Early-Season, On-Snow Training Adventures
With Sugarloaf’s opening day just around the corner, CVA student-athletes are hitting the road — and the snow — to kick off the winter season in true Big Dog fashion. Ski bags, books, and plenty of energy in tow, each team has embarked on early-season training camps designed to sharpen skills, build team connections, and prepare for the competitive season ahead.
Freeski, Snowboard Slopestyle, and Ski Cross athletes headed to Austria’s renowned glaciers at Pitztal and Hintertux. These high-altitude venues offer prime conditions for technical progressions, speed work, and course tactics — giving athletes the edge they need as the competitive season approaches. During their trip, the team also enjoyed exploring the city of Innsbruck, Austria, and experienced their first powder day of the season, with Hintertux receiving 20cm (7”+) of fresh snow!
The Moguls Team traveled to Idre Fjäll, Sweden, taking advantage of cold temperatures and excellent snow to train on a full FIS mogul course. With world-class facilities and top-to-bottom slopes, athletes have been fine-tuning their technique and gaining invaluable on-snow time before the season officially begins. The eight days of preseason on-snow training allowed each athlete to make meaningful progress in their skiing and land new tricks for the first time on snow.
The Moguls Team traveled to Idre Fjäll, Sweden, taking advantage of cold temperatures and excellent snow to train on a full FIS mogul course. With world-class facilities and top-to-bottom slopes, athletes have been fine-tuning their technique and gaining invaluable on-snow time before the season officially begins. The eight days of preseason on-snow training allowed each athlete to make meaningful progress in their skiing and land new tricks for the first time on snow.
“I’m proud of all these athletes for their effort, progress, and the way they’ve represented CVA,” reported Action Sports Director and Head Moguls Coach, Nate McKenzie.
Before heading back, the team had the opportunity to explore Oslo and returned to Maine tired but with a great sense of accomplishment.
FIS Alpine athletes headed to Kåbdalis Skidliftar, Sweden, to fine-tune their skills on challenging European slopes alongside international competitors, including the national teams from the US, France, Norway, and Great Britain. During their stay, the athletes trained until sunset and even caught a glimpse of the amazing Northern Lights. Back in the U.S., the U16 and U14 Alpine Academy teams, along with some U14 Weekend Program athletes, traveled to Colorado for their annual training trips. The high-elevation mountains provide ideal terrain for gate training and technical refinement.
The Snowboard Development team made the most of the boxes and rails at Big Snow American Dream in New Jersey. They were even able to fit in a side trip to New York City, the first time for some of these Big Dogs. FIS Snowboard Cross athletes are taking advantage of early-season East Coast training at Waterville Valley later in November. These sessions allow athletes to work on fundamentals, build confidence, and stay sharp on snow, all while balancing remote academic responsibilities.
To practice for the winter backcountry terrain, the Backcountry Team fully loaded up their winter packs and hiked nearly 7 miles, gaining a total of 3,348 feet in elevation. High above King Ravine, the Backcountry Team reached Crag Camp with the objective of scoping out the spot to use as a base camp for future backcountry ski trips.
Winter made an early appearance during their stay, blanketing the mountains and rewarding their effort with breathtaking views of Mts. Madison, Adams, and beyond. The trip emphasized team building, outdoor skills, and physical preparation for the ski mountaineering season ahead. Next up on their agenda is their annual trip to Virginia for backpacking, climbing, and rafting.
Across all disciplines, CVA athletes are learning new skills, progressing on snow, completing classwork remotely, and making memories that will last a lifetime. As they return to campus in the coming weeks, they’ll bring renewed focus, confidence, and momentum for another incredible winter at CVA.
Suggested Articles
List of 3 news stories.
-
Early-Season, On-Snow Training Adventures
Read MoreWith Sugarloaf’s opening day just around the corner, CVA student-athletes are hitting the road — and the snow — to kick off the winter season in true Big Dog fashion. Ski bags, books, and plenty of energy in tow, each team has embarked on early-season training camps designed to sharpen skills, build team connections, and prepare for the competitive season ahead. -
October Student Spotlight Awards
Read MoreJoin us in celebrating our monthly Student Spotlight Award Winners! These standout students embody the heart of the CVA experience, showing up every day with dedication, drive, and a commitment to excellence in athletics, academics, and community. -
CVA Alumni Reunion - Save the Date!
Big Dogs, mark your calendars — on Saturday, December 27, 2025, the annual CVA Alumni Reunion is back, and this year’s celebration promises to be extra special! Join us for a day of connection, celebration, and mountain fun as we gather at the brand-new High Performance Center at Carrabassett Valley Academy.Read More
Inquire
Visit
Apply
Carrabassett Valley Academy prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any member or group based upon age, gender, race, color, religion, disability, categories sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic predisposition, ancestry or other categories protected by Maine or federal law. CVA does not discriminate on these bases in the administration of its admission process, scholarship and aid programs, educational policies, athletics, or other school-administered programs.
©2024 Carrabassett Valley Academy