Vermont Academy Goes All In on Winter Sports!

Featured Image: VAMS practicing on hill. Provided by Vermont Academy.

Celebrating 150 Years in 2026

As Vermont Academy approaches its 150th anniversary in 2026, the school is making a bold statement: winter sports are at the heart of its future. This commitment is embodied in Vermont Academy Mount Snow (VAMS)—our innovative mountain sports program that redefines what it means to be a student-athlete.

Three years ago, Vermont Academy made a strategic move by acquiring Mount Snow Academy (MSA). This acquisition was more than a purchase—it was a rejuvenation of VA’s historic philosophy of “love of the land”, connecting academic excellence with outdoor adventure. Today, that vision has evolved into VAMS—a comprehensive, flexible, and elite training program for U12 to post-graduate alpine athletes.

“VAMS reflects the best of Vermont Academy: academic flexibility, high-level coaching, and a deep connection to the mountain environment,” said Ben Gardner, Director of VAMS. “As we celebrate 150 years, we’re honoring our history by investing in programs that inspire the next generation of student-athletes.

Flexible and Unique Winter Term Options

VAMS is offering a truly unique “winter term” program based out of Mount Snow, featuring unparalleled flexibility for families seeking a balance of academics and elite winter training. Families in our program can choose whether they want to maintain their student/athlete’s sending school curriculum or enroll their athlete directly into Vermont Academy classes and programming for the winter term. 

Breakdown:

• Winter Term Program:
  Choose to keep your student-athlete enrolled in their sending school while completing coursework remotely, or fully enroll in Vermont Academy classes for a fully immersive experience.
  
• “Focus Month” Program:

A “ focus month” is another way VAMS is differentiating itself in a highly competitive market. This option allows families to try out our academy experience without requiring them to commit to a full-year program right away. 

VAMS athletes and families love this option because it allows them to receive the benefits of mid-week training (without the crowds), experience the VAMS campus and dryland facilities, all while making strong connections with teammates and coaches in a supportive environment. In this option, student/athletes continue with their sending school curriculum to ensure learning continuity.  

Breakdown:

• Mid-week training (minus the crowds!)
  
• Student-athletes to utilize the VAMS Campus, our dryland facilities, and slope-side training facilities
  
• Strong connections with teammates and coaches in a supportive environment
  
• Maintain their sending school curriculum for academic continuity
  

Families love this option because it offers the best of both worlds—elite training without an immediate full-season commitment.

New Skiercross Program Debuts in 2025–2026

Beginning with the 2025–2026 season, VAMS is proud to launch a dedicated skiercross program, enhancing our already elite alpine offerings.

• Why Skiercross?
  This high-adrenaline discipline helps alpine athletes develop technical skills, adaptability, and confidence in varied terrain, while providing a fun and high-energy race experience.
  
• Expert Coaching Team:
  
  • Tyler Lefebvre, Academy Head Coach
    
  • Haley Goff, Former NorAm-level Boardercross Competitor

VAMS Alpine Program – A Location That Maximizes Time on Snow

Unmatched Location Advantage – Our southern Vermont location in the Deerfield Valley, home to Mount Snow Resort, is a game-changer:

• Less travel, more time on snow
• Primary Training Grounds: Mount Snow, Okemo, Stratton, Berkshire East.
• Expanded Access: New partnerships with Hermitage Club and other regional facilities
• Slope-Side Alpine Center: Athlete lockers, team meeting space, coaches’ offices, and a lunchroom for refueling and recovery just steps from the lifts

This setup minimizes travel and maximizes time on snow, giving VAMS athletes a competitive edge.

VAMS Alpine Select Program – Comprehensive Alpine Development

An invitation-only U12–U18 program offering:

• An invitation-only U12–U18 program offering Friday–Sunday elite training, individualized coaching, and a clear path to collegiate and podium-level competition
  

• Friday–Sunday elite training with USSS-certified Academy coaches who provide individualized instruction and detailed training plans
• Year-Round Opportunities: Off-season conditioning and on-snow training camps in Oregon, Colorado, and Austria
  
• Competitive Excellence: VAMS athletes compete in VARA, home to some of the most competitive youth races in the country—all within two hours of Mount Snow
  
• Competitive preparation designed to help athletes reach collegiate and podium-level performance

Venues and Disciplines

• Diverse training terrain at Mount Snow supports all alpine disciplines
  
• Off-site partnerships with clubs like Hermitage expand opportunities
  
• Off-season on-snow camps in Oregon, Colorado, and Austria keep athletes progressing year-round

Why Choose VAMS?

• World-Class Coaching: Experienced, certified, and proven at regional, national, and international levels
  
• Personalized Training Plans: Tailored for every athlete’s goals and strengths
  
• Elite Competitive Opportunities: VARA races—the nation’s most competitive—within 2 hours of campus
  
• Supportive Community: A passionate team environment backed by Vermont Academy’s 150-year tradition of academic and athletic excellence

Program Highlights

• Beginner to Elite: Programs for U12 athletes up to Post-Graduate racers
  
• Flexible Scheduling:
  
  • Month-long academy sessions
    
  • Weekend Select Program
    
  • Full Vermont Academy High School + PG enrollment
    
• Year-Round Development: Off-season conditioning and on-snow training camps

Limited Spots Available!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of something extraordinary. Sign up now and carve your path to ski racing success!

Inquire Today → Become Part of History

Contact 

Ben Gardner, Director at bgardner@vermontacademy.org 

Jarrod Seavey, Assistant Director at jseavey@vermontacademy.org 

Peter Stokloza, Alpine Head Coach at pstokloza@vermontacademy.org 

Or visit our web page at www.vermontacademy.org for more information.

About Vermont Academy:

Founded in 1876, Vermont Academy is a co-ed boarding and day school located in Saxtons River, Vermont. With a 150-year tradition of academic and athletic excellence, the school fosters curiosity, resilience, and community in a stunning natural setting. Its Vermont Academy Mount Snow (VAMS) program exemplifies the school’s mission to connect learning with the land while preparing student-athletes to excel in competition and in life.