Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation Announces Freeride Ski Team

By Aimi Xistra-Rich
The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation has announced two new programs for the 2011 – 2012 winter season under the Freestyle umbrella. The Foundation will offer two Freeride program options, the One-Day Program and the Full-Time Competitive Program. These programs are open to intermediate to advanced level skiers aged ten to 18 who have a passion for slopestyle, skiercross and halfpipe training.

“The Foundation recognized the need to create the Freeride program as we continue to stand by our commitment to provide training for regional Olympic hopefuls,” said HSSF president Jim Plake. “With the addition of skiing halfpipe and slopestyle to the 2014 Sochi Olympics we felt it necessary to provide coaching for those athletes who strive to compete in these events.”

The One-Day Freeride program offers skiers aged ten to 18 up to 18 training days, primarily Sundays, December through March. A Heavenly restricted pass, equipment and gear are required. Freeride registrants can choose to participate in the U.S.A.S.A. South Shore Series or USSA events for an additional fee.

The Full-Time Freeride program requires additional commitments from both parents and athletes. With a longer season, December through as late as mid-May, this program offers a lot more time on the mountain with professional coaches and more participation in competitions. Dryland and gymnastics training, Sunday Fundays, night training, video analysis, pro clinics and more advanced competition training are some of the bonuses of this program, depending upon what is right for your young athlete. As with all programs, the emphasis is placed on skiing preparation and equipment care, as well as focusing on physical and mental competition techniques, physical fitness through healthy activity and good eating habits while promoting the values of teamwork and good sportsmanship.

The HSSF prides itself on selecting the best coaching staff available to nurture young athletes. The dedication seen from the coaching staff makes the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation one of the best in Tahoe. The Foundation’s Freeride Team is pleased to announce Brad Scott as head coach. He was a member of the Heavenly Freestyle Team for many years and was a multi-discipline competitor in skiercross, slopestyle, halfpipe and big air. Scott is a former professional skier and an alumni member of the British Ski Team for slopestyle and big air. His training ethic is built on strength, balance and endurance; he is also a personal trainer and nutrition expert. Acting as assistant coach is local Yamato Kashima. He trained with the Heavenly Foundation freestyle team for over ten years and competed in USSA events for many of those. He is passionate about spending his days on the mountain and excited to enhance the lives of younger skiers.

For more information about the Heavenly Foundation or any of its programs please visit www.heavenlyfoundationteam.org or call the administrative office at 530.541.7354.

About the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation
The Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation is committed to facilitating and leading the local community in the development of programs to encourage youth to participate in winter sports, alpine skiing and snowboarding. The HSSF operates independently on donations and fundraisers. In addition to providing a safe skiing and riding experience to those within the foundation, outreach and community involvement also play a big part of the base of the Foundation.

Throughout the winter season the HSSF provides scholarships to families whose children would not be able to participate in the race program; hosts a non-race Blue Angels program through the middle school; works with the SOS (Snowboard Outreach Society); works with the Boys and Girls Club of South Lake Tahoe; and organizes multiple events, like the Kinder Kup series, and fundraisers including the annual spring wine gala, Grapes and Gates, at Edgewood. For more information on the Heavenly Ski and Snowboard Foundation visit www.heavenlyfoundationteam.org, e-mail aimix@heavenlyfoundationteam.org or call the administrative offices at 530.541.7354.