OUR mission

To provide exceptional snowsport programs for the youth of the Wood River Valley thereby enabling each participant to reach his/her athletic potential, while developing strong personal character through good sportsmanship, strong values, and individual goals.
52 years strong, SVSEF is one of the oldest nonprofits in the Wood River Valley.
Our origins are rooted in the Sun Valley Ski Club (SVSC) – our foundation was established as an integral part of the club in 1966 as a way for the SVSC to provide racing opportunities for juniors. Since that time, SVSEF has helped numerous junior racers achieve dreams of Olympic medals, World Championship podiums, World Cup victories, and National Championship gold. More importantly, we have helped an innumerable number of athletes become skiing aficionados for life. Not only are the alumni of the ski foundation some of the best skiers on any mountain, anywhere, they are “setting the bar high” in all facets of life including family, work and community.

Early 1960s | Junior alpine racing program founded by the Sun Valley Ski Club

April 17, 1966 | Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation is incorporated

1972 | SVSEF cross country program is founded

1982 | Warren Shillington donates Lake Creek property to SVSEF

1985 | SVSEF acquires alpine hut in Warm Springs

1991 | Freestyle program is founded

1992 | Snowboard program is founded

1998 | Inaugural Janss Pro-Am Classic

1999 | SVSEF named USSA “Club of the Year”

2005 | Olympic Development Team (now the Gold Team) is founded

2012 | The United States Olympic Committee designates Sun Valley as first cross country U.S. Olympic and Paralympic training site

2013 | SVSEF is named USSA “Club of the Year” and USSA “Snowboard Club of the Year”

2015 | USOC Olympic & Paralympic Training Site designation expanded to include all five SVSEF disciplines; alpine, cross country, freestyle, freeskiing and snowboard

2017 | SVSEF is upgraded from silver to gold USSA club status

HISTORY

VISION & VALUES

VISION

To create the best junior snowsports development program in the nation.

VALUES

Sportsmanship. Citizenship. Character. Teamwork. Creativity. Passion. Perseverance.

STRONG MINDS • STRONG BODIES • STRONG FUTURES

PHILOSOPHY

Our team philosophy is implemented by both identifying with our incredible heritage as a community (22 Winter Olympians) and by innovating to meet the changing demands of our society.

We view the mountains as the world’s best classroom, where a child’s imagination is captivated and their potential for learning, growth, and inspiration is realized.

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