At high levels of competition in most sports, student-athletes face challenges of finding the balance between athletic success and academic achievement. Alpine ski racers are year-round athletes with rigorous training and competition schedules, which have been at the forefront of developing unique schools tailored to supporting student-athletes. The need for educational flexibility has caused an uptick in alpine academies, multi-sports schools, and ski clubs combined with schools.
Athletes should not have to give up on their athletic dreams to excel academically or vice-versa. So, how do you know what program is best for you? We have your back! Here is a list of educational institutions to choose from. All are in alphabetical order.
What are you looking to attend?
Burke Mountain Academy
- Where is it located: Burke, Vermont
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: YES
- Is there a tuition: YES
Burke Mountain Academy was founded in 1970 and has made it their mission to be “all-in on ski racing.” The academy is at the base of Burke Mountain, which offers the racers easy access to a productive northeastern training facility. The academy has been trusted by many successful athletes for over 50 years and is dedicated to supporting the development of academics, training and community. The academy is an annual college-preparatory school that has developed a curriculum that complements students’ athletic schedules.
Burke emphasizes long-term planning and steps to succeed at the “highest level over a short-term, outcome-driven strategy.”
Carrabassett Valley Academy
- Where is it located: Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Carrabassett Valley Academy has been a competitive ski and snowboard training college preparatory school since 1982. They focus on fostering student-athlete development, with a college preparatory curriculum, by providing a balance within academics, community, and “world-class” athletic training.
Carrabassett supports athletic development in the Alpine Ski Academy program for racers from U14 to U21. They also provide alpine weekend programs and summer camps. They emphasize, “give us their all on the mountain, in addition to giving their all in the classroom.”
Cardigan Mountain School
- Where is it located: Canaan, New Hampshire
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
The school provides a ski academy dedicated to academic enrichment, character development and athletic growth. The alpine program at Cardigan runs fall through spring and the student-athletes train five days a week. However, they have a dynamic curriculum that sets the boys up for success, academically and athletically. The school is a multi-sport school, so student-athletes can participate in other age-appropriate, competitive athletic programs that teach them the value of ethical conduct, sportsmanship, fair play and teamwork.
Cardigan Mountain School has over 75 years of experience teaching middle school boys. They strive to create an atmosphere that is motivating and effective. They prioritize active and experiential learning: boys that are doing, are boys that are learning. The academic program puts a lot of effort into researching the latest adolescent brain development, methods of teaching, and various learning styles. Research ensures that each individual is understood and teachers are prepared for versatility.
Fryeburg Academy
- Where is it located: Fryeburg, Maine
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Founded in 1792 in the foothills of Western Maine, Fryeburg Academy is one of the oldest boarding high schools in the U.S. They aim to help students achieve excellence in every aspect of their lives and explore new ideas, passions, and dreams, opening up a world of possibilities for their future. They prioritize inclusion and uphold core values of respect, growth, and community, ensuring every student feels supported and challenged.
Fryeburg Academy’s partnership with the Mount Washington Valley Ski Team continues a long history of skiing tradition at Fryeburg Academy, dating back to 1947 with the formation of the first Fryeburg Academy ski team. MWV Ski Team members at Fryeburg Academy have access to a comprehensive academic and athletic program.
Gould
- Where is it located: Bethel, Maine
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Gould Academy is a traditional college preparatory school. The school prides itself on its small size in order to focus on “one student at a time.” The school offers a large variety of athletics, which allows high-performing athletes to connect beyond the classroom. Gould is a day and boarding school that trusts in experimental learning, health and wellness and co-curricular activities.
The Alpine Program at this ‘Gold Certified Club’ has a full-time coaching staff, which gives the athletes the ability to compete on a variety of schedules. The program trains athletes at Sunday River Resort from U14 to U19 levels. They want to emphasize the importance of developing a balanced and healthy lifestyle while maintaining a competitive spirit. Academically, Gould wants to “meet student-athletes along their individual continuum of academic and social development.” They provide flexibility with a Blended-Learning Program, and the school curated a curriculum built to prepare students for long-term success.
Green Mountain Valley School
- Where is it located: Waitsfield, Vermont
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Green Mountain Valley School’s mission is to develop the whole student-athlete with “a life-long love of learning, sport and adventure.” In 1973, Four men passionate about ski racing founded the school to provide a “quality academic experience for competitive skiers.” This college preparatory academy is academically designed with a traditional liberal arts curriculum. The school finds importance in creating individual paths for students and offers traditional core courses and various electives. The academy offers year-long programs for ages from U16 to PG athletes. They emphasize a schedule that dedicates time to on-snow ski training to develop consistent technical and tactical skills. They also offer a unique G7 program, which introduces 7th grade students to ski academy life.
