Winter Sports

Dryland Training – Alpine / Nordic / Snowboard / Telemark / Off-Piste
Dryland training is required for students who plan to compete during third quarter on the Nordic, Alpine, Telemark, and Snowboard teams. Each team meets three to four times per week during the second quarter and follows a demanding training regime designed to lay the foundations, both physiologically and technically, for successful racing on snow. Each workout will have a specific focus and each skier/rider will be helped to formulate a training program and keep a log of his or her training progress.

Skiing – Instructional Nordic
Two afternoons per week, students learn the basics of nordic skiing on groomed trails. These skiers, instructed by CRMS faculty, ski mainly at the Spring Gulch Trail System and work on techniques specific to in-track skiing. Because the training is not as extensive as the Nordic Team’s, this activity allows students to explore their interest in cross-country skiing without having to commit as much of their free time.

Ski Team – Nordic
Starting with the second quarter, the Nordic Ski Team meets four afternoons per week and on weekends when on snow. The goal is to help skiers develop to their full racing potential. Workouts are individualized and self-motivation is crucial. On-snow camps occur during Thanksgiving week and the first week of Winter Break. The competition season starts in mid-December and continues through the end of March. The team races in the Colorado High School Ski League and a major racing focus is on the Rocky Mountain Division Junior National qualifying series that culminates with the USSA Junior National Championships, normally held the second week of March. Follow the Nordic team on their blog.

Skiing – Instructional Alpine
Separate groups of beginning, intermediate, and advanced skiers meet two afternoons each week at the Snowmass ski area. Qualified ski-school staff provide instruction on each level. CRMS faculty accompany each group. This activity runs for the entire winter term.

Ski Team – Alpine
The Alpine Ski Team is an extensive racing program that competes at the Colorado High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) level. Emphasis during the second quarter is on dryland conditioning and early-season skiing at Aspen ski areas. Training takes place five days a week. Racers compete in the CHSAA and USSA race series at various ski areas throughout Colorado. Athletes must be extremely self-disciplined, as the balance of CRMS academics, school activities, and training is difficult to maintain.

Snowboarding – Instructional
Separate groups of beginning and intermediate riders meet two afternoons each week at the Snowmass ski area. Qualified ski-school staff provide instruction on each level. CRMS faculty accompany each group. This activity runs for the entire winter term.

Snowboard Team
Emphasis during the second quarter is on dryland conditioning and early-season riding at Aspen ski areas. Training during the winter takes place two days a week. The program accommodates the higher-level riders as well as competitors new to the sport. The riders compete in local events. Athletes must be extremely self-disciplined, as the balance of CRMS academics, school activities, and training is difficult to maintain.

Skiing – Instructional Telemark
This telemark group skis two afternoons per week during the third quarter at Aspen ski areas, accompanied by CRMS faculty. To follow the Telemark team check out their blog.

Skiing – Telemark Team
This is a developmental competitive program designed for students with backcountry telemark experience or with a strong Alpine ski background. The team starts with dryland training four afternoons a week in the second quarter and spends the winter quarter training on snow at the Aspen ski areas. The primary goal of the team is to produce well-rounded telemark skiers with a mild amount of competitive experience. Students are expected to attend freestyle competitions. To follow the Telemark team check out their blog.

Skiing – Off-Piste
This activity meets four afternoons per week during the winter quarter at various Aspen ski areas. This is an ideal program for advanced skiers who want to study avalanche and snow conditions as well as learn general skills for backcountry travel in the winter.

** Regarding Gear Requirements
It is best if students own or rent their own gear, including a helmet, before their season starts. Options for buying gear include several used ski/snowboard sales in our area in addition to outdoor sports stores that sell and rent gear. Students participating in competitive winter sports are encouraged to talk to the coaches of those sports regarding their specific equipment needs.