As December settles in and winter fully arrives in Carrabassett Valley, I want to take a moment to wish our entire CVA community a joyful holiday season and a healthy, happy New Year.
We share the following reflection with heavy hearts as we remember Clermont “Clem” Begin, who passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025. Clem was a cornerstone of the Carrabassett Valley community and a devoted supporter of CVA. In the reflection, former Head of School John Ritzo honors Clem as a builder, mentor, and friend whose legacy will endure.
The 2025–2026 season is off to an electrifying start for CVA athletes, with standout performances across freestyle, snowboard, freeski, and alpine disciplines. Early competitions have already highlighted podium finishes, breakthrough performances, and exciting progress for both current athletes and alumni.
Each month, CVA recognizes students who embody the values that define our community: commitment, respect, kindness, and gratitude. These qualities shine not only in the classroom and on the hill, but in the way our students support one another and strengthen the spirit of CVA. This month’s Student Spotlight recipients exemplify what it means to be a Big Dog.
On Saturday, December 6th, the hill came alive as more than 200 athletes, coaches, and families from CVA’s Alpine, Freestyle, Snowboard, Ski Cross, and U8 groups reunited with old friends and welcomed new faces. Laughter, cheers, and the sound of skis and boards on snow marked the official start of the 2025–2026 CVA Weekend Program.
When Director of Finance Steve Abeles joined CVA two years ago, he didn’t just step into a key administrative role. He also embraced the challenge of teaching an elective Personal Finance class, giving students a unique opportunity to earn math credits and gain essential financial skills before graduation.
Dear CVA Community, This month, we welcomed our Winter Term students to campus, with more than half joining us for the first time. It was energizing to see the campus full, and even more impressive to watch our new students step confidently into the CVA experience. After settling in, our teams traveled across the country and around the world, starting their seasons.
The walls are up on Carrabassett Valley Academy’s new High Performance Center, marking an exciting milestone in this transformative project. This state-of-the-art facility will unite strength training, mental performance, and rehabilitation under one roof, giving Big Dogs the space to train side by side and reach their full potential.
CVA is thrilled to welcome Coach Justin Clark as our new Freestyle Weekend Program Manager! Justin has been deeply connected to Sugarloaf and the Eastern Freestyle community since the mid-90s.
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.
Join 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.
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.
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.