Holderness School
- Where is it located: Holderness, New Hampshire
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Holderness School is a New Hampshire boarding and day, multi-sport institution. It has a variety of sports and a culture that “embraces outdoor adventure.” They focus on developing skill building, strength and inclusivity among student-athletes. Holderness School “fosters the growth of mind, body and spirit.” They do not just focus on grades and testing; they want to build a lifelong passion for learning. The school is also surrounded by the New Hampshire lakes and White Mountains, making it an ideal spot for athletes to advance.
The Alpine Program is a ‘Gold Certified Club’ that has an Alpine Varsity Team, Alpine Skiing Eastern Team for U16 and U19, and a Gap Year Program. The program strives to provide the best training and competition opportunities for every level. The Eastern programs are year-round, providing individualized training in the summer and dryland opportunities. They train at Mittersill Training Slopes at Cannon Mountain, a designated US Ski Team training venue.
Killington Mountain School
- Where is it located: Killington, Vermont
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Killington Mountain School is a college preparatory school where student-athletes discover their full potential in academics, athletics and life after college. Anchored by a close-knit community of driven peers and supportive faculty and coaches, Killington Mountain School helps student-athletes make it to the top — at the world-class venue that is Killington Mountain and in their own lives.
Killington Mountain School is a ‘Gold Certified Club’ and provides year-round programming using the best practices in youth sports development, firmly rooted in sports science. Serving grades 6th through 12th and Postgraduate students with their academy offerings, our Full-Term, Winter-Term, and Boost Programs. For younger and aspiring athletes, the school offers a robust Development Program, providing the foundation for a lifelong love of alpine ski racing.
Mt. Mansfield Academy
- Where is it located: Stowe, Vermont
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: YES
- Is there a tuition: YES
Founded in 1920 by a small group of passionate, local skiers and incorporated in 1934, Mt. Mansfield Academy is one of the longest-running ski racing organizations in the United States. Mt. Mansfield is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, which is a globally recognized standard for educational excellence.
The academy has full-time programs that cover the entire academic year and a Winter Term Program operating from November to April. Different programs are offered for Juniors (U8 to 12) and U14 to PG racers. The academy also has a variety of training camps during the off-season to ensure year-round progress. The academy has curated a schedule for training that optimizes the athletes’ time on snow to gain “habitual development of physical literacy.”
Northwood School with New York Ski Education Foundation
- Where is it located: Lake Placid, New York
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
The Northwood School strives to create an atmosphere for athletes that “balances time on snow and in the classroom.” The school offers a private school education with an advanced curriculum and place-based learning. The campus is close to Whiteface Mountain and Mt. Van Hoevenberg, which gives the athletes a variety of training venues.
The academy is an all-sports school, so various other high-performance athletes will accompany the alpine racer. For ski racers, they offer a Winter Term Program and an annual program. They have a long-standing relationship with the New York Ski Education Foundation, which U.S. Ski and Snowboard recognizes as a ‘Gold Certified Club.’ The on-snow training takes place at Whiteface Mountain and the athletes are offered multiple training camps.
Okemo Mountain School
- Where is it located: Ludlow, Vermont
- Is there boarding: NO
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Okemo Mountain School is a Winter Term ski and snowboard academy “dedicated to delivering rigorous academic curriculum, while providing an intense on-snow training schedule.” They want their student-athletes to grasp their athletic dreams without compromising their academic goals.
Unlike many annual snow sports academies, Okemo Mountain School only focuses on Winter Term participation. The academy encourages athletes to enroll in Winter Term full-time, but provides shorter programs called Target Terms. Target Terms can be eight weeks to three months long and are offered as A, B, or C Terms. Target A Term is three months and works best for U16 athletes. The Target B Term is also three months and works best for U14 and U12 athletes. The Target C Term is only eight weeks long and has been created for younger athletes.
Proctor Academy
- Where is it located: Andover, New Hampshire
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Proctor Academy is a private college preparatory school where they strive to provide an atmosphere that supports students’ freedom “to explore, create and define themselves.” The Proctor on-snow program has access to the Proctor Ski Area, which is privately owned and operated.
Different programs are offered for various ages at Proctor. The year-round program, Proctor’s Eastern Ski Team, is curated for athletes to “pursue elite-level skiing and strength conditioning while engaging in robust academic courses.” The coaches and athletes have a private, on-snow facility that allows for optimal training sessions. Also, the team works in five different preseason training trips and most winter afternoons are spent on snow. The school also has a varsity and beginner skiing program that provides introductory and competitive skiing for all levels of athletes.
Stratton Mountain School
- Where is it located: Stratton, Vermont
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Stratton Mountain School is an independent day and boarding school that offers college preparatory education and competitive winter sports. Located at the bottom of Stratton Mountain Resort, the school has accelerated their student-athletes to the highest level of competition.
