Big Mountain Ski & Snowboard Team

MBSEF’s Big Mountain program is designed for confident, experienced skiers and snowboarders ages 9–18 who want to refine their technique and develop the skills needed to confidently navigate the entire mountain in a variety of terrain and conditions. Athletes use Mt. Bachelor as their playground while building versatility, terrain awareness, and confidence across the mountain, all while having fun and developing a deeper understanding of the alpine environment.

Many athletes in MBSEF’s Big Mountain program progress from the Freeride Development Program, where they have built a foundation of freestyle, freeride, and all-mountain skills. Big Mountain provides an opportunity for athletes who are ready to focus more deeply on whole-mountain skiing and riding and the unique demands of big mountain competition.

While there is some overlap between Big Mountain and MBSEF’s Freeski & Snowboard programs, the focus is different. Freeski & Snowboard programs emphasize freestyle and freeride disciplines such as terrain park, halfpipe, rails, and skiercross/boardercross, with competition centered around those disciplines. Big Mountain focuses on technical skiing and riding across the entire mountain, including varied terrain and conditions, with an emphasis on big mountain competition.

The Big Mountain program is designed for athletes who can comfortably navigate the entire mountain in varied conditions and are comfortable in the Woodward Terrain Parks. A mandatory on-snow skills assessment with the Head Coach is required to determine appropriate program placement. Athletes who do not meet the required skill level may be considered for placement in another MBSEF program on a case-by-case basis.

Big Mountain athletes train on Mt. Bachelor from November through March, conditions permitting, with training opportunities on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, Saturday and Sunday, and during Winter and Spring Camps. Athletes may also have the opportunity to participate in optional trampoline sessions, available through separate registration.

Competition is an important part of the Big Mountain program. Athletes are expected to compete in big mountain events throughout the season, with opportunities to participate in Pacific Northwest IFSA regional competitions as well as national-level events. Competition and travel expectations vary by team and age group.

Van Transportation is available for this program, on a first come first serve basis, and separate registration is required.

Learn More
Explore the drop-down menus on the Program Info page to learn more about the Big Mountain program, including program details, schedules, and opportunities to get involved.