Our Athletic Programs
Snowboard
Over 25 years ago, Carrabassett Valley Academy pioneered the first snowboard-specific program and remains a world leader. Our coaching covers Snowboard Cross, Slopestyle, and Snowboard Alpine Racing, with athletes competing in Junior World Championships, Youth Olympic Games, and FIS World Cup events. CVA Big Dogs have earned Nor-Am podiums, national titles, and Olympic gold.
The CVA Difference
Located at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, Carrabassett Valley Academy offers an ideal environment for snowboard athletes. Here's what sets us apart:
Premier Training Venues: Sugarloaf offers five top-tier terrain parks, perfect for slopestyle skill progression, with an expanded Whiffletree area for focused training and high-volume practice. For boardercross athletes, Sugarloaf provides progressive terrain and an Olympian-designed cross course. Snowboard racers benefit from a dedicated high-speed surface lift and advanced snowmaking, ensuring consistent, high-quality training conditions.
Experienced Coaching: Led by Freddy McCarthy ’12, our Snowboard Program Manager and SBX Head Coach, CVA’s coaching team brings extensive competitive and film experience. Freddy’s background includes Junior World Championships, World Cup starts, and USCSA titles, ensuring expert guidance for athletes across all levels.
Supportive Community: CVA fosters a nurturing environment where every athlete is encouraged to reach their personal best, both on and off the slopes.
Program Philosophy
The Carrabassett Valley Academy Snowboard Program is dedicated to long-term athlete development. Our competition and training plans emphasize these key elements:
Maximizing Time On-Snow: Extensive on-snow time to ensure consistent practice and progress.
Riding with Accelerated Pace: Training at faster speeds to build confidence and sharpen reactions.
Freeriding to Build the Snowboarder’s Driving Force: Freeriding refines style, adaptability, and passion - essential components of long-term success.
Specialized Training to Create the Competitor: Targeted training to enhance technical skills and mental toughness.
Snowboard Progression
Carrabassett Valley Academy Snowboard Program offers ability-appropriate coaching to help each athlete achieve their goals. Our athletic groups are based on progression, skill acquisition, commitment, and attitude:
Development Team: For athletes under 15, focusing on fundamental skills and competing in regional USASA series and introductory FIS events.Travel Park Team: For advanced freestyle athletes specializing in slopestyle and rail jams, with training in technique, competition tactics, and media skills. Competes in Grand Prix, Revolution Tour, and FIS/Nor-Am events.
Travel SBX & Race Team: Focuses on parallel slalom, giant slalom, and boardercross with training in racing techniques, tactics, and equipment maintenance. Competes in FIS/Nor-Am events and elite FIS competitions.
Year-Round Training
At Carrabassett Valley Academy, we develop well-rounded snowboarders through comprehensive fall and spring terms. Our program includes evaluations, goal setting, weight training, mental performance training, and cross-training. Off-season, athletes train at specialized facilities and on-snow venues globally, gaining valuable experience and refining their skills.
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Carrabassett Valley Academy
Carrabassett Valley Academy prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any member or group based upon age, gender, race, color, religion, disability, categories sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic predisposition, ancestry or other categories protected by Maine or federal law. CVA does not discriminate on these bases in the administration of its admission process, scholarship and aid programs, educational policies, athletics, or other school-administered programs.
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