The Solitude Freeride Team is a season-long competitive ski and snowboard program for athletes ages 8 through 18. Athletes train and pursue high-end, all-mountain skiing and snowboarding on Saturdays, Sundays, and mid-week. This program provides athletes the chance to refine their skiing and snowboarding skills in a fun and competitive environment with the goal of creating well-rounded athletes who understand and display sportsmanship, teamwork, and mountain etiquette. Areas of emphasis include off-piste freeriding, moguls, steeps, trees, mountain awareness, and freeride competition training. In order to be considered for the team, members must be able to aggressively ski/ride parallel on all blue and easier black terrain with the ability to vary turn shape and keep consistent speed on steeper terrain. Our coaching staff applies IFSA, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Freeski Training System, SkillsQuest, and PSIA/AASI methodologies.

Athletes will compete in freeskiing competitions in the region as part of Team Solitude. Competitive participants are required to provide their own travel to competitions. On competition days, Solitude coaches will meet athletes and parents at the event venue. Some competitions will require additional fees, which will be billed separately. An IFSA membership is required and available for purchase on their website.

A minimum of two training sessions per week is recommended (one weekend day, plus an additional weekend day, weekday, or weeknight). Need help choosing the best sessions for your skier? Email us at smrskischool@solitudemountain.com.

Join Team Solitude

Pass RequirementsAll Participants must purchase an Ikon Pass or Full Solitude Season Pass (No passes with blackout dates like the Ikon Base Pass).
Age RequirementsAges 8-18 years old as of December 31, 2024.
Skill Prerequisite
  • Must possess elite skiing or snowboarding skills for age group.
  • Skiers must be able to make parallel skidded turns consistently on advanced terrain, varying turn shape and size and maintaining speed.
  • varying turn shape and size and maintaining speed.Snowboarders must be able to link skidded turns consistently on advanced terrain,
  • Must be able to ski and snowboard and load/unload chairlift unassisted.
  • Must be independent and able to conduct themselves appropriately.
  • Must be able to participate for a full training day without parent interaction.
Equipment RequirementsSKIERS

  • 1-2 pairs of all mountain skis, properly tuned and in good condition.
  • Properly fitted boots in size and flex in good working condition.
  • Helmet, back protector and poles required.
  • Mouth guard recommended.

SNOWBOARDERS

  • 1-2 directional snowboards, properly tuned and in good condition.
  • Properly fitted boots in size and flex in good working condition.
  • A helmet and back protector are required.
  • Mouth guard recommended.
ScheduleEarly December – mid-April. Practices are held regardless of weather, road conditions, holidays, or business levels.
Training Participation & Competitions
  • Athletes are expected to participate in 90-100% of the offered training.
  • Athletes are encouraged to participate in two weekend training days.
  • Athletes 12-18 are required to compete in at least 3 regional IFSA Competitions.
  • Athletes 8-11 are required to compete in a minimum of 1 regional IFSA Competition.
  • Make up days are not offered for any missed training.
Training Plan

We ski a lot and get mileage! 75-90% coached/directed freeskiing/snowboarding, 10-30% coached drills and mock competitions.

Pick up/Drop OffDrop off and pick up at the Ski and Ride Corral at the base of Easy street Run. Drop off 15 minutes prior to scheduled lift opening time.
Preparedness
  • Dress athletes warmer than you would.
  • Keep small, healthy snacks in pocket.
  • Arrive properly fueled and hydrated.
  • Arrive with a positive attitude and ready to ski in all weather conditions.
LunchLunches are included with Team Solitude tuition.
Parent Requirements
  • Attend parent pre-season orientation.
  • Remain on-site during practices and available by phone.
  • Complete team consent forms with your athlete.
  • Dress athletes appropriately.
  • Remain actively engaged with the team communication platform and check schedules and updates frequently.
  • Actively communicate the needs of athletes, including planned absences, illness, and injuries.
CommunicationParents are required to maintain an active account with our chosen communication platform. Instructions and invites will be sent to parent(s) after registration and tuition payment.
Program PlacementParticipants may be moved to a more appropriate program if deemed necessary by the head coach or program manager.
License RequirementsAll athletes must have a current IFSA competitor membership.
TravelSome travel is required. Travel expenses for coaches will be billed out to participants of events that require travel.

Weekend Training 24/25
Program* Dates and training schedule** Training Time
Saturday OnlyEvery Saturday from November 30 through April 12 + four days of holiday camp (see below).Early and late season
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Mid-season
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Sunday OnlyEvery Sunday from December 1 through April 13 + four days of holiday camp (see below). Early and late season
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Mid-season
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Saturday and SundayEvery Saturday and Sunday from November 30 through April 13 + four days of holiday camp (see details below).Early and late season
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Mid-season
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
* Specific program dates determined by conditions and winter season open and close dates. These will be communicated to participants prior to opening day.
** Specific times determined by conditions and lift operating hours. These will be communicated to participants as conditions allow.
Holiday Camp practice is offered for all Freeride Team participants, regardless of program, on the following days: Monday, December 30; Tuesday, December 31; Thursday, January 2; and Friday, January 3.
Tuition includes lunch but does not include a season pass. Team members are required to have an Ikon Pass or Solitude Season pass. Athletes who are Ikon Base Pass holders will need to purchase day passes for Ikon Base Pass blackout dates.
Friday training takes place from November 29 through April 11.

Early and Late Season Hours:
Fridays, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Mid Season Hours
Fridays, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Private race coaching is available upon request; please call for pricing and availability.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
Contact Solitude Ski & Ride School with any questions and to register by calling 385.282.7155 or by emailing snowsports@solitudemountain.com. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.