The Freeride program gives skiers and snowboarders ages 12+ dedicated coaching to explore and compete in big mountain freeride competitions (whether they are skiing or snowboarding).
In freeride competitions, athletes are presented with a section of mountain to ski/ride, and the athlete chooses their own line. Athletes are judged based on their line choice down the course, control, fluidity, technique, style and energy. Most of our training time will focus on how to improve on each of these categories, and we'll also spend time learning how to inspect a run.
Primary competitions are with the International Freeskiers and Snowboarders Association (IFSA).
Athletes ages 12-15 also have the option of the Freeride Prep Team.
NEW FOR 2025-26: Freeride/Freeski Hybrid
HYBRID OPTION FOR AGES 13+
Since the start of Big Mountain and Park skiing, there has always been a crossover between the two disciplines. In the sport of Freeride (Big Mountain) we have seen an increased emphasis on air awareness, aerial maneuvers, and knowing how to ride transitions in competition. On the flipside, we have also
seen professional Freeski (Park) skiers finish their time competing in the park and transition into Big Mountain competitions with huge success. This program allows athletes to develop their riding in both areas regardless of which competition path they see themselves heading down.
This program will train three days a week.
Option 1: Thurs & Sat at Bridger with Freeride and Sun at Big Sky with Freeski
Option 2: Thursdays and Saturdays with the Freeski at Big Sky and Sun at Bridger with Freeride
You will need: A pass to both ski areas, appropriate equipment (avalanche beacon, skis that
they can hit rails/boxes on), and a desire to be committed.
Athletes will need to be a strong skier on the mountain. You do not need to be an expert in
the terrain park but foundational skills such as hitting table top jumps, some experience with
rails and boxes, and spinning rotations such as 360s are preferred.
Will you need to compete to be a part of this program? Yes, athletes will be required to
compete in IFSA/Big Mountain competitions and/or USASA Slopestyle and Rail Jam
competitions.
1.5 DAYS A WEEK
THURS: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
SAT: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
2 DAYS A WEEK
SAT: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
SUN: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
3 DAYS A WEEK
SAT: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
SUN: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
THURS: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
4 DAYS A WEEK
WED: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
THURS: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
SAT: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
SUN: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Fall: Sept 22 - Oct 24
Winter (Sat & Thurs): Dec 13 - March 22
$1,300
*price increases to $1,500 after Nov 1
Fall: Sept 22 - Oct 25
Winter (Sat & Sun): Dec 13 - March 22
$1,700
*price increases to $1,900 after Nov 1
Fall: Sept 22 - Oct 25
Winter (Thurs, Sat & Sun): Dec 13 - March 22
$2,000
*price increases to $2,200 after Nov 1
Fall: Sept 22 - Oct 24
Winter (Thurs, Sat & Sun): Dec 13 - March 22
$2,250
*price increases to $2,450 after Nov 1
Fall: Sept 22 - Oct 24
Winter (Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun): Dec 13 - March 22
$2,490
*price increases to $2,690 after Nov 1
Ramp Camp #1
July 15-19
Ramp Camp #2
August 14-19
REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 11.
August 11: Registration opens
September 22: Dryland Starts
October TBA: Team Highway Cleanup (9 - 11 a.m.)
October 1: Scholarship deadline
October TBA: Parent Info Meeting, online
Online: Concussion Baseline Testing
December 13: On-snow training begins
March 22: Last day
Payment options:
At checkout, you can choose:
*See processing fees below.
Payment Plans
When checking out in SkiClub Pro (our registration system) choose "payment plan." The SkiClubPro system will automatically charge you for each of the payments over the course of the payment plan.
Processing fees:
The following processing fees will be added to your total. These are the fees charged by the payment processor; BSF does not keep any of these fees.
Credit cards: 3.5% fee
Bank ACH : 2.4%
We are no longer accepting American Express
BSF offers a generous scholarship and financial aid program. Applications are due in October each year.
