Snowboarding
The Middlebury Ski & Snowboard Club is intended to serve recreational and competitive athletes that are currently intermediate to advanced snowboarders 7 to 17 years of age (see prerequisites below), with six-year-old athletes invited to register and try out. Athletes should be motivated to develop strong technical all mountain snowboarding skills that will help them become better riders and to have fun. This program will focus on developing all-mountain riding skills and introduction of race gates to develop edge control and perhaps spark some interest in SL, GS or boardercross racing.
Ages
Intermediate to advanced snowboarders 7 to 17 years of age.
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 non-racing training takes place at the Middlebury Snowbowl in Hancock, VT.
Program Dates
Athlete Evaluation Day - Saturday, December 20, 2025; 9am-12pm
Saturdays between December 31-March 22 from 9:00am-2:30pm
Prerequisites
- Athletes should be of intermediate to advanced skill level.
- The ability to ride expert terrain independently and without hesitation (at the Snowbowl this would include the Allen, Ross, and Cameron).
- Athletes should be able to: One-foot kick/glide (such as in lift-line), slide slip on both toe and heal edges, ride on flat surfaces, traverse across a slope on one edge.
- Athletes must be able to ride the lift on their own without assistance 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).
Equipment Needed
Please note that all snowboarders need proper equipment to participate:
- a board
- bindings
- boots
- a helmet
- all-weather winter sports apparel
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
Passholder 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
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