Senior Team Skimo | Freesking Winter Programs

Senior Team Skimo Program, ages 14+

Senior Team Skimo introduces athletes to the fundamentals of ski mountaineering, racing, and training. Skimo (ski mountaineering) racing has been accepted as an official Olympic sport for the 2026 games in Italy, and this is a chance to be a part of one of the first dedicated youth programs in the U.S. focused on ski mountaineering training and racing.

This program is for athletes interested in this fun sport and building their fitness throughout the winter season. It will be geared toward competing in the Town Challenge Uphill Ski Series of races and some other events throughout the State. Think of it as a combination of cross-country skiing (uphill) and alpine skiing (downhill) with some mountain trail running and backcountry adventures thrown in too. It really is a sport for those who value fitness, fun, racing, and a love of being in the snow.

The focus will be on the fundamentals of Skimo, including proper skinning technique, transitions from uphill to downhill (skin to ski), advanced endurance training, and building a fun team atmosphere. Strength training one day a week will also be included. There will be a pre-season period with strength training, spin bike workouts, and some uphill hiking. Athletes will also learn the importance of the local uphill ski policies and set an example for other athletes.

Requirements

Skill requirement: Downhill ski experience, a base level of fitness, and a desire for physical and mental challenges. Uphill (backcountry or resort skinning) ski experience would be very beneficial.
Passes: Full IKON and Howelsen Hill pass required. (pass type for Howelsen Hill TBD).
Equipment: Lightweight AT ski gear: boots, skis, bindings, skins, etc. (typical heavy backcountry gear will not allow you to get the benefits of this program - We will be sourcing product deals and discounts with vendors to help with this). Athletes will also need a pack, helmet, beacon, shovel, probe, and proper apparel. (Think more cross country skiing than alpine for apparel.) A heart rate monitor would also be a beneficial piece of equipment. Gear discounts are available on certain brands until Thursday, November 2! Email Email Tim Deboom with questions.
Age: 14-18 (AGE GROUP GUIDELINES)

Schedule

November 13 - March 29

Dryland: November 13 - 29
Wednesday and Friday, 4-5:30 p.m. at Howelsen Hill - strength, spinning, hiking

On Snow: December 2 - March 28
Monday and Wednesday, 4-6 p.m. at Howelsen Hill
Friday, 4-7 p.m. at Steamboat Resort
Strength/Gym Day TBD

2024-2025 Program Fee

2024-2025 Program Fee: $3,400 plus $450 refundable work deposit

Payment Plan: SSWSC offers multiple payment options for summer, winter, and year-round program fees. Credit cards, eCheck (ACH bank transfer), cash, and checks are all accepted. We also offer a payment plan option. Find more information HERE.
Work Deposit Program: SSWSC requires a work deposit for each family. During the registration process, the program fee listed includes the work deposit. Families can earn back the work deposit by volunteering for SSWSC or opt out of volunteering and donate the work deposit to SSWSC. Find more information on the Work Deposit Program HERE.
Ride the SSWSC Bus: SSWSC offers after-school bus transportation from Steamboat Springs public schools to Howelsen Hill for SSWSC elementary and middle school athletes, 1st through 8th grades, on their scheduled training days. Sign up during the registration process. CLICK HERE for more information.
Scholarships: SSWSC offers scholarships for program fees through a one-step EZ Scholarship process during registration and enrollment. For more information on additional program fee scholarships and other scholarship opportunities, check out the scholarship pages on our website.