Snowboard Academy Program

The first academy for snowboarders

More than 25 years ago, CVA was the first academy to develop a program specifically for snowboarders. As snowboarding has continued to evolve, so too has the CVA Snowboard Program. CVA is one of the leading snowboard academies. Our student-athletes compete in boardercross racing, halfpipe and slopestyle.

Among our distinguished graduates is Seth Wescott, a two-time Olympic Gold medalist. Seth splits his time between the Valley and his home in British Columbia, and remains active in the Sugarloaf and CVA community.

Overview

The CVA Snowboard Program focuses on long-term athlete development and applying the appropriate and latest research principles to promote the development of overall athleticism in our student athletes.

Our human performance program works with each athlete to define individual needs and provide the resources needed to support athletic growth. As a team we work together to support one another both on and off the hill. By incorporating each athlete into the process of goal setting, competition planning, fitness evaluations, and conditioning planning, we will allow each student athlete to become part of their individual athletic process.

On snow, athletes are placed into a specific training group based on ability, past competition results, motivation, and individual goals relative to snowboard competition. Each individual's needs are assessed and a season-long plan is created that encompasses all details related to the season, and clearly defines the pathway to success.

Movement between groups is encouraged, and is determined based on athlete progression, skill acquisition, commitment to training, and overall attitude. Individual safety, as well as on-hill awareness and code of conduct is always a priority within each group.

Program Philosophy & Opportunities

List of 3 items.

Development Team - Grades 8-11

The Development Team focuses on exploring all realms of competitive snowboarding in a fun, positive, learning environment. Attention to stance, proper posture, and edging skills is a primary focus and is where we build the foundation for future progression. We further the athletes development of solid fundamental skills as they are the foundation of high caliber snowboarding in all disciplines. Non-result related goal setting and visualization training is presented. Technical and tactical elements of competition is also introduced. The importance of tuning and continued maintenance of equipment for training, travel, and competition is addressed. Athletes compete in all disciplines of the regional USASA series, and when appropriate eastern Rev Tour or other intro level FIS events.
Elite Group - Grades 9-12

The Elite group focuses on a mastery of skills related to competitive snowboarding in slopestyle and halfpipe. A complete understanding of all aspects of competitive snowboarding including, but not limited to; training technique, competition tactics, and understanding of judging principles (FIS and IJC) is taught. Additionally athletes begin compiling video and photo documentation and working on a resume for sponsorship purposes. Effective use of this media and maintenance of these potential sponsorship relationships is covered. The basics of filming, being filmed and creating video parts is an ongoing project. Athletes primarily compete in Grand Prix, Revolution Tour, TTR Tour, FIS/Nor-am events as well as USASA events as needed to enhance and continue overall progression. Athletes in this group are also encouraged to qualify into FIS Jr. Worlds, Project Gold and other invite only and promotional style events.
Snowboard Cross (SBX) and Racing Group - Grades 9-12

The SBX group concentrates on developing a complete acquisition of skills needed for snowboard competition in parallel slalom, giant slalom and boardercross. All aspects of competitive snowboarding including, but not limited to; technique, tactics, tuning and maintenance, visualization, and a complete understanding of FIS rules and procedures are also addressed. Athletes primarily compete in USASA and FIS/Nor-am events. All athletes in this group are introduced to Elite level FIS snowboard competitions and boardercross events as needed to enhance and continue overall progression. Athletes in this group are encouraged to compete in FIS Jr. Worlds and to try to qualify for USSA Project Gold camps as well.

Coaches