Athletics
Vermont Academy at Mount Snow
Vermont Academy at Mount Snow (VAMS) develops resilient, self-directed student-athletes through the intentional integration of rigorous academics and year-round mountain sports training. VAMS is grounded in place-based learning, guided progression, and strategic goal setting. At VAMS we are empowering young people to pursue excellence in sport while cultivating the discipline, curiosity, and character necessary to lead purposeful lives beyond the mountains.
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VAMS Fast Facts
- Enrolling Grades 6-12 and post graduate (PG)
- Boarding Students: 8-12 and PG
- Full Winter Term: December - March
- Competition Season: January - March
- Disciplines: snowboard, freeski, freeride
- Capacity: 30 boarding / 10 day students
- Location: 5 min from Carinthia Parks at Mount Snow
The VAMS Difference: Human, Student, Athlete
At Vermont Academy at Mount Snow, our close knit community, the VAMS fam, is our clearest differentiator.
We believe that results matter and athletic progression is important. However, as a community, we are not willing to sacrifice our sense of belonging or shared responsibility to win at all costs.
At VAMS, you must be a good human, student, and athlete in that order. Being a good human is non-negotiable.
We believe that strong character will carry our student-athletes further in life than any athletic accomplishment, because people want to work with and for those they respect and trust. At VAMS, being a good human means supporting your teammates on and off the hill, showing up for your community through our Jobs Program, and demonstrating the self-discipline and integrity to be present and engaged in the classroom, during training, and in the dorm.
Being a student comes next. While many of our athletes aspire to compete at the highest levels of skiing and snowboarding, we recognize that long-term success is built on the skills developed beyond the mountain: critical thinking, accountability, communication, and curiosity. These are the tools that allow our students to thrive in whatever path they ultimately choose.
Finally, being a successful athlete at VAMS requires the discipline to show up each day ready to put in your best effort regardless of the conditions, weather, or location. We seek athletes who are passionate about their sport and are intrinsically motivated to succeed.
At VAMS, success is measured not only by what you achieve on the hill, but by who you become along the way.
Two Campuses One Exceptional Experience
VAMS offers an experience unlike any other through its integration of two extraordinary campuses.
Together, these campuses create the perfect blend of elite training, exceptional academics, and intentional community in a way no other school can replicate.
Together, these campuses create the perfect blend of elite training, exceptional academics, and intentional community in a way no other school can replicate.
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At Vermont Academy, Mount Snow:
At Vermont Academy at Mount Snow, students experience a winter campus near Mount Snow and Carinthia. Athletes are immersed in one of the East Coast’s most influential freestyle environments. This proximity allows for unmatched access to terrain, progression opportunities, and a deeply authentic connection to ski and snowboard culture. At the VAMS campus, students have access to a 14X14 super max trampoline, indoor skateboard ramp, and jib-hill with lights for shredding after dark. -
At Vermont Academy, Saxtons River:
At Vermont Academy, Saxtons River, students experience the depth and tradition of one of New England’s most respected boarding schools. Set on more than 450 acres, the campus serves as the academic and year-round training hub for Vermont Academy Mountain Sports. Here, students have access to thoughtfully designed classrooms, intimate academic environments, strength and conditioning spaces, mountain bike trails (including a collaboration with Highland Park), skateboard ramps, and a large Bagjump® airbag (new for Fall 2026), the most innovative progression facility for freeski and snowboard in the region.
Built for the future of mountain sports
Vermont Academy Mountain Sports is the only winter sports academy in the Northeast intentionally built around the needs of freeski, snowboard, and freeride athletes.While many legacy academies were built around alpine racing, VAMS recognizes where mountain sports culture and athlete interest are heading. Freeskiing, snowboarding, freeride competition, creative progression, and multidimensional mountain athletes represent the future of the industry and VAMS is leading that movement.
At VAMS leadership means creating new pathways — including launching the first ski and snowboard academy freeride team in Southern Vermont, with athletes competing both regionally and nationally at International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association events.
This is not a secondary offering. It is a core part of who we are.
For athletes who dream differently, train creatively, and see the mountain as a canvas rather than simply a course, VAMS was built with you in mind. Alpine athletes looking to expand their skillset, terrain awareness, creativity, and all-mountain confidence will thrive in this dynamic discipline, while freestyle skiers will benefit from increased versatility, and the opportunity to apply their technical abilities across freeride terrain in a competitive big-mountain environment.
VAMS - Snowboard
VAMS - Freeski
Academics with purpose
At VAMS, education is not something students work around. It is central to the experience. Capitalizing on the rich class offerings of Vermont Academy, students engage together in meaningful academic pursuit.
Our intentionally small academic environments, with student-to-teacher ratios as low as 1:3 and 1:6, allow for meaningful mentorship, flexibility, and rigor. Students are known here. They are challenged here. They are expected to engage fully.
Our academic model reflects the world our athletes are preparing to enter. Through interdisciplinary block programming and experiential coursework, students connect their athletic passions to real-world learning.
Signature offerings such as From Avalanches to Industry explore the broader ecosystem surrounding mountain sports, from snow science and risk management to branding, media, entrepreneurship, equipment innovation, and careers within the outdoor industry.
All of these factors promote VAMS’ deep pursuit of Vermont Academy’s four pillars of Independence, Community, Ingenuity and Land. Collaboratively and creatively, we design the optimal academic experience for each student and plan a smooth transition with the rest of the school year.
Because the goal is not simply to prepare great athletes.
It is to prepare capable, thoughtful young adults with vision.
Our intentionally small academic environments, with student-to-teacher ratios as low as 1:3 and 1:6, allow for meaningful mentorship, flexibility, and rigor. Students are known here. They are challenged here. They are expected to engage fully.
Our academic model reflects the world our athletes are preparing to enter. Through interdisciplinary block programming and experiential coursework, students connect their athletic passions to real-world learning.
Signature offerings such as From Avalanches to Industry explore the broader ecosystem surrounding mountain sports, from snow science and risk management to branding, media, entrepreneurship, equipment innovation, and careers within the outdoor industry.
All of these factors promote VAMS’ deep pursuit of Vermont Academy’s four pillars of Independence, Community, Ingenuity and Land. Collaboratively and creatively, we design the optimal academic experience for each student and plan a smooth transition with the rest of the school year.
Because the goal is not simply to prepare great athletes.
It is to prepare capable, thoughtful young adults with vision.
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
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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)
Meet the VAMS Team
List of 8 members.
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Brett Sewing
Director Facilities and Food -
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.
