GMA OVERVIEW
Green Mountain Academy was founded in 2014 as an organization committed to competition-based training for freeski and snowboard athletes ages 7+. From extreme big mountain and freestyle skiing to all disciples of snowboarding, we offer programs which further development beyond instruction-based lessons. GMA coaches create a clear path for maximum growth by using the U.S. Ski and Snowboard training matrix in combination with our own skills progression system. Our staff is one of the highest certified groups of coaches in the country. These amazing individuals empower athletes to support each other, respect self/others, set goals for personal growth, manage fear/risk/reward, overcome adversity, and have fun while representing their sport in a responsible and respectful manner.
IS GMA RIGHT FOR MY CHILD?
While GMA fosters progression to a very high caliber, competing on a national stage, everyone needs to start somewhere! Most of our team members start out with goals such as learning to hit their first jumps or executing confident turns in the trees. Our Team and Junior Team programs are geared towards athletes who are ready to move on from traditional ski/snowboard lessons into a more structured and goal-oriented program.
GMA beginners can link turns COMFORTABLY at a medium pace on blue terrain on Mount Mansfield at Stowe or other ski resorts in northern Vermont.
If your child has progressed through ski school to a point where they are linking their turns (parallel) on blue terrain and are ready to experiment with black trails, trees, and terrain parks, GMA is a good match.
Click to view our programs for the 2022-23 winter season.
Click to view information about scholarships.
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Coaches adhere to the philosophy of “New moves on old terrain. Old moves on new terrain.” This holds true for trail riding, off-piste, and terrain park progressions. GMA coaches have developed a step-by-step freestyle progression system designed to guide skill development in beginner though advanced freestyle skiers and riders.
COMPETITION PHILOSOPHY
We provide fundamental competition-based training and support for all snowboard and freeski disciplines. Competing in the USASA, USSA, IFSA, STEFT and other events is not mandatory but highly encouraged. The common mission of these organizations is to facilitate fun and fair events for all ages across the country, to attract snowboarders and freeskiers, promote their development, provide member education, influence the future of our sports, and serve as the qualifiers for national and international competition. There are many lessons to teach an athlete before, during, and after a competition day. These experiences build character and help prepare athletes for the future whatever it may hold. We ask that everyone try at least one event each season.
ATHLETE REQUIREMENTS
-To participate in GMA programs/camps all athletes must have current USSA membership.
-Must have the ability to remain in control using all edges on intermediate terrain at a moderate pace.
-Must have appropriate clothing/equipment and be able to withstand the mountain environment for extended periods.
-Helmet use is mandatory.
-Must have a pass or ticket.
-Must submit GMA athlete code of conduct, concussion awareness, and waiver forms.
TYPICAL DAY
Each session begins at the Mount Mansfield base area with full-day groups heading to the lift at 9:00 a.m. (weekdays) and 8:30 a.m. (weekends) and afternoon half-day groups at 12:30 p.m. We typically begin with a highly structured session while conditions and athletes are fresh. Coaches structure the training day to best utilize terrain, navigate weather, and reach group and individual athlete goals. Some low focus runs give athletes the chance to play with and apply new skills and round out the training day.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
***Green Mountain Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.***