The Grand Canyon Freeride Team is for skilled snowboarders 6 and up who can ride heel toe and almost link turns, and for advanced skiers (9 years old by 12/31/22) who wish to continue advancing their skills by skiing the whole mountain, bumps (moguls), backcountry and/or the terrain park rather than ski racing.

Athletes will focus on skills to build a solid foundation in all areas of snowboarding and advanced freeskiing geared towards freestyle and park. 

Competitions are optional and offered both at a local and divisional level. Our athletes compete in team events, events hosted by local shops,  and sanctioned United States of America Snowboard & Freeski Association (USASA) events in the Grand Canyon Series. 

Although competing is not mandatory it is recommended as a way for athletes to get together in a welcoming and friendly environment and see what type of skiing or snowboarding they enjoy the most.

The goal for our GCFT program is to expose athletes to the mountain in a safe and fun way, learn the rules and etiquette of the hill, and develop a love and passion for the sport. 

Membership in US Ski & Snowboard is required for athletes, and for parents volunteering in US Ski & Snowboard sanctioned events.

The Grand Canyon Freeride Team is for skilled to advanced snowboarders and for advanced skiers who wish to focus on freestyle, bumps (moguls), backcountry and/or the terrain park rather than training alpine ski racing. Our goal is to teach mountain safety and have fun first!  Our goal is to provide 14-16 weeks of training and competition opportunity, depending upon program selection, AZ Snowbowl terrain and availability. 

WHAT TO EXPECT ON TRAINING DAYS

Please click here to access the Parent / Athlete manual for a more in depth look at expectations.

• Meet at the Ski Shacks (located just south of the Agassiz Lodge), 15 minutes prior to the start of training
• If you are late please wait at the team buildings and coaches will come by to check for late arrivals. You may let any coach know you are there and they can contact your athlete’s coach.
• Athletes will be placed in groups based on ability first and age second.
• Coaches will use a variety of learning activities each training day to help with athlete improvement
• On weekends we break for lunch around 11am. Athletes may store lunches in the team building. Due to the short lunch break, it is best to bring a lunch from home.  You are more than welcome to join your athlete for lunch. 
• The afternoon session will be based on how the morning went and what the goals for the day are. 
• At the end of the day you will meet your athlete at the team building for pick up. At this time, you may check in with coaches to see how the day went and ask any questions you may have. 

COMPETITION DAY

• GCFT completes in team, local and USASA Grand Canyon Series events (USASA has separate membership.) Most competitions have an additional registration fee.
• Meet at designated area provided by coaching staff prior to the event. 
• More information will be provided prior to each event.

COACHES WILL:

• Get the athletes warmed up
• Familiarize the athletes with the hill and competition venue
• Help the athletes develop their run/inspect the course and come up with a game plan for the day
• Communicate with the athletes the time of events and awards
• Support in the start of the event and throughout the day

If at any time you have questions you may ask your athlete’s coach, Head GCFT Coaches or the Alpine Director Charlie Boyer. Our primary goal for each athlete is to instill a passion for skiing and/or snowboarding. In order to accomplish this we will make training a fun and productive environment.  Coaches will teach and assist athletes in a variety of terrain, along with introducing them to different competition venues. Thank you and we look forward to working with you and your athlete this winter season.

*season length is snow and terrain dependent:

Season dates, curriculum, estimated training hours, and dedicated training space all based on Arizona Snowbowl snow and terrain availability.