2024-2025 Season Highlights - Freeski

The VAMS Freeski team gained a fantastic reputation within the local freeski community and our home USASA series, the Southern Vermont series. The team was present for every slopestyle and rail jam competition in the local series with positive attitudes, good sportsmanship, and accelerated progression throughout the season. Several VAMS Freeski athletes qualified for Freeski National Championships at Copper Mountain in Colorado, where VAMS athletes and coaches showed up in style for multiple disciplines and age classes. 

 

Apart from USASA competition, the Freeski team participated in a variety of other competitions and events to gain experience, be part of the community, and enjoy traveling to new mountains. Examples include the Southington Rail Jam, Midnight Madness at Crotched Mountain, and the Carinthia Classic at Mount Snow. 

 

The Lakes Region team participated in seven Freeski competitions within Vermont and New Hampshire, competing against other private schools’ Freeski teams. Those events served as a fun way to travel to new venues, demonstrate new skills, and make new friends. 

 

The Freeski team enjoyed various facilities upgrades, which positively impacted training in a variety of ways. A new super trampoline, mini pipe, gym overhaul, and jib hill improvements were made for more effective and engaging training sessions. Even the coaches have a new office for behind-the-scenes work, complete with an apartment for overnight stays when the roads are unsafe. 

 

Training six days per week, the Freeskiers were some of the most dedicated athletes in terms of putting in the effort off-hill as well as on the mountain. Coached aerial awareness training on the super trampoline was one of the most significant tools for progression and one of the most fun. Additionally, daily conditioning sessions were held for the Freeski team including dryland training programs, functional movement assessment, corrective exercises and recovery activities such as guided yoga, foam rolling, and meditation were all beneficial to athlete development. Weekly goal-setting sessions and video reviews were also well-received and impactful on student development. 

 

In conclusion, it's safe to say the VAMS Freeski team maximized the opportunity for learning an amazing sport, growing stronger as individuals and as a team, and having fun while doing it.