Featured Image: Vermont Academy and Canva Stock Images

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? We have your back! Here is a list of educational institutions to choose from. All are in alphabetical order.

What are you looking to attend?

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. 

Learn More: Cardigan Mountain School

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 has been a competitive ski and snowboard training college preparatory school since 1982. They focus on fostering student-athlete development, with a college preparatory curriculum, by providing a balance within academics, community, and “world-class” athletic training.

Carrabassett supports athletic development in the Alpine Ski Academy program for racers from U14 to U21. They also provide alpine weekend programs and summer camps. They emphasize, “give us their all on the mountain, in addition to giving their all in the classroom.”

Learn More: Carrabassett Valley Academy

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. 

Learn More: Fryeburg Academy

Gould

• Where is it located: Bethel, Maine
• Is there boarding: YES
• Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
• Is there a tuition: YES

Gould Academy is a traditional college preparatory school. The school prides itself on its small size in order to focus on “one student at a time.” The school offers a large variety of athletics, which allows high-performing athletes to connect beyond the classroom. Gould is a day and boarding school that trusts in experimental learning, health and wellness and co-curricular activities. 

The Alpine Program at this ‘Gold Certified Club’ has a full-time coaching staff, which gives the athletes the ability to compete on a variety of schedules. The program trains athletes at Sunday River Resort from U14 to U19 levels. They want to emphasize the importance of developing a balanced and healthy lifestyle while maintaining a competitive spirit. Academically, Gould wants to “meet student-athletes along their individual continuum of academic and social development.” They provide flexibility with a Blended-Learning Program, and the school curated a curriculum built to prepare students for long-term success. 

Learn More: Gould Academy

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.

orthwood 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. 

West Mountain Racing

• Where is it located: Queensbury, New York
• Is there boarding: YES
• Is it a school just for Skiing: YES
• Is there a tuition: YES

West Mountain Racing programs include,  FIS Academy Program, Junior Academy Program, Junior Club Program, and Intro to Racing Program. These programs are curated to suit the needs of our athletes and their families at their various ages and stages of development. West Mountain Racing works closely with the West Mountain Ski Resort and the local Queensbury School District providing athletes with an affordable top-level schooling/ski racing option. 

They have a highly competitive FIS Program under Head FIS Coach Thomas Vonn (US Olympian and renowned World Cup and Olympic coach). The Junior Academy and USSA Club programs offer top-tier racing, training, and on-snow time (100-120 days annually) for U8 to U18. The USSA Club programs are led by Alpine Race Director, Stephen Lathrop, a previous World Cup Racer and US Ski Team member. Their FIS Academy provides multiple options for lodging and meal plans during the Winter Term. 

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

The Sun Valley Ski Academy is dedicated to balancing on snow and in the classroom. The academy is a day and boarding school that joins with the Sun Valley Community School to provide a college preparatory curriculum. The student-athletes are supported with flexible schedules so they can get a high-quality education that doesn’t impact their passion for competition. 

The academy delivers an “unparalleled opportunity” for ski racers to “excel at school while accelerating on the slopes.” Their faculty understands the rigorous schedules of high-level athletes and accommodates them with travel-friendly programs. The racers at Sun Valley Ski Academy mostly train at Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain, which both offer a variety of terrain.

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: YES 
• Is there a tuition: YES

Alta Badia Ski Racing is an international ski academy in the Italian Alps. They have two home bases in Milano-Cortina, one in Alta Badia-Cortina, Dolomites and 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 FIS high school and postgraduate athletes. The student-athletes are encouraged to stay in the program year-round but are offered three different options: summer, fall and winter. The academy recommends different online schools for their athletes but offers the option of attending the local high school in Alta Badia.

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. 

Whistler Mountain Ski Club

• Where is it located: Whistler Mountain, British Columbia, Canada
• Is there boarding: NO
• Is it a school just for Skiing: YES 
• Is there a tuition: YES

For over five decades, Whistler Mountain Ski Club (WMSC) has been the heart of ski racing in Whistler, fostering talent and nurturing a love for the sport across generations. WMSC offers a comprehensive range of programs for all ages and skill levels, from aspiring young racers to seasoned masters, all guided by their mission of developing champions in life and sport. 

With access to world-class facilities on Whistler Mountain, expert coaching, and a vibrant community of ski enthusiasts, WMSC provides the perfect environment to push your limits and achieve your goals. 

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.