine training facility just a short walk from campus, Kents Hill is designed for ski racing excellence.
Killington Mountain School
- Where is it located: Killington, Vermont
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Killington Mountain School is a college preparatory school where student-athletes discover their full potential in academics, athletics and life after college. Anchored by a close-knit community of driven peers and supportive faculty and coaches, Killington Mountain School helps student-athletes make it to the top — at the world-class venue that is Killington Mountain and in their own lives.
Killington Mountain School is a ‘Gold Certified Club’ and provides year-round programming using the best practices in youth sports development, firmly rooted in sports science. Serving grades 6th through 12th and Postgraduate students with their academy offerings, our Full-Term, Winter-Term, and Boost Programs. For younger and aspiring athletes, the school offers a robust Development Program, providing the foundation for a lifelong love of alpine ski racing.
Mt. Mansfield Academy
- Where is it located: Stowe, Vermont
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: YES
- Is there a tuition: YES
Founded in 1920 by a small group of passionate, local skiers and incorporated in 1934, Mt. Mansfield Academy is one of the longest-running ski racing organizations in the United States. Mt. Mansfield is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, which is a globally recognized standard for educational excellence.
The academy has full-time programs that cover the entire academic year and a Winter Term Program operating from November to April. Different programs are offered for Juniors (U8 to 12) and U14 to PG racers. The academy also has a variety of training camps during the off-season to ensure year-round progress. The academy has curated a schedule for training that optimizes the athletes’ time on snow to gain “habitual development of physical literacy.”
Northwood School with New York Ski Education Foundation
- Where is it located: Lake Placid, New York
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Northwood School, located in the Olympic Village of Lake Placid, New York, offers a unique blend of academic excellence and elite-level athletic programming, fostering an environment where student-athletes can excel both in the classroom and in pursuing their athletic goals.
Northwood School’s prime location is strengthened by its partnership with the New York Ski Education Foundation (NYSEF), a U.S. Ski & Snowboard Gold Certified Club. This partnership guarantees student-athletes elite-level coaching, as NYSEF’s Gold Club status is a testament to its leadership in snow-sport education. The Northwood snowsports program makes up 30% of the prep school’s diverse student body of 194 students representing 24 countries. The program shares its academic and athletic goals with other high-performance athletes and independent students, creating a cultural experience and a unique opportunity.
Okemo Mountain School
- Where is it located: Ludlow, Vermont
- Is there boarding: NO
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Okemo Mountain School is a winter sports academy dedicated to delivering rigorous academic curriculum while providing an intense on-snow training schedule. OMS empowers student-athletes to achieve their athletic dreams without compromising their academic goals. The school is in the small town of Ludlow, Vermont at the foot of Okemo Mountain, which provides amazing access to multiple training venues across all disciplines.
Unlike many snow sports academies, Okemo Mountain School’s main focus is on Winter Term participation, though OMS does also offer a small Full Term academic program as well for local student-athletes. The academy encourages those seeking winter enrollments to choose the five month Winter Term, but provides shorter programs called Target Terms. Target Terms range from ten weeks to three months long.
Proctor Academy
- Where is it located: Andover, New Hampshire
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Proctor Academy is a private college preparatory school where they strive to provide an atmosphere that supports students’ freedom “to explore, create and define themselves.” The Proctor on-snow program has access to the Proctor Ski Area, which is privately owned and operated.
Different programs are offered for various ages at Proctor. The year-round program, Proctor’s Eastern Ski Team, is curated for athletes to “pursue elite-level skiing and strength conditioning while engaging in robust academic courses.” The coaches and athletes have a private, on-snow facility that allows for optimal training sessions. Also, the team works in five different preseason training trips and most winter afternoons are spent on snow. The school also has a varsity and beginner skiing program that provides introductory and competitive skiing for all levels of athletes.
Stratton Mountain School
- Where is it located: Stratton, Vermont
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Stratton Mountain School is an independent day and boarding school that offers college preparatory education and competitive winter sports. Located at the bottom of Stratton Mountain Resort, the school has accelerated their student-athletes to the highest level of competition.
The Alpine Program emphasizes the complete development of their athletes. They focus on the highest standards for coaches, athletic management, governance and safety for ages U14-U21. Their program extends into three options for ski racers: a Full Term Program, Winter Term Program and Postgraduate Program. Academically, Stratton Mountain School strives to challenge their student-athletes “intellectually” in and outside of the classroom. They assist their student-athletes in balancing their rigorous schedules with high expectations.
Vermont Academy
- Where is it located: Mount Snow, Vermont
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Imagine the best of both worlds—more than an independent school and more than a snow-sports academy.
Vermont Academy at Mount Snow offers a unique opportunity for student-athletes to cultivate their passion for on-snow sports while maintaining a consistent college preparatory program.
Athletes can elect to train four sessions per week at Mount Snow or board at the Matterhorn campus for a more immersive experience. Our teachers and coaches work collaboratively to support goal-driven student-athletes while instilling confidence, perseverance, and independence.
Waterville Valley Academy
- Where is it located: Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for skiing: YES
- Is there a tuition: YES
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.
About the Author: Ellie Hartman
