The Freeride Development program is designed for skiers and snowboarders ages 8–14 who already have solid skiing or snowboarding skills and are ready to take their riding to the next level. As the foundation of MBSEF’s Freeski and Snowboarding programs, athletes develop freestyle, freeride, and all-mountain skills while building confidence and discovering the excitement of competition. The focus is on having fun, progressing skills, and being part of a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Training focuses on terrain park, halfpipe, rails, and all-mountain freeriding. Athletes are grouped with others of similar age and ability and receive coaching designed to help each athlete progress. Throughout the season, athletes have opportunities to participate in two or three fun, low-pressure competitions, including slopestyle, skiercross/boardercross, and halfpipe. Competition is encouraged but focuses on fun, camaraderie, and sportsmanship.

Training Options: Saturday and/or Sunday, with an additional Wednesday afternoon option. Weekend on-snow training is from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Wednesday training is from 12:30–4:00 p.m. Athletes participating in the Wednesday option will need to arrange early release from school.

New Athlete Ability Questionnaire: Complete the New Athlete Ability Questionnaire

An on-snow skills assessment is required prior to the start of the program to ensure athletes are ready for Freeride Development and to inform athlete groupings. The assessment typically takes place the weekend before the program begins. Exact dates and times may vary slightly each year and will be communicated by the program’s Head Coach.

MBSEF provides professional coaching from instructors certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) for freeskiing and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI) for snowboarding.

The Freeski & Snowboard Competition Team is designed for motivated freeskiers and snowboarders who want to take their skills and competition to the next level. The majority of athletes who join the Competition Team progress from MBSEF’s Freeride Development program, building on the skills and experience they developed there. The team is also open to athletes coming from outside of MBSEF who demonstrate the appropriate skills and readiness for the program.

Athletes train with professional coaches to develop advanced freestyle, freeride, and all-mountain skills while refining their competition skills and strategies. Training focuses on discipline-specific skills across slopestyle, halfpipe, skiercross/boardercross, and all-mountain freeriding. Athletes learn contest run design, competition strategies, and sportsmanship while training alongside athletes with similar goals, ages, and abilities. Individual goal assessment and a highly qualified coaching staff support each athlete’s continued progression.

The Competition Team provides a pathway for athletes interested in competing at local, regional, and national levels. Athletes are encouraged to compete in local USASA Central Oregon Series competitions, with coaching provided. The team also attends USASA regional events in the Mt. Hood Series, with coaching fees included in program fees. Athletes who qualify and choose to attend additional events, including Futures Tours, Revolution Tours, and/or USASA Nationals at Copper Mountain, Colorado, will be responsible for additional event coaching fees and coach travel expenses. Membership, competition, and athlete travel fees are not included in the MBSEF program fee.

Training Options: Two-, three-, and four-day options are available. Weekend training is offered Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Midweek training is offered Wednesday and Thursday from 12:30–4:00 p.m. Athletes participating in midweek training will need to arrange early release from school.

Camps: Winter Camp and Spring Camp are included in the program. Athletes are encouraged to participate in Winter and Spring Break Camps as part of their ongoing development. A winter dryland trampoline session is also included in the program.