Learn to Ski the Mountain Differently
Freeride asks athletes to do more than simply make great turns.
It requires them to read terrain, make good decisions, adapt their skiing, control their bodies in the air, and confidently navigate increasingly challenging parts of the mountain.
Freeride Prep athletes are grouped by skill and alternate their focus between two important areas of development:
Big Mountain
Athletes build the skills and confidence to ski increasingly challenging terrain with control and purpose.
Training may include:
- Strong technical skiing in varied terrain
- Terrain selection and line choice
- Variable snow and changing conditions
- Steeps and natural terrain features
- Mountain awareness and decision-making
Controlled, confident skiing across the mountain
Park & Freestyle
Athletes also spend focused time developing the balance, body awareness, and technical skills needed for freestyle skiing.
Training may include:
- Terrain park fundamentals
- Jumps and landings
- Air awareness and body control
- Progressive freestyle skills
- Safe use of park features
- Building confidence through intentional progression
Progress With Purpose
Freeride Prep isn't about rushing athletes into competition.
It's about giving them the time and coaching they need to develop the skills they'll eventually need to compete successfully and confidently.
Throughout the season, coaches will evaluate athlete development against specific big mountain and park skill benchmarks.
That gives athletes something concrete to work toward — and gives families a clearer understanding of their skier's progression.
When an athlete demonstrates the skills, maturity, and readiness needed for the next level, coaches can recommend progression to Freeride Comp.
If your skier hasn't started with Devo, we start all youth skiers there, no matter their age and monitor them closely to advance as soon as they are ready.
Is Your Skier Ready for Freeride Prep?
Freeride Prep may be the right next step for an athlete who:
- Has developed a strong foundation of skiing skills
- Is comfortable skiing a variety of terrain
- Is excited about big mountain and freestyle skiing
- Wants to progress in the terrain park
- Is ready for more purposeful skill development
- Is interested in eventually joining Freeride Comp
Because placement is based on more than age, Silver Run coaches make the final determination about athlete readiness for Freeride Prep.
If your skier has built a strong foundation and is excited to explore big mountain and freestyle skiing, Freeride Prep is where they'll start turning those skills into the tools of a freeride athlete.
