Designed for strong all-mountain skiers looking to focus on progression in an Off Piste and Big Mountain setting. Tricks, terrain park progression, and a desire to compete in IFSA sanctioned events are the focus in this group. Coaches will be consistent with athletes permitting scheduling. Coaches' focus will be on: Risk vs Reward mentality, good decision making, positive self talk, work ethic, perseverance, task oriented skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. They will encourage the use of imagery and visualization.
Program Details
Season: Winter Session, 16 Weeks – $1,180*
Schedule: December – MARCH: Fri, Sat, and/or Sun
Ages: U12 (Under 12 as of Dec 31) | 12-14 (12 – 14 as of Dec 31) | 15-18 (15 – 18 as of Dec 31)
Coach Ratio: Maximum Participants / Coach Ratio is 7:1
* Note: Program fees do not include the volunteer deposit and other competition fees.
** Rate Note: Rate is per day of program participation.
- Skill Development & Focus
Emphasis will be on responsible and realistic decision making in big mountain scenarios and technical tricks. Focus on technique and proper movement patterns. Ability to execute a carved turn with pole plants and exploring inverted trampoline and skiing skills.
This program is modeled after the 5 basics in IFSA Judging: Line, Technique, Control, Style, and Energy.
- Races & Competitions
Introduction to competitions at FUN local events. Racing is not required; however, athletes are encouraged to compete in fun-focused local events. Local Events offer lots of comp experience, are inexpensive to enter, and an excellent way to meet new peers at Grand Targhee or Wednesday Night Lights at Snow King.
The IFSA Schedule can be found here.
Event & Competition Links
NOTE: We are the Northern Region. You can participate in one out-of-region event per season.- Equipment Requirements
- Skis & Poles One pair of all mountain skis, potentially another pair of pow skis. Poles should be GS standard length. SL-pole guard for blocking and protection, the pole may be slightly shorter.Boots Proper fit with good flex. There should be no extra space in the shin area.Avalanche Equipment A beacon*, probe, shovel, and a board carry backpack. All Avalanche Equipment is required for out of bounds or slack country travel. Coaches have no discretionary options for athletes who have either missing or improperly maintained avy equipment.
Protection: Helmets are required. Head, arm, hand, shoulder, shin, back, and teeth (mouth guard) protection is highly recommended. Back protection (back protector) is required for competition practice and event days.
* Note: Ortovox avalanche kits are available for rent through GTSSF. Contact GTSSF if you need to rent a beacon.
- Competition Licenses
IFSA Rules & Handbook is here.
IFSA competition membership sign up is located here: IFSA Competition Membership. Please see Freeskiers.org for current pricing information.
- Dryland Schedule & Conditioning
Athletes are highly encouraged to participate in the GTSSF Trampoline sessions at Teton Indoor Sports Academy. Workouts include gymnastics, trampoline, and tumble track systems to assist with off-axis tricks and air progression.
Athletes are also highly encouraged to attend the club Strength Training Program.
Riders can also choose to participate in the mid-week Academy Program offerings.
Note: One session of each Trampoline and Strength Training are included in this program.- Schedule
Program & Discipline Duration Season Days Hours ALPINE WINTER SESSION Alpine Flow (U6 & U8) 14 Weeks December – March Sunday* 9:00am – 12:30pm Alpine Flow 16 Weeks December – March Sunday* 8:30am – 2:00pm Alpine Race 20 Weeks November – March Fri – Sun 8:30am – 12:30pm
Weekday Training: Tue, Thu, & Fri @ 1:00pm – 4:00pmFREERIDE WINTER SESSION Freeride Flow Same parameters as Alpine Flow Freeride Team 16 Weeks December – March Fri – Sun 8:30am – 2:00pm
Note: Fridays run from 11:00pm – 4:00pmSNOWBOARD WINTER SESSION Snowboard Flow (U12) 16 Weeks December – March Sunday* 9:00am – 12:30pm Snowboard Team 16 Weeks December – March Fri – Sun 8:30am – 2:00pm
Note: Fridays run from 11:00pm – 4:00pmCROSS COUNTRY WINTER SESSION - Register now with a full refund until the second week of programming. XC Flow (U6 & U8) 11 Weeks January – March Saturday 3:00pm – 4:00pm XC Flow (U8 & U12) 14 Weeks December – March Thursday / Saturday Afternoons* XC Flow (U14 & U18) 14 Weeks December – March Tues / Wed / Thurs Afternoons* XC Prep 16 Weeks December – March Tues / Wed / Thurs Afternoons* XC Comp 16 Weeks November – March Monday / Friday Afternoons* * Discounted add-on days are available.
** The program has times adjusted for daylight, and the full schedule is available online, below.
If a groomed track is not available on the first day of practice due to snow conditions, practices will be varied until a groomed track or on-snow activities are available.- Participant Details
Age Classifications
Alpine & XC Teams: You must be under the listed age number as of January 1. For example, a U8 athlete would need to be 7 by January 1.Freeride & Snowboard Teams: You must be under the listed age number as of December 31. For example, a U8 athlete would need to be 7 by December 31.Volunteer Work Deposit
Each family is required to purchase one refundable work deposit each season before completing athlete registration. Positive parental support is core to our program, and families are encouraged to get involved and volunteer. The deposit is credited at the end of the year if volunteer hours are fulfilled.
Volunteer Opportunities Include: Golf Tournament, Movie Night, Ski Swap, Donor Functions & Events, Races, Competitions, and fun events such as the Surf Classic. It is perfectly fine if the event does not directly correlate with your athlete's current program.
Coach to Athlete Goals Grand Targhee Ski & Snowboard Foundation follows recommended PSIA, US Ski & Snowboard, and USSA guidelines. Our goal is to maintain an athlete-to-coach ratio that does not exceed 7 athletes per coach.Ski Passes Pass prices are not included in GTSSF program fees. Grand Targhee Resort passes must be purchased directly through the resort. Nordic participants are required to have a Teton Valley Trails & Pathways Nordic Sticker; a Grand Targhee Resort Nordic pass is encouraged.Holiday Schedule & Make-Up Sessions GTSSF will not be hosting programs on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year's Day so our coaches and families can enjoy that time with friends and family. We intend to provide make-up days for all participants based on schedules. Look for an email from our coordinator with make-up session opportunities.Transportation
Shuttles or other rides will be coordinated by coaches and race parents based on where athletes attend school and the needs of other teams. Transportation is never 100% guaranteed, and travel expenses are not included in program fees. Please review the Grand Targhee Shuttle page for travel options.
Payment, Plan, & Refund Policies
If an athlete anticipates participation in multiple competitions over the course of a single season, that family may prefer to set up a monthly or bi-weekly payment plan to cover estimated costs. An additional invoice will be sent after each event for any balance owed to account for the difference between the deposit and the actual cost. GTSSF does not mark up any event costs.