Emphasis is placed on exploration, all-mountain riding, etiquette, and sportsmanship. Coaches will provide an all-mountain experience including hike-to areas and the terrain park. The goal is for athletes to gain experience and build confidence in a fun, motivating environment that incorporates play, basic agility, balance, coordination, and development of endurance. At least 90% of the time will be spent freeriding. Dryland and trampoline training is recommended.
Program Details
Season: Winter Session, 16 Weeks – $1,180*
Schedule: December – MARCH: Fri, Sat, and/or Sun
Ages: U12 (Under 11 as of Dec 31) | U15 (14 as of Dec 31) | U19 (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
The focus of the snowboard comp team is to ride all terrain and explore the mountain. Through effective stance and efficient movements, riders will learn to control their board and perform a variety of fundamental tasks such as: riding in control, turning from toe to heel, performing simple switches, carving basic turns, completing a basic Ollie, riding a flat base for short periods of time, riding easier moguls or trees, and making powder turns.
In freestyle terrain, riders will become comfortable grabbing over small jumps and exploring rotations both front and backside as well as simple rail features. Athletes should be comfortable riding varied terrain, some features in the park, and all-mountain riding. Riders should have 4-7 years of snowboarding experience.
- Races & Competitions
Introduction to competitions at IFSA and USASA events. Formally competing 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 are an excellent way to meet new peers at Grand Targhee and Snow King.
The IFSA National Northern Schedule can be found here.
Event & Competition Links
NOTE: We are the Northern Region. You can compete in one out-of-region event per season.- Equipment Requirements
- Boards Appropriate all-mountain board based on athlete height, weight, and skill level.Boots Proper fit and flex to facilitate a balanced, athletic stance.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.
* Note: Ortovox avalanche kits are available for rent through GTSSF. Contact GTSSF if you need to rent a beacon.
- Competition Licenses
Not required for local races. Consider IFSA or USASA if you are participating in the formal competition schedule.
IFSA Rules & Handbook is here.
Please reference Freeskiers.org & USASA.org for current seasonal pricing information.- Dryland Schedule & Conditioning
Riders are highly encouraged to participate in the GTSSF Trampoline sessions at Teton Indoor Sports Academy. Workouts include: gymnastics, trampoline, and tumble track.
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.