Mt. Mansfield Ski Academy (MMA) has recently gained significant attention for two exciting reasons: first, as the home club of Beijing Olympic super-G silver medalist and World Cup winner Ryan Cochran-Siegle. Additionally, MMA named coaching legend Mike Day as the Director of Athlete Development in March. Most notably, Day has coached US World Cup Globe winners Bode Miller, Ted Ligety and, most recently, Mikaela Shiffrin. Ski Racing Media took a closer look at the excitement surrounding the program.

Mike Day explains, “I chose MMA for the passionate and caring staff, the community-based environment and the program’s size. Our size allows me to have a meaningful impact throughout our program.”

Beijing medalist Cochran-Siegle offers high praise: “Mt. Mansfield Academy has been an instrumental force in shaping my journey as a skier and a student. It provided an environment that fostered holistic growth and prepared me for life beyond high school. As a skier, MMA’s exceptional coaching staff and state-of-the-art facilities allowed me to refine my skills and push my limits on the slopes. The rigorous training programs instilled discipline, perseverance, and a passion for the sport, transforming me into a more confident and accomplished skier.

Beyond the ski slopes, Mt. Mansfield Academy also emphasized the importance of academic excellence. The adaptable curriculum and dedicated teachers encouraged intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and practical problem-solving skills. Through small class sizes and individualized attention, I was able to thrive academically and discover my true potential as a student.”

MMA History

Founded in 1920 by a small group of passionate local skiers and incorporated in 1934, Mt. Mansfield Ski Club is one of America’s oldest ski racing organizations. In 1982-83, the club took the initiative to establish Mt. Mansfield Academy, aiming to provide increased opportunities for local athletes. By the 1993-94 season, the academy operated at a former Stowe School location. MMA also began offering out-of-town students accommodation through host families. Then, in 2018, a significant development occurred. Mt. Mansfield Winter Academy and the Mt. Mansfield Ski Club merged into one organization, the Mt. Mansfield Academy (MMA).

The MMA organization will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2024 as a continuously operated entity.

MMA Resources

MMA’s race arena is regarded as one of the finest in the world and has played a crucial role in the success of its athletes and those of The University of Vermont. Everything about their Main Street race slope is world-class, from its terrain to safety equipment, snowmaking and grooming.

During the 2010 off-season, Igor Vanovac, MMA Executive Director, alongside dedicated club employees, tirelessly pursued Main Street’s homologation from the sport’s international governing body. Their goal was to be able to host prestigious FIS races, such as the Nor-Ams Cups.

MMA promptly widened the trail after acquiring the necessary permits to remove trees in narrow sections. Furthermore, the hill was equipped with state-of-the-art timing technology, ensuring top-notch race delivery. The improved trail offers ideal terrain for all event types and complements their other training slopes. MMA also enlarged the clubhouse to 11,000 square feet before the 2010 race season.

The Mission

To better understand Mt. Mansfield Ski Academy (MMA), Ski Racing Media asked about MMA’s uniqueness. To grasp this, understanding their mission statement is crucial. MMA aims to educate, train, and inspire student-athletes, maximizing their potential in academics and athletics.

All academies face the same challenge: parents invest considerable resources in their children’s dreams. However, only a few athletes will reach the Olympics, World Cup, or an NCAA Division One team. Knowing that, how does MMA validate the efforts and experience of every student?

MMA’s Athletic Director Ben Blakely responds, “Notably, MMA focuses solely on alpine skiing with 60-70 student-athletes, ensuring individualized attention and tight teaching-coaching groups. We meet students where they are and guide them toward their goals. To achieve our mission, we involve the students, coaches, teachers, and parents in determining the path of their journey. Our aim extends well beyond ski racing. We aim to cultivate future leaders who contribute to society and are ready for life’s challenges.

Athletes learn time management, discipline and to focus on the process while gaining confidence through hard work while pursuing their passion.”

Additionally, MMA emphasizes respect for others, oneself, property and ski area personnel. MMA promotes the essential traits of independence, perseverance and self-advocacy.

“We ensure comprehensive athletics, academics, and emotional coaching to prepare student-athletes for skiing and life’s challenges. Therefore, our focus centers on nurturing the ‘whole person.’”

Members comment

Ski Racing Media contacted several of MMA’s current members to verify the claims of the MMA staff. Hearing from current members is crucial when critically assessing an organization.

John Kerbaugh

He is a senior at MMA and has been nominated for the development group of the Stifel US Ski Team. Kerbaugh says, “It’s because of the support of my coaches and teachers that I can continue my senior year and be a member of the US Ski Team. They are personally invested in my success as a student and athlete. MMA has taught me how to prioritize my goals, allowing me to complete schoolwork, train and find valuable time to be with friends and family.”

Marie Kerbaugh

John’s mother adds, “The small community at MMA delivers a high-quality program that ensures an equal balance between fitness, education and ski racing. The staff is fantastic, and the low student-to-staff ratio offers valuable individual attention.” She then summarizes her most compelling reason for considering Mt. Mansfield Academy: “The culture at MMA equally values education, skiing and fitness combined with individual attention.”

Tracy Bechtel

Another parent with a U16 and U18 MMA athlete validates what drew her family to MMA. She asserts, “MMA’s exceptional coaching and top-notch academics set it apart among elite ski academies, providing challenging and rigorous courses in small classes.” She then underscores her children’s appreciation: “MMA’s close-knit community creates a second family atmosphere. Coaches, teachers, and peers all actively support a common goal: the success of every student-athlete at MMA.”

Joseph Underwood

A father with three MMA athletes of varying ages details their decision to join MMA: “We reached out to Executive Director Igor Vanovac, set up a call, and within five minutes, both my wife and I knew MMA was the perfect fit.”

He characterizes the program in two words: genuine and unwavering. “Our experience has shown that everyone at the academy genuinely wants to be there, wholeheartedly believes in their mission and is committed to their core values.

Regarding the unwavering aspect, the same level of dedication seen in on-hill training and athlete development extends to the classroom. It applies to all student-athletes, regardless of their skill level.”

Contributing to Ski Racing History

Located in Stowe, Vermont, MMA has significantly contributed to US ski racing history.

In 1940, the club had its first national champion and Olympian, Marilyn Shaw. Nineteen club members have made it onto Olympic ski teams. Olympians include Billy Kidd, the Innsbrück slalom silver medalist in 1964 – the first U.S. male to win a medal. Ryan Cochran-Siegle, the SG silver medalist in 2022, is the most recent U.S. athlete to win an Olympic medal. Additionally, In 1960, Tom Corcoran placed fourth in the Olympic giant slalom, achieving the best U.S. male result at that time.

Mt. Mansfield boasts World Championship medal winners: Sally Deaver (bronze, 1958), Billy Kidd (bronze in slalom, gold in combined, 1970), and Erik Schlopy (giant slalom bronze, 2003).

In conclusion, Mt. Mansfield Academy (MMA) shines with Olympic excellence and a rich history. With Ryan Cochran-Siegle’s stellar achievements and the leadership of Mike Day, MMA’s future is bright. Their commitment to academic and athletic growth, individualized attention, and cultivating well-rounded individuals is the hallmark of their organization. MMA’s legacy in ski racing history is undeniable, with numerous Olympians and World Championship medal winners. As they approach their 90th anniversary, MMA continues to be a source of excellence in alpine skiing, shaping champions on the slopes and leaders in life.