TWST is happy to offer an exciting program that focuses on big mountain skiing, designed for athletes who wish to compete in IFSA Freeride/Big Mountain competitions. For the skilled athlete who wants a challenge, this program is going to be fun. Our expert staff are excited to share their knowledge and passion for the sport, and to guide and train the athletes on this team for competitive excellence.
Athletes participating in this program will learn the skills needed to negotiate some of the steepest terrain in North America. Our home in Taos Ski Valley affords our athletes the chance to challenge themselves with:
- narrow chutes
- steep lines
- ripping fast large peak descents
Athletes will fine tune their fundamental skiing skills and learn avalanche awareness in a supervised environment.
Unless approved by the Freeride head coach, at least one year in Gateway and one year on Alpine Race are prerequisite for participation in this program.
Our IFSA program is designed for athletes who wish to compete in regional IFSA competitions on a regular basis in the Rocky Mountain Division of US Ski & Snowboard.
Athletes will receive coaching:
- Full-time- every Saturday and Sunday during the season
- Holidays – Martin Luther King and Presidents Day
- Holiday camp
- at events
- for dryland training
- for preseason snow training
- Part-Time: Saturdays only: See our registration page for Holiday dates.
Big Mountain/Freeride athletes must be proficient in all TSV terrain, including hike-to terrain. Athletes will be working on skills to compete in regional and national IFSA competitions on a regular basis, and will receive coaching:
- every Saturday and Sunday during the season
- all holidays
- at a 5-day Holiday camp
- at events
- for dryland training
- for preseason snow training
Some prior snow sports competition experience is helpful but not required.
This program will meet every Saturday and Sunday with 8:45 morning sessions and then 12:45 afternoon sessions. Lunch, 11:45 –12;45, is not supervised by the staff.
Athletes in this program are expected to be fully physically able and comfortable loading and riding chairlifts without adult assistance or supervision.
Athletes on this team are expected to possess a level of maturity and mountain awareness that allows them to navigate the mountain without 100% supervision from the coaching staff. This program features our most knowledgeable coaching staff, providing exceptional coaching to every athlete.