Competition Freeride

The Snowbasin Competition Freeride Program focuses on the International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association’s (IFSA) five fundamentals of freeride:

  • Line Choice

  • Control

  • Technique

  • Fluidity

  • Style and Energy

The Freeride Team develops skills in foundational ski techniques, air awareness, terrain assessment, risk assessment, decision making in regards to ability, decision making in a competition setting, goal setting, and snow safety awareness. You will find our Freeride athletes skiing about 80-90% off piste and 10-20% on piste.

Skiers are placed in small training groups—grouped by age and ability—to ensure the right fit.

  • Comp FR placement requires a coach recommendation.

    Comp FR athletes are ages 9-18 at the beginning of the season. They are confident skiers on most terrain in most conditions and are ready to hone their craft on the toughest challenges.

    Comp FR is a traveling competition team. Athletes who train more frequently will have higher success at competitions.

    If your athlete isn’t ready this year, we recommend All Mountain Freeride. Next year, your athlete will feel more confident to take on the competitive challenge!

    • 8 Dryland training sessions prior to the season starting.

    • Full-day and half-day on-snow training options (1-6 training days/week can be selected at registration) with a professional coach and customized curriculum from resort opening through the end of March.

    • Customized competition schedule

    • Snowbasin Ski Team jacket, t-shirt, and beanie

    • 7 to 1 Athlete to coach ratio

    • TeamSnap app membership

    • Holiday Camp

    • Option to add-on additional trainings, outside resort lift passes, Summer Training Camp, race start fees, coach travel fees, etc

    Tuition for this program also includes a discount for a Snowbasin season pass (purchased separately).

  • Competitive Freeride tuition varies by how many training days per week are desired:
    5 days $5,380: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
    4 days $4,885: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday.
    3 days $4,350: Tuesday or Friday (selected at registration), plus Saturday and Sunday.
    3 days $3,700: Tuesday and Friday, plus Saturday or Sunday (selected at registration)
    2 days $3,650: Saturday and Sunday
    2 days $2,540: Wednesday and Friday
    1 day $2,490: Either Saturday or Sunday. Note: This option alone doesn’t not allow for adequate training in preparation for competitions. Athletes and supporting adults should have an understanding that this option allows for enjoying the fun team experience with an expectation of limited performance outcomes. Most of the athletes selecting this option cross-train in other programs, such as alpine race.

    Optional add-ons are available:

    • Woodward air awareness training days

    • Competition and outside lift fees

    • Summer camp TBD

    • Additional training days $90/day (option for 4/3/2/1 day athletes)

    A Snowbasin season lift pass is required. After registration, you will receive a discount code for your athlete’s pass. This code gives a 20% discount from the lowest price.

    Any equipment rental or purchase will be additional. Many of our sponsors offer surprisingly deep discounts. We also host a gear swap at the beginning of the season, if you want to buy or sell used equipment.
    Freeride program athletes use additional safety equipment.

  • Competitive Freeride trains from 9AM to 3pm on weekends. Since they are on the lift at 9am, athletes meet their coaches at 8:45m at the Team Yurt near the John Paul lift . Pick up is in the same area at 3pm.

    Weekday trainings are from 12:30-4pm from the same location

  • Required Freeride Equipment

    • Ski Boots

      • Should feel snug (like a firm handshake) but never painful.

      • Toes lightly touch the front when standing, lift off when you flex forward.

      • Heel must stay firmly in place when flexing.

      • Most kids fit off-the-shelf; custom fitting by a master boot fitter only if necessary.

      • Prioritize comfort and a dry interior over stiffness.

    • Freeride Skis with Bindings

      • Skis should be Freeride type.

      • Ski length: between nose and full height.

    • Helmet & Goggles

    • Ski Pants, Gloves, Layers

      • Outerwear: 20,000 mm-rated team jacket; 10,000–20,000 mm-rated snow pants.

      • Gloves/Mittens: Insulated and weather-resistant.

      • Layers: Base layer + fleece/down mid-layer; adjust by temperature.

      • Socks: One pair—two pairs can cause discomfort.

    • Ski Poles

      • When the athlete is in their boots, have them hold the pole upside-down under the basket, while the handle end is on the level ground. When their elbow is at 90°, the pole is the correct size.

    • Back Protector

    Please note that additional equipment may be required or recommended for events.

  • If the program descriptions, informational links, equipment recommendations, or answers to Frequently Asked Questions did not address your concern, please contact:

    Adam Goldstein
    Freeride Program Director
    adam@snowbasinskiteam.org