12-14 - snowbirdsportseducationfoundation

Freeride U15 Team

2025-26 U15 Freeride Team:

The U15 Freeride Program is based on technical skill development for motivated athletes with the desire to progress to higher levels of Freeride competition. Training is designed around the development of technical skiing fundamentals along with the skills to be successful in competitive Freeride. Training will include drills focused on technical skill development, gate training, structured competition training, and focused freeskiing. This is a competition-centered program, and athletes are required to participate in a minimum of two IFSA competitions.

Training will focus on coaching in the following areas:

Development of fundamental technical skills
Development of character and sportsmanship
Introduction to sport-specific strength and conditioning
Development of competition skills and strategy
Development of jumping skills and freestyle maneuvers
Introduction to goal setting
Introduction to avalanche awareness and education
Decision-making and risk management
Development of mental skills to enhance performance
Having fun and instilling a lifelong passion for skiing

Athlete age: 12-14 (2013, 2012, 2011 birth years)

Athlete Experience: Athletes on this team must be able to ski with strong technique and confidence on all “black” terrain.

Ability to ski with confidence on all terrain at Alta and Snowbird
Ability to ski with confidence in all snow conditions.
Ability to traverse and sidestep efficiently
Ability to hike and carry skis

Athletes new to the program must participate in a try-out day in April to qualify for open spots. SBSEF holds the right to deny program access based on skill level.

Competition and Events:

2-4 local and travel IFSA competitions

Program includes:

Dryland training early September-early November
On-snow training 2 or 4 days/week early December - March
Holiday Camp

Review the program details in the expandable sections for more information about our team. Join our waitlist for tryout information.

Davin Grapentine

Freeride Director

dgrapentine@sbsef.com

Click here to join our wait list for the 2025-26 season. Link closes May 1

Tryouts for the 2025-26 Team will be April 19th and April 26th, 2025. Sign-ups for tryout times will be sent to those on the waitlist.

Team Schedule from TeamSnap:

SBSEF Freeride Jr Championship Teams

Program Options & Tuition

2025-2026 Freeride U15 Program Options & Tuition:

2-day program: $3750
- Saturday/Sunday, Friday/Saturday, or Friday/Sunday
4-day program: $4750
- Thursday-Sunday
Woodward add-on: $600
- Wednesday

* must select days of the week/weekend during registration

Additional Expenses & Explanations:

Pass: Snowbird/Alta Team Seasons Pass *team discount available in November: Snowbird $489, Alta $510
Woodward: 20% discount on 3-month commitment
IFSA Competitors License: $105 *prices are subject to change
Competition Fees: Competition entrance fee, lift ticket at host resort

Training Schedule

2025-2026 Freeride U15 Training Schedule Options:

- Dryland: Early September-early November
  - Tuesdays
    - Hiking or mountain biking at various locations 4:30-6:30 PM
  - Wednesdays
    - Gym training at the Utah Olympic Park 4:30-6:00 PM
  - Thursdays
    - Field workout and games at the Churchill Jr High field 4:30-6:00 PM

- On Snow Options: Early December - March
  - Saturday /Sundays @ Snowbird & Alta:
    - 9:00 - 3:00 PM
  - Wednesdays
    - Woodward 3:30 - 7:00 PM Indoor & outdoor sessions
  - Thursdays
    - 1:30 - 4:00 PM @ Snowbird or Alta
  - Fridays
    - 1:30 - 4:00 PM @ Snowbird or Alta
  - Holiday Camp

Pick your training days when you pick your program (2-4 days a week).

Competitions & Events

Equipment Recommendations & Requirements

U15 athletes are required to have the following equipment:

U15 athletes are required to have 2 pairs of skis.
- Freeride ski 85-95mm underfoot for training and competition.
  - Freeride ski length should be the athlete’s height +0-5cm.
- Race or carving ski less than 80mm underfoot with a traditional tail and 13-15 m turn radius for technique training, drills, and gate training.
  - Carving/race ski length should be the athlete’s height -5-15cm
Boots
- Boots that are the appropriate size and flex are the most important piece of equipment. We recommend working with a boot fitter to ensure appropriate fit and flex.
Poles
- Pole length should be approximately 65-70% of the athlete’s height. Poles with bigger powder baskets are recommended.
Safety equipment:
- Helmet
- Goggles with both light and dark lenses
- Back protector
- Mouth guard (highly recommended)
- Avalanche beacon (highly recommended)
- Avalanche probe, shovel, and pack (for practice and required for participation in any avalanche classes)
Rollerblades
- Required for participation in Woodward training
Clothing-
- Gloves/mittens
- Buff
- Wicking base layer
- Fleece mid-layer
- Down or synthetic puffy jacket
- Waterproof/breathable shell jacket