Mountaineering Blazers

Youth Seasonal Programs at Sugarbush

• Ages: 10 - 17
• Ski/Ride, Ability: Skiing, Snowboarding, and Tele
• "The Ultimate Adventure Program"
  
  Mountaineering Blazers is for high-level skiers and riders ages 10 to 17, who want to focus on backcountry travel and unconventional terrain. Mountaineering Blazers learn climbing techniques using skins and freeheel or AT bindings, train for mountaineering and extreme skiing competitions like the Sugarbush-Mad River Glen Randonnee Rally and the Castlerock Challenge, and gain a high level of understanding in winter travel and safety.

• Mountaineering Blazers meet every Saturday and Sunday from 8:45 AM until 3:00 PM, 12/3/11-03/25/12, excluding 12/24 and 12/25. Please note the earlier start time allows for the groups to catch first chair at Castlerock and Heaven's Gate on powder days. Also the season starts one weekend earlier than the other seasonal programs, in order to get a head start on training. Mountaineering Blazers are encouraged to attend every session to maximize fun, learning and group consistency.
  
  Mountaineering Blazers features two of Sugarbush's top and most-respected coaches, Rick Hale and Brian "Diggity" Daigle. Both coaches have Patrol-level medical training and are OEC-certified. They also know Sugarbush's terrain better than just about anybody.
  
  Mountaineering Blazers take adventure and fun seriously, blending smart decision-making and route-finding, group dynamics and leadership, snow and terrain evaluation, shelter building and backcountry rescue, and self-sufficiency and constant preparedness, to become true skiing and riding gurus. Included in Mountaineering Blazers is an overnight campout at one of Sugarbush's upper mountain lodges, like Allyn's or the Gables at Castlerock.
  
  Mountaineering Blazers is for advanced skiers and riders only! Mountaineering Blazers should already be comfortable on most Black/advanced terrain and have a high willingness to explore steeps, trees, bumps, park, and the backcountry. Team members will be required to climb or hike at least once per weekend, in preparation for the Rando Rally and other off-piste excursions.
  
  ***Please be aware that all team members must have climbing skins and a backpack with food, water, extra clothing, repair gear, and first aid supplies, plus either Telemark, alpine touring gear or a split-board. Contact mstone@sugarbush.com for more info about specific equipment. Mountaineering Blazers must have a Sugarbush All Mountain Pass.***
  
  Mountaineering Blazers includes a NASTAR Race Arena season pass and a 20% cafeteria food discount for use on program weekends.
  
  PROGRAM LIMITED TO 24 PARTICIPANTS

  

• Price: $2,109
• Contact Info: 888-651-4827, skiandrideschool@sugarbush.com
• Important Tips for Parents: Click here
• Seasonal Program Report (sign up!): Click here