Location:

Washington, United States

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Gap Year

Term:

Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester, Summer, Winter Semester, Year Round

Program Overview

Program Description:

RIDGE Mountain Academy is designed for male and female student athletes who have a passion for the mountains. Located in Whitefish, Montana, RIDGE is a campus-based academy that focuses on mountain sports, education, and life skills. RIDGE prepares student athletes of all abilities—beginner to elite—to strengthen their training, forge new skills, and discover their true potential. RIDGE Mountain Academy's Gap Semester and Gap Year includes: • Mountain Sports • Education • Life Skills • Internship Programs • Health & Nutrition

RIDGE Mountain Academy's Gap Semester and Gap Year includes: • Mountain Sports • Education • Life Skills • Internship Programs • Health & Nutrition WINTER SEMESTER (January - May) Skiing  -  Snowboarding  -  Backcountry Touring - Ski Mountaineering - Nordic Skiing At RIDGE, the winter semester is all about being on snow! Individualized sports training plans are offered within a supportive team environment. Skiers, snowboarders, nordic skiers, backcountry enthusiasts, and skimo racers work closely with RIDGE coaches to expand their athletic, academic, and life skills.  RIDGE is not a traditional ski academy. Progressive ski and snowboard coaching features freeriding, backcountry touring, all-mountain skiing, and ski mountaineering racing. In one semester at RIDGE, student athletes gain the skills, certifications, and experience that most big mountain skiers take years to develop. College credits are available through Ridge Ed. The Ridge Ed curriculum includes Geology and Snow Science for three college credits through the University of Montana, Avalanche Certification Level I, Wilderness First Aid, Photo and Video Production, and Health and Fitness. Student athletes often elect to intern with local businesses and RIDGE partners. FALL SEMESTER (September - December) Mountain Biking  -  Trail Running  -  Climbing  - Skateboarding  -  Mountaineering  -  Hiking  At RIDGE Mountain Academy, the fall semester is all about mountain biking, rock climbing, trail running, and skateboarding. Individualized training plans are offered within a supportive team environment. Student athletes focus on their favorite sports, attend RIDGE Ed courses (see above) and internships, prepare meals together using organic and whole foods, and learn to structure their days for maximum enjoyment and productivity.

RIDGE Mountain Academy is dedicated to helping student athletes cultivate and strengthen their passion, focus, and happiness in life. We achieve this by providing tailored coaching in mountain sports and goal-oriented physical training, as well as opportunities for the student athlete to develop - mentally, physically, academically, and socially.

Setting Description:

Whitefish, Montana is home to one of the largest ski mountains in America, a lake, a vast network of hiking and biking trails, a skate park, golf courses, 50 local farms, and 7,436 of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Over the years the town has grown to become a small, supportive community of talented and experienced outdoor enthusiasts who are experts in sports they love—skiing, snowboarding, biking, climbing, or running—and love sharing their passions with others.