The two-track approach

Our Introductory program has a two-track approach: Alpine & Freestyle, with specialized coaches in each track. However, at this level, there is a large percentage of overlap with fundamental skill acquisition.  

When registering, please choose a track based on the participant’s initial interest. We encourage exploration; and at this level, the fundamentals we focus on are very similar. If you are not familiar with the sports of Alpine Ski Racing and Freestyle Skiing, please choose a track that best describes the skier’s interest. If the skier later shows more interest/aptitude in another track, coaches and directors can help facilitate a transition.

INTRODUCTORY FREESTYLE provides an introduction to the fundamentals that eventually progress into competitive Freestyle (moguls) and Freeskiing (terrain park/big mountain). The Intro Freestyle program focuses on basic turning techniques and familiarizes the athlete with catching air and build up to learning to jib rails. We explore Bridger Bowl's incredible terrain and its smaller park with emphasis on fun (and safety). As we work within our groups, athletes become well rounded in all-mountain skiing and learn what our upper-level programs have to offer. (Read more about the Freestyle & Freeskiing Program.)

INTRODUCTORY ALPINE is designed to improve existing skiing skills through the fundamentals and to introduce the young athlete to the sport of Alpine ski racing.  We’ll acquire skills on a variety of terrain, combining freeskiing with drills and training courses. Skiers will be introduced to the technical and tactical elements of skiing/ski racing. We stress teamwork and FUN.  At this adventure stage, we still do a lot of freeskiing. As skills are acquired, athletes can move up into the Development and Competitive BSF racing programs. (Read more about Alpine.)

Equipment & Pack List

Please have your children fed (a warm, substantial breakfast is recommended), fully dressed, and ready for a full day of skiing.

1. Ski Clothes. Appropriate ski clothing is important in Montana, so please have your skier dressed in proper ski clothing and prepared for our variable weather.
2. ‍Helmet. For safety purposes, we require your child to wear a helmet.
3. Poles. Also required. Please let us know prior to the ski day if you need help finding a helmet or poles and we will be glad to assist you.  
4. Skis. At this stage, a regular pair of all-mountain skis is adequate.  (BSF holds an Annual Ski Swap each November with thousands of skis available—it’s a great place to pick up a used pair.)
   
5. Small backpack. If you could also have each child bring a small backpack with a water bottle, extra set of gloves, neck gator, extra goggles if possible, sun block, extra layer of clothing, spare change in case of emergency, a healthy, nutritious lunch, and a snack.  Backpacks will be taken up the Powder Park lift and dropped off at our team area by the timing shack at the top of Virginia City lift.
6. Food. Pack a lunch and a snack. (Snacks of apples, dried fruit, jerky, carrot sticks, nuts, granola, raisins, string cheese and granola bars are great options.)
7. Lift ticket/pass.
8. Other suggested items: lip balm, hand warmers/toe warmers, tissues. (If you put these in a jacket pocket, it will help us take care of your child's needs.)

Note: We do NOT provide equipment, daily lift ticket, or lunch, but let us know if you need assistance with the aforementioned.

LUNCH

Lunch 11:00-11:30am: We break for lunch at roughly this time (depending on crowds and conditions). Lunch is at the mid-mountain Deer Park Lodge, usually upstairs, and coaches will supervise the kids at lunch. Parents are welcome to join in, but we ask that parents join the group upstairs rather than removing your child to another location, as we all like to eat together. This is a great time to bond as a team and get to know each other better.

PICKUP TIME/LOCATION

Skiers will be released from the program at 2:00 p.m., slope-side outside of Jim Bridger Lodge.  If parents are not present to pick up children upon release, please make sure you communicate with our Intro Director or one of the other coaches to let them know exactly where you will meet them after we release them.

Weather/Cancellations

If we miss a day or two, we will make it up at the tail end of the scheduled season. So if it's below zero, look for a cancellation email. We will most likely cancel Intro if the temperatures are that low.

GROUPS

On the first weekend we will work and ski together to find the appropriate groupings for athletes (be aware there may be some shuffling throughout the first days to make appropriate placements). Placement for your child is vital to us and may take a couple of ski runs for us to evaluate your children effectively. 

Groups are generally assembled with similar skiing technical skills and coaching agenda. It is not guaranteed that friends will be paired up, but we will try to accommodate if skiing ability and goals are similar.

The next step

Your child can remain in their age group in the Introductory program up through age 11 (exceptions are made, on a case-by-case basis). However, they can also choose to progress on to our Development Programs with either Alpine or Freestyle/Freeskiing as early as age 8. Talk to a coach to see if it's the right fit. We allow ski-up days, where an athlete can test out the new team before making the switch.

Health Concerns

While BSF will have a copy of each participant's medical release form noting any serious medical and/or dietary conditions, please consider this step 1. Step 2: be sure to let your coach know personally if there are any major (or even minor) concerns, then we can follow your direction while working with you in providing the best environment for your child.

FUN RACES

We have two Fun Races, called Jamborees, each year - one on Saturday and one on Sunday (U.S. Ski & Snowboard Licenses NOT Required). Jamborees are now included in your initial program cost. Both events will take place on Hanton’s Hallow (under former Deer Park Lift). While races are not mandatory (we never require race participation at any level at Bridger Ski Foundation), they are highly recommended. If your child does not want to participate, we will have an alternate plan. Experience has shown that 99% of those who participate, even reluctant little ones, enjoy each race as it is meant to be an all-inclusive, fun event.

COMMUNICATION

When you register for the Intro program, you will be added to an Intro email list. Intro Program Directors will communicate weekly details to you through email. (It’s important that you do not unsubscribe to BSF emails, as this is our main mode of communication in the winter.) If for some reason, you are not receiving emails from the Intro Director, let us know!

WHERE TO BUY EQUIPMENT

• New Equipment may be purchased at local retailers or online. Your BSF annual membership entitles you to discounts at participating retailers.
• Used Equipment: The Ski Swap, held each November at the Fairgrounds. Thousands of items. (It's also one of BSF's biggest fundraisers.) BSF members get in an hour early. If you volunteer at the event, you get in even earlier! BSF coaches will be around to advise on sizing.

‍

Scholarships

BSF has a generous scholarship and financial aid program, thanks to our donors. Applications for financial aid and most scholarships are due mid-October each year. Learn more here.

VOLUNTEERS

Intro Races:

 Parent/volunteer assistance with the two Intro races is always needed, and encouraged, and it is a great place for parents to learn about ski racing. No experience necessary. Look for info in the weekly emails.  

Other opportunities:

BSF is a traditional nonprofit, relying on donations and fundraisers to cover approximately 50% of our operating costs. Volunteers donate thousands of hours each year. We couldn’t do it without them! We’re always looking for volunteers to help with our fundraisers, serve on committees, or help at Nordic, Alpine, and Freestyle/Freeskiing competitions.  

Want to volunteer for the older Development/Comp Team Alpine Races? (Earn some free lift tickets, too!)

Contact Pete Petry (pete.petry.bsf@gmail.com). We always need a few more hands, and we provide a race volunteer training session in the early season. (If you don’t have a season pass, we provide lift tickets for volunteers working at the Development/Competitive Team races; and you usually earn a voucher for another day of skiing.)  

‍