Programs

FREESTYLE CATEGORIES - PICK YOUR POISON

MOGULS

Mogul Program: Ski Only- Primary focus is improvements on mogul runs which are judged on time, turns, and aerial maneuver skills. Moguls compete in three different events:.

1. Single mogul competition - competitors are scored on a best of two runs scoring based upon turns, time, and aerial maneuvers. (most common)
2. Dual mogul competition - competitors are scored on a head-to-head matchup, use brackets, based upon turns, time, and aerial maneuvers.
3. Aerial competition- competitors are scored on aerobic jump, form, and landing.
**All events are judged by a panel

Mogul program athletes compete in Eastern Freestyle USSA-sanctioned events, and so must register at USSA.

SLOPESTYLE

Slopestyle Program - Ski Only - Skiing on jumps, rails, boxes, and halfpipe. Competing in three different disciplines:

1. Slopestyle which competes in a closed course format - best of two runs comprised of (2) jumps and (2) rail features.
2. Rail Jams are a timed format with a single line of rails consisting of multiple difficulty options.
3. Half pipe which scores based on amplitude on the wall, and difficulty of maneuvers
**All events are judged by a panel

Slopestyle athletes compete in USASA-sanctioned events, and so must register in advance at USASA competitor.

SNOWBOARDING

Snowboard - Snowboarding on jumps, rails, boxes, and halfpipe. Competing in three different disciplines:

1. Slopestyle which competes in a closed course format - best of two runs comprised of (2) jumps and (2) rail features.
2. Rail Jams are a timed format with a single line of rails consisting of multiple difficulty options.
3. Half pipe which scores based on amplitude on the wall, and difficulty of maneuvers
**All events are judged by a panel

Slopestyle athletes compete in USASA-sanctioned events, and so must register in advance at USASA competitor.

SKIERCROSS / BOARDERCROSS

Cross program- Skiing and snowboarding side by side through a course with obstacles and bank turns. Bracket format racing. Giant Slalom and Slalom training open to Snowboarders only.

Cross athletes compete in USASA-sanctioned events, , and so must register in advance at USASA competitor.

YOUNG GUNS (offered at a reduced rate)

Young Guns - Open to skiers and snowboarders who are ages 8-10, who are looking for exposure to all of the disciplines of PA Freestyle. This reduced-cost program is intended for athletes who have at least 2 years of on-slope experience, are able to load and unload the lifts unassisted, and are comfortable with exploring the entire mountain. Come on out, and learn how to ride the slide or find a line though the bumps. (Young Guns athletes are able to compete in one home-mountain event at the reduced rate, but additional events will require payment for competitive program registration fees.)

TRAINING

Weekend Training Sessions: Weekend Training Sessions are held from December to March, each Saturday and Sunday from 8:30am-12:00pm, subject to the discretion of the Program Director, Programs coaches, weather conditions, or resort management. Athletes who are not traveling for competitions are expected to participate in Weekend Training Sessions. We understand that holiday travel is a big part of winter, and absences are expected. However, we strongly urge all athletes to attend trainings or competitions each week during the season.

Meeting Location: All sessions leave from the base of the Polar Express lift at 8:30am.

Potential, Optional Mid-Week Training: Subject to coaching availability, for an additional cost, PA Freestyle may offer one or more additional training sessions on Wednesday nights from 6:00-9:00pm, meeting at the same location as regular Weekend Training Sessions.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Competitions and Additional Registrations: Each athlete is required to take part in a minimum of one competitive event/venue (USSA and/or USASA) during the season. Accordingly, all skiers and snowboarders are required to carry a competitor membership for the sanctioning body for their primary discipline. Athletes competing in Moguls must register at USSA and those competing in Slopestyle, Snowboard, and Cross must register at USASA
Skills: Athletes must demonstrate the ability to ski/ride varied terrain, load and unload the lifts unassisted, and meet such other minimum standards as may be established by the Program Director and Program coaches.
Behavior: Skiers/boarders will need to be respectful of others and demonstrate appropriate on- and off-the-slope etiquette and good sportsmanship.
Equipment: All athletes are expected to dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Athletes must wear a certified snowsports helmet that is approved by USSA, and skiercross athletes must wear a helmet with hard ear covers.
Age: The minimum age for athletes is age 8 as of December 1st, although exceptional younger athletes have been and may be accepted based upon approval by the Program Director. This approval may be conditioned upon a tryout.

Program Travel

PA Freestyle supports Athletes in EQS B, and USASA level competitions. Coaching will be provided at selected events, as determined by the Program Director and Program coaching staff. Events are typically hosted at Seven Springs, in West Virginia, and New York. Additional events may be held throughout the Northeast or nationally.

For athletes who are competing in post-season events, additional travel and coaching fees may be required.

MANDATORY NEW ATHLETE TRYOUT

While PA Freestyle has athletes of varied abilities and ages, and we strive to not make cuts, for the safety and wellbeing of all athletes, all new athletes are required to participate in a tryout with the Program Director or one of the Program coaches. New athletes may register early to receive the early bird discount. However, if they do not make the team, the family will receive a refund for the amount paid.

All ski/snowboard athletes will be assessed by our coaching staff for ability to load and unload the lift unassisted, comfortably ski or ride the mountain, maturity levels, and coachability.

Contact our Program Director for additional details or questions.

Photos and Videos

From time to time photographs and videos will be taken during training of athletes for review and general distribution, including the website and social media. If skiers/boarders or parents do not wish to have these materials posted online contact PA Freestyle Program Director. Postings in unaffiliated media (e.g., newspapers or television) are not under PA Freestyle's control.

Website Manager

Rip, Ride, Jump, and Slide!