Please note: If you need assistance, apply for it! These funds are meant to keep kids skiing. Applications are confidential, and we take into account all your circumstances, not just taxable income. (Too often, we see families assume they make too much money to qualify for help, and yet they are considering limiting participation in a program because of the cost. Apply! )
When you register for the program, you will be added to an email list. Your coaches will send weekly emails with the full schedule, important notes, and info for parents. Last-minute changes may also be emailed. (It’s important that you do not unsubscribe to any BSF emails, as this is our main mode of communication in the winter.) If for some reason, you are not receiving emails from us, let us know!
We also use the Team Reach app, for schedules and last-minute communications.
(Suggested donation calculated based on an average volunteer session of 3 hours and the industry standard value of volunteer time ($25/hour).)
One of the ways BSF keeps program fees lower is through volunteer hours. Without your volunteer hours, we would need to use additional paid staff to fill the void; this would increase program costs significantly, which would also make it more difficult for some families to afford BSF. When only a small percentage of BSF parents take on the brunt of volunteer hours, it leads to volunteer burnout.
We have openings for help at practices, organizing ski and fundraising events, helping at the events themselves, as well as trail work and volunteering for our community trails. We encourage you to volunteer for ANY program--Nordic, Alpine, Freestyle, or trails. If you have a specific skill set you think would be helpful, please let us know. There are always little things we need, from photography, to database entry, to hanging up posters around town.
We highly encourage BSF athletes to volunteer as well, not just parents!
We post signup sheets and volunteer needs throughout the year at: https://www.bridgerskifoundation.org/about/volunteers
We know—purchasing equipment is daunting and often expensive. BSF is here to help you through the process and find the best gear for your athlete. There are lots of resources. Please contact us with any questions.
Since skiing is not an inexpensive sport to participate in, we make every effort to help parents and athletes secure gear in a variety of ways. BSF coaches will be available at all swaps to help answer questions.
A pair of all-mountain skis is required.
Helmets are required.
Beacon, shovel and probe.
Skiers will also need a back protector to compete in competitions.
*Skiers should be familiar with use of avalanche safety equipment. Also look for a free avy awareness clinic that BSF/GNFAC offers every December.
Select clothing that will meet your need for health, safety, comfort, and function. Layering is a good way to ensure proper warmth. Layers can be added or removed as outside and body temperatures fluctuate. Gloves, helmets, and goggles deserve special consideration, as the extremities get cold very fast. On cold days, neck warmers are a great way to keep drafts out and protect the face from frostbite. An extra pair of goggles on powder days is a smart idea. Team coats are available: your coach will be in touch about orders.
BSF has a van that picks up full-time athletes at the High School and provides transportation to practice. Space is limited. Contact a coach for details.
Baseline concussion testing recommended but not required. In the event an athlete does have a head injury, having baseline testing results on file allows your doctor to evaluate the injury and more accurately determine when an athlete can return to activity. Click here for info.
Bozeman kids are a hardy bunch, but we will cancel a session if temperatures are extreme--especially if paired with wind. Whenever possible, an email or TeamReach message will be sent out notifying everyone as soon as it is determined to be too cold to train.
Your best bet is to always bring lots of warm layers; weather changes quickly.
Please make yourself familiar with our policies, the BSF Athlete & Parent Handbook, and other important information on the Resources Page.
BSF Newsletters contain regular "Parent Corner" articles to help you navigate the parent/athlete dynamic.
Intermountain Division (IMD) License
There’s a bigger picture to what BSF teaches skiers, when and why. BSF’s programs are consistent with the U.S. Ski & SnowboardLong-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Systems.
What does that mean? We’re not focused on short-term success—and the hazards (and burnout) that often come with it. Instead, we follow LTAD plans that are individualized and based on science to make sure your child can maximize their long-term potential as a skier (should they wish to do so) and their enjoyment in the sport. We take into account a child’s development physiologically, cognitively and socially, as well as their experience skiing.
This makes it easy for your child to progress through our programs—from Youth Ski League, the Development Teams, to the competitive teams, and even on to skiing as an adult athlete.
The LTAD is a living document and is updated frequently. Click here to view the most up-to-date version.