Program – MHM Freeride Team

Mt. Hood Meadows Freeride Team

The Meadows Freeride Team is a great way for athletes ages 7 through High School to take their skiing/riding skills to a higher level. The coaching session options are 8-days, 12-days or 24-days with additional options to add up to four 3-day Freeride Camps that are held during Winter Break in December and Oregon and Washington Spring breaks in March and April – for up to 36 coaching days per season.

Our Mission

We as Freeride coaches have the unique ability to utilize our skills both as riders/skiers and instructors to help develop passionate students to achieve their desired goals. We strive to aid in promoting their love for the sport. Although we are referred to as coaches, our role in our athletes’ lives extend far beyond training. It is our duty to make a positive, lasting impression on every participant in the program. We dedicate ourselves to giving the future of our sport the necessary tools, both physically and mentally, to achieve their dreams.

Program Details

The Mt. Hood Meadows Freeride Team is a weekend multi-week program that consists of high level coaching for students who seek to explore difficult and varied terrain. Students must be open to learning new techniques and exploring different terrain all over the mountain – steeps, powder, trees, and terrain parks.

Coaches of the team are uniquely chosen for the program based on their Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA/AASI) certifications and credentials as well as their personal riding/skiing style.

Coaching sessions are typically fast paced fun environments which include lift line priority and local knowledge of Mt. Hood Meadows’ terrain. Topics covered during sessions include: big mountain, powder, trees, snow safety, freestyle, and all mountain improvement.

Most team members chose to become part of the team for the challenge of more difficult terrain, bigger tricks, fun group environment, and/or to excel in competition (more details on competitions below). The Freeride Team is also a great opportunity for students who seek higher level instruction for their own personal development in snow sports or those who are looking to learn the ins and outs of the mountain.

Who is this program open to?

Open to athletes ages 7 through High School.
Skiers must be comfortable making fully-parallel turns on ALL blue terrain, groomed and ungroomed; skiers must also be comfortable making fully-parallel turns on ALL groomed black terrain (Showoff, Apollo, 2 Bowl, O-Ring when groomed).
Snowboarders must be comfortable making linked toe-side and heel-side turns on ALL blue terrain, groomed and ungroomed; snowboarders must also be comfortable making linked toe-side and heel-side turns on ALL groomed black terrain (Showoff, Apollo, 2 Bowl, O-ring when groomed).
Must have a willingness and passion to learn and try new things (terrain, tricks, etc.).

Where do we meet?

Team dedicated, reserved lodge space located in the North Lodge.
Must arrive no later than 8:30am for check-in and be on snow with boots on ready to ski/ride by 8:40am for team warm-up, beacon check and first chair.

What is a typical day?

Each coaching session will begin on snow at 8:40am and conclude at 3:00pm.
1 hour lunch break that typically starts anywhere from 11:30am to 1pm depending on snow conditions.
Coaches focus on improving all mountain skiing and riding skills as well as park & pipe.
Athletes will challenge themselves with terrain, tactics, advanced features, and tricks.

Equipment requirements?

Most skis/snowboards will be sufficient but we highly recommend all mountain/freestyle twin tip skis and all mountain/freestyle snowboards.
For skiers: adult ski boots do not work with youth bindings. Make sure bindings match the boots.
Avalanche beacon/transceiver; it is mandatory for all athletes venturing into any gated terrain at Meadows to carry an avalanche beacon. This terrain includes Heather Canyon, Clark Canyon, Private Reserve and Super Bowl.
Participation in the Meadows Freeride Team requires the purchase of an All Access Season Pass

Is there a Competition Option?

Meadows Freeride Team members who are ready to commit the time and effort to excel in competition have the option to do so. Our Freeride coaches are ready to help athletes reach their goals. We recommend two avenues for competitions: IFSA (International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association) and USASA (United States of America Snowboard & Freeski Association).

IFSA is the main governing body for freeride events held all over the world. Mt. Hood Meadows hosted an event for the first time last season. This type of event directly aligns with the kind of skiing and riding we coach on the Meadows Freeride Team. More information: freeskiers.org

USASA is a grassroots freestyle competition organization for all ages offering Slopestyle, Halfpipe, Skier/Boardercross, and Rail Jam events. Skiers and snowboarders who want to focus on freestyle competition must be comfortable clearing medium-sized jumps and straight sliding medium box features; these features can be found in Fireweed and Forest Park at Meadows. More information: usasa.org

Those who plan to seek to participate in competitions this season should opt for as many days as they can when signing up for the Freeride Team, plus purchase an add-on three day camp over winter break – either the Dec 18-20 or 27-29 session. We will end the season with the optional add-on three day camps over Spring Break. The Meadows Freeride Team does not cover competition fees or travel expenses for regional and national competition.