Freeride (or big mountain skiing) is all about picking your own creative line down natural
terrain—think faces, trees, rocks, and snow—while moving with style, control, and flow.
This team is perfect for skiers and riders ages 12 to 15 who have finished BSF’s Freestyle or Alpine Devo programs (or equivalent) and:
● Are comfortable all over Bridger Bowl, including Ridge and Schlashmans
● Want more mountain freedom and creative terrain without committing to competing often
or long ridge hikes
● Are curious but cautious—looking for confidence-building on natural lines
Creative: Focus on carving your
own pathways through trees, rolling terrain, and cliffs.
Skill plus Safety: Coaches emphasize risk-awareness and smart choices—because big
mountain is exciting, but safe is better than scary.
Progression at Your Pace: Training includes drills, air awareness, and avalanche safety.
Team Vibe: Friendly, encouraging coaches create a positive crew culture—kids celebrate each other’s runs and progress.
The Freeride Prep Team will have informal mock competitions and, for those who want it, the option to do youth IFSA Freeski competitions (no pressure if you don't).
Fall: Sept 22 - Oct 24
Winter (Sat & Thurs): Dec 13 - March 22
$1,133
*prices increases to $1,333 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
REGISTRATION OPENS AUGUST 11.
August 11: Registration opens
September 22: Dryland Starts
October TBA: Team Highway Cleanup (9 - 11 a.m.)
October 15: 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
For invoices over $1500, payments can be made in 4 payments. IMPORTANT: If your family is registering multiple children, please be sure to register and checkout all in one transaction if you'd like a payment plan option. The system does not allow us to combine orders/create payment plans after the fact. If participants are registered in separate transactions, it will result in separate payment plans.
(*If you have extenuating circumstances with the $1500 starting point on payment plans, please contact us before checking out at admin@bridgerskifoundation.org.)
How the payment plan works: When checking out in SkiClub Pro (our registration system) choose "payment plan." The SkiClubPro system will automatically charge you for each of the three payments over the course of three months.
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 mid-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.