Freeride Ski DEV

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

Freeride Ski – Development Team candidates MUST be at least 9 years old on or before December 31, 2026. Fabricating age will result in immediate removal from Ski Team with no refund and disqualification from future Ski Team registration.

Freeride Ski – Development Team candidates should be “advanced spectrum” skiers.*

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

*Freeride Ski – Development Team 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.

Freeride Ski – Development Team candidates must have at least two (2) seasons in Mt. Rose Ski Team programs / comparable Ski Team programs.

Skiers interested in the Freeride Development program MUST:

• Be able to demonstrate mastery of Phase 2 and Phase 3 skills in the SkillsQuest curriculum
• Be able to ski in an open parallel stance at all times turn in both directions and stop using a ‘hockey stop’ 
• Be comfortable skiing any terrain on the mountain, under any conditions, at any time (except Expert/Chutes)
• Be able to put on/take off equipment on their own (skis on/off, use ski poles)
• Be able to side slip in steep and varied snow conditions
• 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

All Ski Team athletes MUST be able to ride, load, and unload ALL Mt. Rose chairlifts on their own, without assistance. Ski Team athletes MUST be able to verbally ask other adults, lift operators and/or Ski Team coaches for help, if needed, on their own.

An official Mt. Rose Ski Team jacket (Orange AKOVA jacket) is required and must be worn by all Freeride Development Team 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.