All Mountain Skiing
The Middlebury Ski & Snowboard Club is intended to serve recreational and competitive athletes that are currently intermediate to advanced skiers 7 to 17 years of age (see prerequisites below), with six-year-old athletes invited to register and try out. All athletes should be motivated to develop strong technical all mountain skiing skills that will help them become better skiers and to have fun.
In general, the athletes will be arranged by USSS age groups (e.g., U8, U10, U12, U14, etc.). This will ensure proper coaching and age specific skill development to ensure a safe and fun skiing environment. The MSSC staff reserves the right to evaluate athletes and move athletes accordingly to ensure that each athlete is in a group that appropriately matches their skill while also offering an optimal challenge for their continued skill development.
Ages and Abilities
All Mountain Skiers ages 7-17 should be motivated, intermediate, and advanced skiers who are not sure if competition racing is for them. MSSC aims to provide all athletes with quality learning experiences that will develop the skiing skills to become well-rounded, competent, all-mountain skiers.
When
Registration begins October 15.
On-snow season begins with an ability assessment on December 20, 2025 and the program sessions end March 22, 2026.
Where
All training that is not race-related takes place at the Middlebury Snowbowl in Hancock, Vermont.
Program Dates
Athlete Evaluation Day - Saturday, December 20 9am-12pm
Saturdays between December 31-March 22 from 9:00am-2:30pm.
Prerequisites
The Middlebury Ski & Snowboard Club is NOT A LEARN TO SKI & RIDE PROGRAM. Prerequisites* for participation in the MSSC include:
The ability to ski and ride expert terrain independently and without hesitation (at the Snowbowl this would include the Allen, Ross, and Cameron). Skiers must be skiing with poles and making parallel turns.
Athletes must be able to ride the lift on their own without being lifted up AND be able to lower the safety bar independently.
Athletes must be able to act independently and behave appropriately during lunch and inside breaks.
Athletes must be able to manage their own equipment and clothing needs. (Coaches are available to help, but athletes must be self-advocates).
*The MSSC will evaluate skiers based on the above prerequisites to determine suitability for club participation. The MSSC reserves the right to remove an athlete from the club and will suggest appropriate, alternative learning opportunities based on skill level. Other learning opportunities may include a referral to lessons with the Snow School and/or the Snowbowl's season long Mountain Explorers program.
Equipment Needed
All athletes need to have their own
- skis
- boots
- poles
- helmet
- goggles
- all-weather skiing or riding outerwear
These items are not provided by the club.
Helmets are mandatory, all the time, for every athlete and coach. If you arrive at the mountain and do not have your helmet, you are not allowed to participate with the club. For athletes intending to participate in races, please see specific helmet requirements below.
We ski in all types of weather, so please be prepared and dress accordingly each day. Do not forget that often the mountain temperatures and wind are much different than they are in the valleys! It's best to have more clothes and not need them, than not have enough to wear.
Label your belongings: A lot of gear and clothing looks the same and can be easily mixed up.
The following items are not allowed during training:
- iPods or other music devices with headphones
- Sunglasses (goggles must be worn.)
Other Requirements
Season Pass Requirement: Middlebury Snowbowl Season Pass
Volunteer Requirement: All MSSC families are required to volunteer for one (1) volunteer workday during the season per club athlete (e.g., race days, club events, etc.). This family involvement helps create a strong club community and helps to keep our program fees low. If you are unable or unwilling to volunteer, you may opt out of the volunteer commitment for a $250 fee. If weekend volunteering or the opt-out charge is a hardship for your family, please speak with us about other ways to help the club throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please refer to our FAQ page or email middleburyskiclub@gmail for more specific questions!
Winter 2025 - 2026
Program Fees:
Base Program: $450
Race Add-on: $250 (2025/2026 race program is subsidized by a Killington World Cup Foundation Grant)
This year athletes who will be racing and/or wish to participate in Wednesday gate training and early season race training are required to register for the "Race Add-On" when registering for the MSSC. These athletes are required to have specific equipment in order to participate. See equipment page for more details.
Licenses — The following membership/licenses are required:
Non-Racers: Require a US Ski and Snowboard (USSS) general membership
Racers: Require a USSS competitor license and a Vermont Alpine Racing Association license.
ALSO REQUIRED:
• Athletes must be intermediate to advanced skiers & riders
• Requires a Pass to the Middlebury College Snow Bowl
BEFORE YOU REGISTER, HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION READY:
• Health Insurance Policy Numbers
• Date of Last Tetanus Shot
•Any Known Allergies/Medications