In 1993, Stratton Mountain School initiated its snowboarding program under the same philosophy in which the school began: small size, high-quality training and high-level competition. That tradition still holds strong today and, as a result, SMS athletes continue to dominate in every level of competitive snowboarding. The SMS snowboard training program has placed at least one athlete every year on the U.S. Snowboard Team for the past nine years!
Beyond the norm, our innovative snowboard-specific conditioning program includes a wide variety of training. Our off-snow preparation includes aerobic and anaerobic workouts combined with a unique blend of trampoline training, tumbling, balance drills, plyometrics and snowboard-specific agility. Combined with the nearby, open-access indoor skatepark and trampoline facility, we are able to provide our athletes the absolute best in pre-season preparation.
Our daily on-snow training takes place on the beautiful slopes of Stratton Mountain. With its four parks, two pipes and endless buttery groomers, the aspiring snowboarder has multiple terrains to choose from. Whether our athletes are training for slopestyle, boardercross or halfpipe, we utilize the most up-to-date training techniques. The competition schedule includes USASA and USSA regional events, USASA Nationals, Junior World Championships, Revolution Tour and pro-level events such as the X-Games, Gravity Games, Vans Triple Crowns, U.S. Grand Prix and the U.S. Open (on Stratton Mountain).
Since 1993, SMS riders have earned several prestigious National and International titles. Recent accomplishments include: 2002, 2005 and 2009 USSA Domestic Snowboard Club of the Year. U.S. Snowboard Team nominees include: Danny Davis, Louie Vito, Jack Mitrani, Ellery Hollingsworth, Lizzy Beerman, Alex Deilbold, Lindsey Jacobellis, Eric Warren and Josh Wiley. Other noted SMS riders include: Ross Powers (1998, 2002 Olympic Team, Bronze/Gold, Medal Halfpipe), Peter Thorndike (2002 Olympic Team), Alexis Waite, Tyler Emond, Leslee Olson, Travis McLain, Scotty Arnold, Charlie Morace, Luke Mitrani, Jeremy Thompson and Nate Farrell.
The Snowboard Program is led by Director Ross Powers. The coaching staff also includes coaches Ian Kirk (Head Elite Coach), Scotty Johnston (Head Amateur Coach), Dave Redden (Head Development Coach) and Kevin McMahon (Development Coach).