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Burke Mountain Academy

BURKE EUROPE

BURKE EUROPE

BMA Europe expands the competitive environment for Burke Mountain Academy athletes during critical FIS development years. Designed as part of BMA’s long-term development model, Burke Europe immerses athletes in one of the most competitive racing environments in the world. Based in Sterzing, Italy, the program provides a select group with extended-season training and access to the European race culture while remaining fully integrated with BMA’s coaching, academic, and student support systems.

WHO IS IT FOR

Burke Europe is intended for BMA athletes in their second or third year of FIS who are seeking additional high-level racing opportunities and have demonstrated readiness, both athletically and personally, to meet the demands of international training, racing, and living abroad.

Admission is selective and based on performance and program benchmarks. Selected athletes will have the opportunity to extend their 11th and 12th year academics over a three-year period through BMA’s Flexible Pathways academic program, offering greater flexibility as they enter into a more rigorous training and racing schedule. 

BMA Europe is best suited for student-athletes who:

  • Have demonstrated strong performance in domestic FIS racing
  • Are capable of managing rigorous academics alongside the demands of travel
  • Have the maturity and independence to live and train abroad
  • Are tracking toward elite levels of the sport

Burke Europe supports a larger vision of creating development pathways for students that better reflect the realities of modern alpine ski racing. 

For many international athletes, progression now extends beyond the traditional four-year high school model, with additional FIS seasons offering more frequent racing, international competition, and stronger preparation for higher levels of ski racing. Changes in the U.S. Ski Team pipeline, the increasing competitiveness of NCAA skiing, and the established European academy system reinforce the value of extended time, race experience, and international exposure. BMA Europe is designed to give athletes a competitive edge within this evolving landscape.

 

PROGRAM DESIGN

BMA Europe is intentionally small, serving a limited number of athletes to ensure individualized coaching, academic support, and development planning. The program is structured to support longer athlete timelines, particularly for those pursuing NCAA skiing and higher-level pathways, including Europa Cup, NorAm Cup, World Cup, and national team progression.

Academically, BMA Europe is fully integrated with Burke Mountain Academy’s Flexible Pathways program. Students are encouraged to pair the two, allowing them to balance a demanding race schedule with structured academic progress. Each academic plan is individualized and aligned with long-term goals.

For more information, contact:
 

Tom Bojko

Director of College Counseling / Europe Coordinator of Academics & Student Life

tbojko@burkemtnacademy.org
 

Jesse Hunt ’83

Sport Director

jhunt@burkemtnacademy.org

THE BURKE PATHWAY