New ski academy launched at Montana's Whitefish Resort

By Published On: September 23rd, 2008Comments Off on New ski academy launched at Montana's Whitefish Resort

Officials with the Whitefish Mountain Resort, in conjunction with Whitefish School District 55 and the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF), announced Monday that all three entities have cooperated to create the Whitefish Alpine and Freestyle Ski Academy for middle and high school student athletes for the 2008-2009 school year and ski season.
OFFICIALS WITH THE Whitefish Mountain Resort, in conjunction with Whitefish School District 55 and the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF), announced Monday that all three entities have cooperated to create the Whitefish Alpine and Freestyle Ski Academy for middle and high school student athletes for the 2008-2009 school year and ski season.
    The academy will offer programs for alpine ski racers, freestyle skiers and snowboarders.
    "This program is designed to meet the academic and athletic needs of the freestyle and racing student athletes looking for a more intensive and comprehensive training environment," said Roy Loman, head alpine coach for Whitefish Mountain Resort. "Working together, the groups have developed a program that allows student athletes two full mid-week afternoon training sessions in addition to weekend training and competitions.
    The Whitefish School District will work with enrolled student athletes and an assigned academic liaison to schedule core classes and monitor academic progress throughout the season. Participating students must maintain a "B" average throughout the program.
    "Whitefish High School is very supportive of the involvement of its students with the Whitefish Ski Academy," said Whitefish High School Principal Kent Paulson in a letter to parents of prospective participants. "Involvement in extracurricular activities is an essential part of a student's life and experiences throughout their high school career."
    Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation president Richard Kramer has worked closely with the three groups in creating the program.
    "The creation of the Whitefish Alpine and Freestyle Ski Academy has been a goal of FVSEF since our inception in 1973," said Kramer. "Now our children can achieve world class on-snow training while remaining in the Whitefish School District. This is a real windfall for our valley. No longer will elite athletes have to move away from their families in order to train. Kids as young as 11 years old can now live, train, and go to school in their hometown."
    For more information on the Whitefish Alpine and Freestyle Ski Academy and other competitive team programs, contact Roy Loman at royl@skiwhitefish.com or (406) 862-2912.

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