Overview
SVSEF’s Big Mountain Team is designed for serious high school-aged skiers and snowboarders committed to growing their technical skills, building versatility across all mountain terrain, and competing at the junior IFSA 2* and 3* level.
Athletes will compete at 3–6 IFSA qualifying events per season, earning points toward regional and national standings. Our coaches support both regional and national competitions, and athletes who qualify for higher levels of competition will receive full coaching support along the way.
Training is built around IFSA judging criteria, all-mountain versatility, and the mountain awareness skills that define great freeride athletes. This team is for skiers and snowboarders who are ready to work hard, compete with intention, and grow as big mountain athletes.
Summer (June – August)
- Athletes train twice a week in the gym focused on strength and conditioning, plus one day per week in the Air Barn developing aerial skills and body awareness. Summer programming also includes a water ramp training camp and a South America snow training trip for athletes looking to stay on snow year-round.
Fall Dryland (September – November)
- Three days per week with a mix of Air Barn training, strength, and conditioning.
- Details are communicated weekly via email from Big Mountain coaching staff.
On-Snow (December – March)
- The Big Mountain Team is a four days per week on-snow program with two strength and conditioning sessions each week.
- Competition is mandatory, typically ranging from three to six events per season.
- Details are communicated weekly via email from Big Mountain coaching staff.
Registration:
- 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 Sarah Verst.
Resumes should be submitted to: Sarah Verst at [email protected]
Must purchase SVSEF/Blaine County Student Season Pass through Sun Valley Company for current season.
Rotarun platter lift access included for all training days. If your athlete wants to ski all season on non-training days, there are two options available for purchase during SVSEF team registration on Ski Club Pro:
- Rotarun Family Pass at a 50% discount for $150 (good for up to 5 family members).
- Rotarun Youth Pass (6-17 years old) for $85.
USSS Freeski non-competitive General Membership: Is required for participation in any team training.
IFSA (for competing):
IFSA events require you to purchase two memberships – Regional Dues and IFSA. The membership registration process is different this season and is through IFSA’s partner Live Heats. Please complete the following steps to purchase an IFSA Membership:
- Head to the IFSA Live Heats Member Registration Page
- Purchase your regional membership:
- Choose IFSA Intermountain Series Membership
- Athletes much purchase IFSA Membership Dues
- If your athlete is in the U15 division (12,13,14) purchase “U15/U19 Series Membership Dues” *must be 12 years old by December 31, 2025 (see below)
- Be sure to choose the SVSEF when asked which Jr. team you represent
- Purchase a 2025-2026 IFSA Membership:
- Purchase the same division of membership (ex. U12 or U15/U19 Full Series) as you did for your regional membership
- Be sure to choose the SVSEF when asked which Jr team you represent
- Confirm with me you have purchased both of your memberships!
Ages: 15-18. Grades: 9-12
Must be independent; able to conduct oneself appropriately when unaccompanied.
Must be able to care for and maintain all snowboard equipment.
Responsible and accountable for hydration, nutrition, and proper layering for any weather.
Respect teammates, coaches, parents, and all mountain employees at all times.
Complete knowledge of Mountain Safety Policies.
Must adhere to SVSEF’s Code of Conduct.
Skis:
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.
Protection:
- Back Protector
- Helmet
- Avalanche Safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe
- Avalanche transceiver: Modern 3 antenna beacon
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 ($600 deposit/trip).
- 2-3 National IFSA competitions ($800 deposit/trip).
Based on season results, athletes may compete at the IFSA North American Championships and/or World Junior Championships.
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.
Must purchase SVSEF/Blaine County Student Season Pass through Sun Valley Company for current season.
Rotarun platter lift access included for all training days. If your athlete wants to ski all season on non-training days, there are two options available for purchase during SVSEF team registration on Ski Club Pro:
- Rotarun Family Pass at a 50% discount for $150 (good for up to 5 family members).
- Rotarun Youth Pass (6-17 years old) for $85.
USSS Freeski non-competitive General Membership: Is required for participation in any team training.
IFSA (for competing):
IFSA events require you to purchase two memberships – Regional Dues and IFSA. The membership registration process is different this season and is through IFSA’s partner Live Heats. Please complete the following steps to purchase an IFSA Membership:
- Head to the IFSA Live Heats Member Registration Page
- Purchase your regional membership:
- Choose IFSA Intermountain Series Membership
- Athlete must purchase IFSA Membership Dues
- If your athlete is in the U15 division (12,13,14) purchase “U15/U19 Series Membership Dues” *must be 12 years old by December 31, 2025 (see below)
- Be sure to choose the SVSEF when asked which Jr. team you represent
- Purchase a 2025-2026 IFSA Membership:
- Purchase the same division of membership (ex. U12 or U15/U19 Full Series) as you did for your regional membership
- Be sure to choose the SVSEF when asked which Jr team you represent
- Confirm with me you have purchased both of your memberships!