Ski Moms Talk Ski Academy Life with Tracy Keller, Head of School, Green Mountain Valley School in Vermont.

In this episode Nicole and Sarah host Tracy Keller, ski mom, and Head of School at Green Mountain Valley School (GMVS) in Waitsfield, Vermont. Tracy shares her ski and career journey with us from racing at Dartmouth to her first job at Sugar Bowl Academy and finally to GMVS where she is the Head of School.

Tracy learned to ski when she was six at Pico Mountain in Vermont and started ski racing at a young age.  She went on to ski at Dartmouth College and after college took a job teaching, coaching and dorm parenting at Sugar Bowl Academy in California.  

Tracy clearly defines a ski academy - a high school (and in some cases middle school) designed for and to serve the needs of competitive ski racers. Most are independent schools, many have a boarding component. 

Tracy gives some great advice on how to check out what a ski academy is like by attending a ski camp.  While students can enroll as early as 7th grade at GMVS, many students do not start attending full time until 9th grade.  Many academies offer winter term programs (typically 6th, 7th, 8th grade) starting in November through the ski season. 

A ski academy is a good fit for a student that is passionate about skiing - they ski every day, in all weather, and you really need to love it. Students need to be resilient, hard working and have the ability to recognize that competitive skiing is a process. Another key factor is that the desire to ski competitively needs to be driven by the athlete and not their parents. 

We also learn about a typical year at a ski academy - which can consist of international and domestic camp travel, on-site physical conditioning and local training.  

Keep up with the Latest from GMVS:
Website: https://gmvs.org/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/gmvsski
Facebook: GMVS
GMVS Ski Camps
GMVS 7th Grade Winter Term

Resources:
Sugar Bowl Academy
Waterville Valley Academy (NH)
Rowmark Academy in Park City
The Winter Sports School Park City
Okemo Mountain School
USCSA (college ski racing)
NCAA College Skiing

Please Help Support our Podcast:
Mabels Labels at www.mabelslabels.com and use code SKIMOMS for 15% off your first order
Shop our Ski Moms Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide
Check out the Ski Pack at www.puremountainfun.com and use code SKIMOMS2022 for 20% off your order

If your child lives for trail time and is constantly pushing limits on two wheels, we’ve found the summer experience that checks every box. Woodward PA’s Mountain Bike Camp is redefining what an action sports camp can be — blending epic adventure with professional coaching and a whole lot of fresh air.

Ski Moms can save $150 off summer camp. Use code skimoms www.woodwardpa.com/summer-camps/moun

Opening June 20, Portillo Chile is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the world—gorgeous, uncrowded, and incredibly easy for families since everything’s right on-site.

Ski Moms listeners get 10% off stays from June 20 to August 1.

Email reservations@skiportillo.com and mention SKIMOMS.

Spring family fun in Ulster County:

• Earth Fest at the Ashokan Center/April 19
• Kingston Point Beach for the Hudson Valley Kite Festival /May 17, 
• Hudson Valley Faerie Festival/May 30 

For more ways to get outside together this spring, head to VisitUlsterCountyNY.com and start planning your spring getaway.

Celebrate your love of the laid-back ski life. Shop cozy gear made for the mellow skier:
 👉 Shop the Slow Skier’s Club