Freeride Ski

The Freeride Ski – Competitive Team IS NOT a beginner’s program and is not suited for first-time skiers.

Freeride Ski – Competitive Team candidates MUST be at least 9 years old on or before December 01, 2025. Fabricating age will result in immediate removal from Ski Team with no refund and disqualification from future Ski Team registration.

Freeride Ski – Competitive Team candidates should be “strong advanced spectrum” to “emerging expert spectrum skiers”.*

Freeride Ski – Development Team candidates must be able to comfortably ski advanced (BLACK / Most Difficult) terrain.

*Freeride candidates will be tested for skiing ability at the beginning of the season. If the athlete does not meet the minimum skiing ability requirements, the athlete may be reenrolled in an appropriate alternative program (pending availability) or registration will be canceled with full reimbursement less a $100 processing fee.

All Ski Team athletes MUST purchase a Premier Pass OR Classic Pass to participate in Ski Team programs.

Athletes with a pass other than a Premier Pass OR a Classic Pass must purchase a single-day lift ticket OR upgrade to a valid pass to participate in Ski Team training days that may be ‘void dates’ associated with their purchased pass.

Skiers interested in the Freeride Competitive program MUST:

• Be able to ski in an open parallel stance at all
times and use the ‘hockey stop’ technique
• Be comfortable skiing any terrain on the mountain, under any conditions, at any time (including Expert terrain and The Chutes, as appropriate)
• Be able to side slip in steep and varied snow conditions
• Be able to perform whirlybirds (flat spins) on Ponderosa Run and Kit Carson Bowl
• Be able to ski on one ski, both feet
• Be able to ski bumps in control
• Be able to perform pivot slips in a corridor
• Be able to safely and responsibly ride ALL chairlifts at Mt. Rose unsupervised
• Be able to regulate their own behavior such that they are not a safety hazard/distraction to others
• Be able to verbally communicate effectively with the coaches, without parental assistance
…AND…
• Be able to make own determinations about personal ability limits including terrain, conditions, tricks, and aerial maneuvers

An official Mt. Rose Ski Team jacket (Orange AKOVA jacket) is required and must be worn by all Rippers athletes as part of the Ski Team uniform. If Ski Team athletes do not already own an official Ski Team jacket, one must be purchased to participate in the Mt. Rose Ski Team.