Big Mountain

Big Mountain Team

SVSEF’s Big Mountain Team is geared toward high level skiers and riders who have a desire to increase their versatility as skiers/riders and to train for and compete within the junior IFSA competition environment. Athletes will travel to compete at 3-6 IFSA qualifying events to earn points. The Big Mountain team coaches will support both regional and national events and athletes who qualify for higher levels of competition. Athletes will learn how to compete effectively and safely. Team members should have the desire to work hard in order to gain experience as Big Mountain Athletes. This team will focus on training based on the judged criteria for IFSA competitions, becoming more versatile skiers/riders and emphasizing the importance of developing mountain awareness skills.

Parent ResourcesBig MTN FacilitiesYouTube Channel

SVSEF Big Mountain Channel

Program: Big Mountain
Tuition: $6,000
Ages: 15-18. Grades 9-12
Head Coach: Banks Gilberti (view profile)
Big Mountain Assistant Coaches: Collin Collins, Harlan Collins, Sarah Verst, Jon French
Athlete-to-Coach ratio: 6:1

*For new athletes applying to the Big Mountain Team, please have your entry sent into us by the end of June. Early July we will review our new applicants for the upcoming season and make decisions on the new athletes who will be joining our program.

Fall Dryland:
Three days per week dryland program with a mix of Air Barn training, strength, and conditioning.
Details are communicated weekly via email from Big Mountain coaching staff.

On-Snow:
The Big Mountain Team is a four days per week on-snow program.
During the winter there are two strength and conditioning sessions each week.
Competition is mandatory and typically ends up being between three and six competitions per season.
Details are communicated weekly via email from Big Mountain coaching staff.

For new athletes applying to the Big Mountain Team, please have your entry sent into us by the end of June.

Early July we will review our new applicants for the upcoming season and make decisions on the new athletes who will be joining our program.

This team does not have an “Open Registration.”

Athletes will be selected based on their history with SVSEF. Athletes new to the Big Mountain program must submit a ski/ride resume which includes:

One page detailing ski/ride experience and competition history.
How long have you been skiing?
Have you competed?
If so, in what events?
Why are you excited about being a SVSEF Big Mountain athlete?
Video of the athlete skiing/riding. The goal of this video is to show your skiing/riding competency and skills.

For athletes new to the Wood River Valley and SVSEF programming please expect a follow up (via email or phone) from the coaches to help ensure that this team is a good fit for the athlete applying. Any athlete interested in this program in 9th grade who will be 14 after December 31st, 2023, should contact the program coordinator (see contact information below) prior to registering for this team.

The Big Mountain staff reserves the right to extend special circumstance invitations to athletes who are 14 years old/8th grade. An invite will only be considered if the younger athlete is at an exceptionally high level and has in-depth knowledge and experience of IFSA Junior Freeride competition. Additionally, if any athletes have any questions about this program and if it would be a good fit for them and their family please contact Banks Gilberti.

Resumes should be submitted to:
Banks Gilberti bgilberti@svsef.org

Equipment:
Big Mountain team members will be required to own the following gear:
– Back Protector
– Helmet
– Avalanche Safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, and probe:

- Avalanche transceiver: Modern 3 antenna beacon
- Big Mountain team members will be expected to own at least one pair of skis/snowboard suitable for IFSA competitions. Please contact the coaching staff or program coordinator regarding equipment recommendations. Equipment is an important aspect of the sport and coaches want to ensure that athletes are on the proper equipment.

License Requirements: U.S. Ski & Snowboard general license, IFSA competitor’s license
SVSEF also requires that all athletes have taken an ImPact (Concussion) test prior to the start of on-snow training.

SVSEF Big Mountain will support specific competitions with staff. Athletes who would like to pursue points and compete at an unsupported event must choose to do so on their own.

Supported Project tally:

2-3 Regional IFSA competitions ($500 deposit/trip).
2-3 National IFSA competitions ($700 deposit/trip).

Based on season results, athletes may compete at the IFSA North American Championships and/or World Junior Championships.