The Alpine Program emphasizes the complete development of their athletes. They focus on the highest standards for coaches, athletic management, governance and safety for ages U14-U21. Their program extends into three options for ski racers: a Full Term Program, Winter Term Program and Postgraduate Program. Academically, Stratton Mountain School strives to challenge their student-athletes “intellectually” in and outside of the classroom. They assist their student-athletes in balancing their rigorous schedules with high expectations.
Waterville Valley Academy
- Where is it located: Waterville Valley, New Hampshire
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: YES
- Is there a tuition: YES
The Waterville Valley Academy has a deep history and their legacy lives on through the name and their traditions. Since then, the academy has continued to develop and offer safe, high-quality alpine training and racing experiences. Their main goal is to provide their athletes with “the time of their lives.” They strive to offer dedicated learning facilities, excellent coaches and a safe place for young adults to meet lifelong friends. The academy offers full-time programs, boarding and weekend developmental programs.
The full-time Waterville Valley Academy trains athletes from U12 to their Post-Graduate year. The team trains at Waterville Valley Resort, located in their backyard. The program is curated to meet the different individual needs of their athletes through “first-rate coaching, personal attention, physical conditioning, support, and mental well-being.”
West Mountain Racing
- Where is it located: Queensbury, New York
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: YES
- Is there a tuition: YES
West Mountain Racing programs include, FIS Academy Program, Junior Academy Program, Junior Club Program, and Intro to Racing Program. These programs are curated to suit the needs of our athletes and their families at their various ages and stages of development. West Mountain Racing works closely with the West Mountain Ski Resort and the local Queensbury School District providing athletes with an affordable top-level schooling/ski racing option.
They have a highly competitive FIS Program under Head FIS Coach Thomas Vonn (US Olympian and renowned World Cup and Olympic coach). The Junior Academy and USSA Club programs offer top-tier racing, training, and on-snow time (100-120 days annually) for U8 to U18. The USSA Club programs are led by Alpine Race Director, Stephen Lathrop, a previous World Cup Racer and US Ski Team member. Their FIS Academy provides multiple options for lodging and meal plans during the Winter Term.
Rowmark Ski Academy at Rowland Hall
- Where is it located: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Established in 1982, Rowmark Ski Academy at Rowland Hall is a full-time academic program that aims to “foster growth and resilience within the student-athletes.” Their education is committed to evidence-based best practices and investments in faculty and programs.
The student-athletes train at the Utah Olympic Park and Park City Mountain Resort. Rowmark Ski Academy has a Junior Program and an Academy Program dedicated to “fostering a lifelong appreciation of alpine skiing and racing.” A Junior Program athlete has a different number of days on snow depending on their level, while the Academy Program has a year-round training schedule. They focus on developing student-athletes dedicated to academics, athletics, technique, tactics, sports psychology, conditioning, teamwork and good citizenship.
Sky Tavern Academy
- Where is it located: Reno, Nevada
- Is there boarding: NO
- Is it a school just for Skiing: YES
- Is there a tuition: NO (Program Fees Apply for START)
Sky Tavern’s nonprofit junior ski program has a deep history that began with local school teacher and female athlete Marce Herz in 1948. She approached the private resort owner at the time, Keston Ramsey, and asked if she could bring a small group of children up to learn to ski at a discounted rate. That was the beginning of the country’s largest nonprofit volunteer-run ski program. Since then, the organization has taught over 125,000 youth how to ski or snowboard.
In 2023, Sky Tavern expanded its own Alpine Race Program by welcoming level 500 coach Mike Savage to develop the Sky Tavern Alpine Race Team, commonly called START. The START team at Sky Tavern is a five, three, or two day training program from October through March or longer if the season/competitions allow. Sky Tavern believes in Marce Herz’s vision, “Sports are good for everyone.”
Steamboat Mountain School with Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club
- Where is it located: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
The Steamboat Mountain School is a private college preparatory, day and boarding school that offers a place for “students to grow today, tomorrow and every day after that.” It has students from kindergarten through 12th grade with various interests. Steamboat Mountain School works with Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club to offer an all-encompassing school and ski program.
The alpine team from Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club has outstanding access to Steamboat Ski Resort, Howelsen Hill Ski Area, and the lengthy Colorado winter seasons. The dedication to the sport is supported by the educational program offered at the school. The alpine program has programs for all groups and for the older ages they believe “the mileage in and out of gates becomes the foundation for all future development and success.”
Sun Valley Ski Academy
- Where is it located: Sun Valley, Idaho
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
The Sun Valley Ski Academy is dedicated to balancing on snow and in the classroom. The academy is a day and boarding school that joins with the Sun Valley Community School to provide a college preparatory curriculum. The student-athletes are supported with flexible schedules so they can get a high-quality education that doesn’t impact their passion for competition.
