CVA | History

SRSEF is Established in 1969

Carrabassett Valley Academy originated from the Sugarloaf Regional Ski Educational Foundation (SRSEF), which began operations in 1969 to help racers and freestylers enhance their skills for competitive skiing.

Although the tutorial program was successful, members of the SRSEF and the Carrabassett Valley community sought to establish a ski academy at Sugarloaf Mountain to better support Maine athletes at home.

CVA Opens its Doors for the First Time in 1982

In the winter of 1982, driven by the vision of H. King Cummings and other enthusiastic pioneers, Carrabassett Valley Academy opened its doors for the first time as a five-month, Winter Term tutorial program.

CVA's mission was to establish a school for student-athletes based on the Greek ideal of developing the body, mind, and spirit equally. The initial program provided the first 15 students with a college-preparatory academic curriculum with dedicated training time on the mountain.

The following year, Carrabassett Valley Academy relocated to the Capricorn Lodge, transitioning to a full-time ski academy.

CVA Expands to Meet Growing Needs

1997: Carrabassett Valley Academy expands by purchasing the Lumberjack Lodge for additional dormitory space.

2001: The $1.2 million Anti-Gravity Complex, a 20,000-square-foot physical training facility, opens. It features a gymnasium, skate park, and locker rooms.

2002: On its 20th anniversary, CVA announces plans to build a new campus on 22 acres. The expansion follows the success of six skiers and snowboarders on the U.S. Olympic team and notable achievements by alumni Bode Miller and Kirsten Clark. CVA alumnae include eight Olympians, four world champions and 70 national champions.

2003: The Fremont-Smith Field is dedicated in honor of Paul and Carol Fremont-Smith, Jr.

2006: CVA alumnus Seth Wescott wins a gold medal in the inaugural snowboard cross event at the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.

2007: The first phase of the campus expansion opens with Murfey Hall, a new dormitory, allowing CVA to sell the Lumberjack Lodge.

2008: The expanded campus is named in honor of H. King Cummings, a founding chair who enriched the community and supported student-athletes.

2010: CVA alumnus Bode Miller wins gold & silver medals in the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

2011: Kate Webber Punderson, class of 1989, is named Head of School.

2014: The 17,000-square-foot Webber Academic Center opens, connecting to the Murfey Residential building. It named in honor of Peter and Martha Webber, founding board members. CVA alumnus Bode Miller wins bronze at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

2016: CVA is named US Ski and Snowboard Club of the Year, a gold-level award that represents the single highest honor in the US Ski & Snowboard organization, and US Ski and Snowboard Snowboard Club of the Year, a silver-level award. The new $2.1 million Bill and Joan Alfond Competition Center opens, featuring day lodge space, tuning facilities, and more. The project is a collaboration between CVA, Sugarloaf Resort, and the Sugarloaf Ski Club.

2016-2021: Continued expansion and improvement of training venues, including terrain parks, A moguls course, Joanie's Jump, and a Cross Course developed by Olympian Seth Wescott ’94.

2022: The CVA/Colby Competition T-Bar opens, featuring wider training lanes and state-of-the-art snowmaking.

2024: Alex Godomsky, class of 1991, is named Head of School.