ACADEMY PROGRAMS

THE ACADEMY

In Burke Mountain Academy's full-year program, students are expected to take ownership of their learning and athletic development by demonstrating academic motivation, self-discipline, maturity, and personal responsibility. These qualities are fundamental to success at Burke and throughout life.

Our integrated approach combines a challenging academic curriculum with elite alpine ski racing, allowing students to pursue excellence in both. Throughout the year, student-athletes train and learn at our campuses in Burke, Vermont, and at our European Training Base in Sterzing, Italy.

BMA's students exhibit curiosity and dedication to learning. They demonstrate focus, embrace diligent effort, strive to achieve their goals, and adeptly manage demanding daily schedules. Within this environment, they foster a sense of purpose within a positive, close-knit community built on trust.

BMA FIS PROGRAM

For high-performing athletes aspiring to compete at regional, national, and international levels in ski racing, our individualized competition schedules strategically target specific races, ensuring comprehensive athlete preparation and fostering heightened confidence and success.

The FIS training year commences in June with a preparatory camp, during which athletes receive customized summer conditioning programs to optimize off-season gains. On-snow training begins in August, building upon technical groundwork laid in June. In September, as the school year starts, athletes engage in our world-class dry land program, featuring weight lifting, circuit training, soccer, mountain biking, gymnastics, interval training, and running. Transitioning into the race preparation phase during our November camp positions our athletes for strong performances in December competitions.

BMA's U18/U21 athletes actively participate in USSA, regional FIS, FIS-University, NorAm, and international races throughout the competition season.

Coaches: For contact information and biographies available here.

U16 PROGRAM

The BMA environment for U16 athletes is grounded in three key components integral to our overarching philosophy:

An expanded opportunity for alpine ski racing and training
A robust academic core
Active involvement in the broader BMA community

We extend our full-year academy program (mid-August to early June) to U16 athletes in eighth, ninth, and tenth grades.

Beyond the racing season, U16 athletes are strongly encouraged to participate in two to three preparatory camps during the summer and fall. The June and August camps prioritize directed free skiing, technical fundamentals, and skill acquisition. The third camp, held in Colorado in early November, serves as the commencement of the traditional season and incorporates technical refinement along with tactical gate training.

During the season, our athletes engage in competition within the Northern Vermont Council of the Vermont Alpine Racing Association. Successful performances can lead to qualification for regional and national US Ski and Snowboard projects and events such as Eastern Championships, Can-Am/Am-Can, and U16 National Championships.

See more detailed explanations of all our program offerings here.