The academy delivers an “unparalleled opportunity” for ski racers to “excel at school while accelerating on the slopes.” Their faculty understands the rigorous schedules of high-level athletes and accommodates them with travel-friendly programs. The racers at Sun Valley Ski Academy mostly train at Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain, which both offer a variety of terrain.
The Peak School with Team Summit
- Where is it located: Frisco, Colorado
- Is there boarding: NO
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
The Peak School is a college preparatory, non-profit institution in Frisco, Colorado. It is a progressive school committed to students who will be active and enthusiastic about participation during their experience. The Peak School works with Team Summit to offer an all-inclusive program for high-performing athletes.
Team Summit has its main facilities at the base of Copper Mountain, but the athletes on the team train all over Summit County and Colorado. The team has programs for all ages, from introductory levels to post-graduate. Team Summit is a ‘Gold Certified Club’ that provides age and ability-appropriate training sessions to advance disciplines and pursue podium achievements.
Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy with Ski and Snowboard Club Vail
- Where is it located: Vail and Minturn, Colorado
- Is there boarding: NO
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: NO
Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy works with Ski and Snowboard Club Vail to create an all-encompassing educational program that works with athletes’ rigorous schedules. This academy was the first in the country that provided a public school educational environment for serious winter athletes. It has been “specifically tailored to deliver its curriculum to a student body that can be spread across the globe.”
This academy provides an education that is financially attainable to give full-time athletes the chance to achieve their academic goals without missing out on athletic achievements. The student-athletes must be full-time athletes with Ski and Snowboard Club Vail. The club offers year-round training opportunities and the staff develops different plans for each athlete’s level.
Ski and Snowboard Club Vail also partners with Vail Mountain School and Red Sandstone Elementary to make it possible for education and high-level athletics to coincide.
Winter Sports School
- Where is it located: Park City, Utah
- Is there boarding: NO
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
The Winter Sports School is a college preparatory, public charter school that provides a unique schedule for their athletes, creating a balance of education and athletics. They encourage athletes to pursue their academics and winter athletics to the best of their ability and have fun while pursuing their goals.
Its educational system is built differently with a schedule that does not have classes during the winter months. They have developed a program that is focused on education outside of the heightened competition season. The academy also allows their student-athletes to choose the coaches and teams that best suit their needs, so the academy does not have a primary team.
Alta Badia Ski Racing
- Where is it located: Italian Alps- Two facilities
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: YES
- Is there a tuition: YES
Alta Badia Ski Racing is an international ski academy in the Italian Alps. They have two home bases in Milano-Cortina, one in Alta Badia-Cortina, Dolomites and Aprica, in the Bormio region. The academy takes a holistic approach to ski racing and offers quality and individual attention.
The academy strives to offer an “enriching experience both technically and personally.” They remain small in numbers to provide the best avenues for their athletes to succeed in their long-term goals. The academy caters to FIS high school and postgraduate athletes. The student-athletes are encouraged to stay in the program year-round but are offered three different options: summer, fall and winter. The academy recommends different online schools for their athletes but offers the option of attending the local high school in Alta Badia.
APEX2100
- Where is it located: Tignes, France
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: NO
- Is there a tuition: YES
Apex2100 is an international ski academy renowned for its exceptional blend of academic excellence, “world-leading” ski coaching and performance training. The programs focus on three key aspects: adaptability, long-term development, and creating a place where athletes learn through failures and successes.
They have curated four programs that accommodate various age groups including, a development program (U12 athletes), youth program (U14 to U16 athletes), FIS, and PG program. Each program has been developed to give the age group what they need to be successful on and off the slopes. The coaching staff believes, “to be an alpine skier, you must be an all-around athlete,” so they focus on preparation, strength performance, recovery, and innovation.
Zenit Ski Racing Academy
- Where is it located: Grimentz & Zinal, and Saas-Fee, Switzerland
- Is there boarding: YES
- Is it a school just for Skiing: YES
- Is there a tuition: YES
At Ski Zenit, we are dedicated to the success of young athletes, both on and off the slopes, through our specialized annual programs tailored for FIS athletes. Collaborating with different schools, we provide outstanding ski training integrated with high-quality education and housing options. With a focus on each athlete’s unique needs, we offer a range of choices, from ski training alone to comprehensive packages that cover all aspects.
Our partner schools offer flexible schedules enabling students to excel both in their rigorous training and academics. Whether you are an up-and-coming talent, a motivated athlete, or a seasoned competitor, Ski Zenit is committed to helping you excel in skiing and in your studies. Our diverse ski programs are designed to align with each athlete’s athletic and academic aspirations, allowing student-athletes to strike a balance between sports and education.