Athletics
Vermont Academy Mount Snow
Imagine the best of both worlds—more than an independent school and more than a snowsports academy.
Vermont Academy Mount Snow offers a unique opportunity for student-athletes to cultivate their passion for on-snow sports while maintaining a consistent college preparatory program. Athletes can elect to train four sessions per week at Mount Snow or board at the Matterhorn campus for a more immersive experience. Our teachers and coaches work collaboratively to support goal-driven student-athletes while instilling confidence, perseverance, and independence. This exceptional combination of elite coaching and strong academic programming sets our students on the path to athletic and academic success—without sacrificing one for the other. For a full snowsports academy experience, we act as a winter boarding school which allows our student athletes to stay in dorms near the slopes so they can hone their skills while maintaining their studies in a one-on-one tutoring environment. Our winter sports boarding school is equipped for intensive full-day training sessions to unlock the true potential of our student athletes.
VAMS - Snowboard
VAMS - Freeski
VAMS Upcoming Events
List of 4 events.
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VAMS Annual Fundraiser
The Hermitage Club, Wilmington, VT
Academics
Our academic instructors at VAMS are experienced career teachers, not just tutors. Student athletes are carefully matched with an educator for each subject and the instructor works closely with VA’s or the sending school’s curriculum to ensure a seamless re-entry in the spring. The weekly schedule itself is thoughtfully curated to create distinct and immersive academic and athletic blocks. The week starts with an academic immersion followed by dedicated time for our athletes athletic pursuits.
VAMS teachers also utilize Vermont Academy’s MAPS® (My Action Plan for Success) program which helps students understand how they work and learn best, how to identify and build on their strengths, and how to develop personal strategies for reaching academic, athletic, and community goals.
VAMS teachers also utilize Vermont Academy’s MAPS® (My Action Plan for Success) program which helps students understand how they work and learn best, how to identify and build on their strengths, and how to develop personal strategies for reaching academic, athletic, and community goals.
Educational Options at VAMS
VAMS Starter Program (Month)- This option typically requires your “Sending School” to agree to accommodate the athlete while continuing to be enrolled at that school.
VAMS Legacy Program - (maintain your sending school curriculum) - This is the programming option that VAMS is known for. By selecting this option, your athlete will unenroll from their sending school and enroll in Vermont Academy for the winter term. They will work with a teacher who will ensure that they don’t miss a step when they return to their sending school in April.
VAMS Block Program: This is the VAMS “secret sauce.” By selecting this option, you are enrolling your student-athlete in VAMS block classes. These classes are the fusion of two subjects into one overarching topic. They are rooted in project and group-based learning, reflecting real-world problem-solving, collaboration, and presentation skills. These VAMS blocks have been built around topics that will support the growth and success of winter sports athletes. They range from learning about avalanche awareness, how climate change is affecting the winter sports industry, and exploring the marketing and branding involved in planning and executing a ski trip to achieve business goals. The blocks are mixed grade, allowing students to connect with a more diverse set of learning experiences. The schedules flip each year to ensure that the entire VAMS/VA graduation requirements are met throughout their high school career.
VAMS Starter Program (Month)- This option typically requires your “Sending School” to agree to accommodate the athlete while continuing to be enrolled at that school.
VAMS Legacy Program - (maintain your sending school curriculum) - This is the programming option that VAMS is known for. By selecting this option, your athlete will unenroll from their sending school and enroll in Vermont Academy for the winter term. They will work with a teacher who will ensure that they don’t miss a step when they return to their sending school in April.
VAMS Block Program: This is the VAMS “secret sauce.” By selecting this option, you are enrolling your student-athlete in VAMS block classes. These classes are the fusion of two subjects into one overarching topic. They are rooted in project and group-based learning, reflecting real-world problem-solving, collaboration, and presentation skills. These VAMS blocks have been built around topics that will support the growth and success of winter sports athletes. They range from learning about avalanche awareness, how climate change is affecting the winter sports industry, and exploring the marketing and branding involved in planning and executing a ski trip to achieve business goals. The blocks are mixed grade, allowing students to connect with a more diverse set of learning experiences. The schedules flip each year to ensure that the entire VAMS/VA graduation requirements are met throughout their high school career.
Contact and Location
Contact Us!
Should you have questions about any program or aspect of Vermont Academy Mount Snow, please feel free to contact us.
