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Freeride U15 Team

2025-26 U15 Freeride Team:

The U15 Freeride Program is centered around continued skill development for motivated athletes skiing at a high level with the desire to be successful in Freeride competition. Training is designed around the development of technical skiing fundamentals along with the skills to be successful in competitive Freeride. This is a competition-centered program and athletes must have the desire to participate in 2-5 competitions throughout the season.

Training will focus on coaching in the following areas:

- Development of character and sportsmanship
- Development of fundamental technical skills
- Development of competition skills and strategy
- Development of jumping skills and more difficult freestyle maneuvers
- Introduction to setting and achieving personal and competitive goals
- Introduction to avalanche awareness and education
- Decision-making and risk management
- Development of the mental skills required for successful competition
- Having fun and instilling a lifelong passion for skiing

Athlete age: 12-14 (2011, 2012, 2013 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 the lottery for open spots. SBSEF holds the right to deny program access based on skill level.

Competition and Events:

2-5 local and travel IFSA competitions

Program includes:

Dryland training early September-early November
On-snow training 2-5 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

Sydney Ricketts

U15 Head Coach

Sydney@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

2024-2025 Freeride U15 Program Options & Tuition:

Full-Time Team: $4750
3 Day Team: $4250
2 Day Team: $3750

* must select days of the week/weekend in the Fall with Head Coach

Additional Expenses & Explanations:

Pass: Snowbird/Alta Team Seasons Pass w/Tram *team discount available in November: Snowbird $459, Alta $470 **prices for 2024-25 season
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

2024-2025 Freeride 12-14 Training Schedule Options:

Dryland: Early September-early November
- Tuesdays
  - Hiking or mountain biking at various locations 4-6pm
- Wednesdays
  - Gym training at the Utah Olympic Park 4-5:30pm
- Thursdays
  - Agility/movement drills and field games at the Churchill Jr High field 4-5:30pm

On Snow Options: Early December - March
- Saturday and/or Sundays @ Snowbird & Alta:
  - 9:00 - 3:00
- Wednesdays
  - 1:45-4:00 @ Snowbird or Alta
  - Woodward 3:30 - 7:00 Indoor & outdoor sessions
- Thursdays
  - 1:45 - 4:00 @ Snowbird or Alta
- Fridays
  - 1:45 - 4:00 @ Snowbird or Alta
- Holiday Camp

Pick your training days when you pick your program (2-5 days a week).

Competitions & Events

Equipment Recommendations & Requirements

U15 athletes are required to have the following equipment:

Skis:
- Younger athletes in this age group will need one pair of all-mountain freeride skis 85-95mm underfoot. An additional pair of narrower GS or carving skis is recommended for firm snow conditions.
- For older athletes in this age group we recommend a freeride ski 85-95mm underfoot and a second pair of powder skis 100-115mm underfoot. For older athletes that will only have one pair of skis we recommend a freeride ski 95-105mm underfoot.
- For all athletes the recommended ski length is the athlete’s height +0-5cm.
- Athlete size, strength, and skill can vary significantly in this age group. Contact us for specific equipment recommendations for your athlete.
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 indoor sessions
Clothing-
- Gloves/mittens
- Buff
- Wicking base layer
- Fleece mid-layer
- Down or synthetic puffy jacket for cold days
- Waterproof/breathable outer layer with 20k waterproof/breathability rating is recommended
- Soft water bottle that will fit in a pocket (highly recommended)