CVA | History

SRSEF IS ESTABLISHED - 1969

Carrabassett Valley Academy originated from the Sugarloaf Regional Ski Educational Foundation (SRSEF), founded in 1969 to support alpine racers and freestyle skiers in developing the skills needed for competitive success. While the original tutorial model proved effective, members of the SRSEF and the local community saw the potential for something greater - a year-round ski academy to serve Maine athletes right at home.

CVA Opens its Doors - 1982

In the winter of 1982, Carrabassett Valley Academy officially opened as a five-month Winter Term tutorial program, inspired by the vision of H. King Cummings and other community pioneers. Bruce P. Colon was appointed the first Headmaster, setting the tone for CVA’s academic and athletic excellence.

CVA’s founding mission was inspired by the Greek ideal of nurturing body, mind, and spirit equally. The school’s first 15 student-athletes participated in a college-preparatory academic program with daily on-mountain training.

By the following year, CVA moved to the Capricorn Lodge, transitioning into a full-time ski academy and laying the foundation for decades of growth.

CVA Expands to Meet Growing Needs

1986: John Ritzo named Head of School, guiding CVA through key years of growth and development.

1997: CVA purchases the Lumberjack Lodge to expand dormitory capacity.

2001: The $1.2 million Anti-Gravity Complex opens, featuring a gymnasium, skate park, and locker rooms.

2002: On its 20th anniversary, CVA announces plans for a new campus on 22 acres, fueled by alumni success, including six athletes on the U.S. Olympic Team.

2003: The Fremont-Smith Field is dedicated to Paul and Carol Fremont-Smith, Jr.

2006: Seth Wescott '94 wins Olympic gold in the debut of snowboard cross at the Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.

2007: Murfey Hall, a new dormitory, opens as part of the first phase of the campus expansion.

2008: The expanded campus is named in honor of H. King Cummings, a founding board chair.

2010: Bode Miller '96 wins gold and silver medals at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

2011: Kate Webber Punderson ’89 is named Head of School.

2014: The Webber Academic Center, a 17,000-square-foot academic facility, opens, named in honor of founding board members Peter and Martha Webber. That same year, Bode Miller '96 wins bronze at the Sochi Olympics.

2016: CVA is named U.S. Ski & Snowboard Club of the Year (Gold Level) and Snowboard Club of the Year (Silver Level). The Bill and Joan Alfond Competition Center opens in partnership with Sugarloaf Resort and the Sugarloaf Ski Club.

2016–2021: Major improvements to training venues, including a moguls course, Joanie's Jump, terrain parks, and a cross course developed by Olympian Seth Wescott ’94.

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

2024: Alex Godomsky '91 is named Head of School, continuing the tradition of alumni leadership.

CVA OLYMPIANS BY DISCIPLINE & YEAR

Kristean Porter Thorpe ’89 - Freestyle, 1994 Olympics

Sharon Petzold ’89 - Freestyle, 1992 Olympics (Bronze)

Brenda Petzold ’91 - Freestyle, 2002 Olympics

Mark Fawcett ’90 - Snowboard, 1998 Olympics

Adam Hostetter ’93 - Snowboard, 1998 Olympics

Jeff Greenwood ’94 - Snowboard, 2002 Olympics

Seth Wescott ’94 - Snowboard

2006 Olympics (Gold)
2010 Olympics (Gold)

Kristen Clark ’95 - Alpine, 1998, 2002, 2006 Olympics

Bode Miller ’96 - Alpine

2002 Olympics (2 Silvers)
2006 Olympics
2010 Olympics (Gold, Silver, Bronze)
2014 Olympics (Bronze)

Emily Cook ’97 - Freestyle, 2006, 2010 Olympics

Annalisa Drew ’12 - Freestyle, 2014, 2018 Olympics (4th)

Liam Moffatt ’15 - Snowboard, 2022 Olympics

LOOKING AHEAD

CVA continues to grow and thrive, driven by a commitment to developing elite athletes, fostering academic excellence, and encouraging personal growth. The CVA experience is unlike any other - a powerful blend of world class athletics and rigorous academics, within supportive community. Here, student-athletes are empowered to dream big, push boundaries, and become the best version of themselves - on the hill, in the classroom, and beyond.