Freeride Skiing
The Middlebury Ski & Snowboard Club Freeride Skiing program is a season-long instructional and athlete-development program for intermediate to advanced skiers ages 7–17 who want to become confident, creative, and technically strong all-mountain skiers.
Using a progressive freeride approach, athletes develop strong fundamental skiing skills and learn to apply them across a variety of terrain and snow conditions. Coaching may include groomed and ungroomed terrain, bumps, steeps, trees, natural features, and off-piste skiing, with an emphasis on safe progression and terrain appropriate to each athlete's ability.
As athletes progress, coaches introduce freeride-specific skills such as line choice, terrain assessment, mountain awareness, skiing variable conditions, and safe decision-making. Athletes are encouraged to expand their terrain choices, develop their individual skiing style, and challenge themselves in a supportive team environment. Freeride programs instill creativity, self-expression, and innovation in a skier, all within an environment that prioritizes mountain safety.
The program is appropriate both for skiers who want to develop advanced freeride skills without competing and for athletes who may eventually be interested in competitive freeride opportunities through IFSA.
Athletes will be grouped according to age, ability, maturity, and terrain readiness. Coaches may adjust groups throughout the season to ensure that each athlete is appropriately challenged while maintaining a safe, engaging, and productive training environment.
Above all, MSSC Freeride Skiing is about developing capable, confident, and thoughtful mountain athletes while building friendships, independence, and a lifelong enthusiasm for skiing.
Ages and Abilities
All Freeride 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.
Where
All training that is not race-related takes place at the Middlebury Snowbowl in Hancock, Vermont.
Program Dates
Coming soon
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 director@middleburyskiandsnowboardclub.org for more specific questions!
Winter 2026-2027
The Freeride program is a great fit for skiers who want to develop advanced all-mountain and freeride skills without the focus on traditional alpine racing. Athletes who become interested in competitive freeride may also have opportunities to explore the competitive pathway through the International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association (IFSA).
2026–2027 Schedule
10 weeks
Saturdays: 9:00 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Training takes place at the Middlebury Snowbowl.
Registration Fees
Tier 1 — Sustaining Rate: $775
Tier 2 — Supported Rate: $650
Tier 3 — Community Rate: $525
Our Three-Tier Registration Model
MSSC understands that skiing and riding are expensive. As a community organization, we strive to provide high-quality coaching and programming while keeping participation affordable for as many families as possible.
For the 2026–2027 season, MSSC is offering a three-tier registration model. Families are encouraged to choose the registration fee that works best for their circumstances. Every athlete receives the same program, coaching, and experience regardless of the tier selected.
Tier 1 reflects the true cost of providing the program and helps strengthen the club’s ability to continue offering affordable youth skiing and riding in the future.
Tiers 2 and 3 offer reduced registration fees made possible through the generous support of MSSC sponsors, donors, and family volunteers.
Families who need additional financial assistance are encouraged to submit a scholarship application. Scholarship requests will be reviewed after registration closes.
Donations to MSSC are always greatly appreciated and help us continue providing high-quality, affordable skiing and riding opportunities to as many young athletes as possible.
Learn more about supporting MSSC
Please review the program description to the left for additional information about prerequisites, equipment, season pass requirements, and family volunteer commitments.