Ben Gardner
Director of Vermont Academy Mount Snow
bgardner@vermontacademy.org
O: 802.365.VAMS (8267)
Daniel Tuite
Assistant Director of Admissions
dtuite@vermontacademy.org
O: 802.869.6613
Location:
248 Route 100
West Dover, VT 05356
802.365.VAMS (8267)
Should you have questions about any program or aspect of Vermont Academy Mount Snow, please feel free to contact us.
Ben Gardner
Director of Vermont Academy Mount Snow
bgardner@vermontacademy.org
O: 802.365.VAMS (8267)
Daniel Tuite
Assistant Director of Admissions
dtuite@vermontacademy.org
O: 802.869.6613
Location:
248 Route 100
West Dover, VT 05356
802.365.VAMS (8267)
Walter '27 Talks About His VAMS Experience
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
List of 5 items.
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About USASA
USASA (United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association) is a nationwide organization made up of more than 10,000 athletes, coaches, judges, and dedicated parents and fans. Across our 30 regional series in the USA, we host 500+ competitions for skiers and snowboarders each season at over 120 legendary resorts, ending with Nationals at Copper Mountain. Our mission is to deliver premier events that inspire athletes of all ages to have fun, build confidence, and excel in their disciplines, while making a lasting impact on the future of our sports. USASA provides top-tier education for coaches and ensure our events are judged by the best, setting the standard for excellence in the sport. -
About IFSA
The IFSA (International Freeski & Snowboard Association) operates as the sanctioning body for big mountain freeride competition across North & South America. The IFSA envisions a thriving global freeride community where athletes of all ages, backgrounds, and regions have access to safe, progressive, and inspiring competitive opportunities, fostering lifelong participation and leadership in the sport. -
The Futures Tour
The Futures Tour is a stepping stone between USASA regional competitions and US Ski & Snowboard FIS national-level events.
It is designed for athletes who have reached the top of the USASA National Championships. Once an athlete has reached this point, they are on the trajectory toward the pinnacle of the sport. If you have the drive and skill and want to get to the professional ranks, this is that starting point. -
The Rev Tour
The U.S. Revolution Tour is a series of events consisting of Halfpipe, Slopestyle, and Big Air. This Tour is designed to serve as a stepping stone for athletes making the transition from competing at the grassroots level to the elite level. Entry is based on multiple criteria that pre-qualify U.S. athletes into each competition. The Revolution Tour is focused toward riders age 13-19 years old. Competition formats may vary slightly at each stop, but riders will always compete as an open class, and unless otherwise stated, athletes under the age of 13 are not eligible to compete. Athletes must hold a current US Ski and Snowboard competitor membership and FIS license. -
Pipeline to Success (chart provided by the governing body of USASA)
VAMSNews
List of 3 news stories.
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Vermont Academy Goes All In on Winter Sports!
Read MoreAs Vermont Academy approaches its 150th anniversary in 2026, the school is making a bold statement: winter sports are at the heart of its future. This commitment is embodied in Vermont Academy Mount Snow (VAMS)—our innovative mountain sports program that redefines what it means to be a student-athlete.Three years ago, Vermont Academy made a strategic move by acquiring Mount Snow Academy (MSA). This acquisition was more than a purchase—it was a rejuvenation of VA’s historic philosophy of “love of the land”, connecting academic excellence with outdoor adventure. Today, that vision has evolved into VAMS—a comprehensive, flexible, and elite training program for U12 to post-graduate alpine athletes. -
2024-2025 Season Highlights - Alpine
Read MoreWhat a year for the VAMS Alpine program and our athletes!Our team was amazing. The smiles, talent, improvement, and engagement were awesome. To be honest, all our VAMS Alpine athletes are winners and will go far in life as they mature and develop into adults. As we always say, we focus on the effort and follow a process. The effort this season was great, and we truly believe we have a good process in place to develop young athletes, preparing them to perform at the races and, more importantly, in life. -
2024-2025 Season Highlights - Freeski
The 2024-2025 Season set the bar high for the VAMS Freeski Team. Abundant highlights include competitive success, immense progression, team and community building, coach development, and facility upgrades. Now that the season is wrapped up, it’s worth a moment to reflect on the plethora of positive developments for the team.Read More
Meet the VAMS Team
List of 10 members.
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Brett Sewing
Director Facilities and Food -
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Ian Bryce
VAMS Select Freeski Coach -
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Vermont Academy is a coed college preparatory boarding and day school in southern Vermont, serving grades 9-12 plus a postgraduate year.
