EpicSki Academy

EpicSki Academy at Stowe is a very special event. It’s the shortest, the smallest, the earliest, and is designed for skiers who want to start the season with a tune-up. No matter what Mother Nature happens to be serving that weekend for snow conditions, the skiing is always good at EpicSki Academy because it’s the people you’re with, both coaches and students, that make it such a fun and rewarding experience. Many of our students return year after year. Here are one’s remarks about last year’s event:

“Since I haven’t missed an ESA Stowe (altho I only got to ski 2.5 runs the first year) I think I’m qualified to say that this was the best ever…Many magical moments, from the full moon over the alpenglow from the Stoweflake parking lot on Saturday a.m., to the sneak preview of the online Encyclopedia of Skiing narrated by Bob Barnes on Saturday night, to the sunset run by almost the full group in memory of Stu Campbell on Sunday, and, on a personal note, being persuaded by Weems that, in my seventh decade, I might actually be able to ski a few bumps. Nothing builds your confidence like being coached down Centerline and Chinclip by a master.”

A new student last year describes his experience:

“My first ESA event was a blast. As a newcomer I was impressed by the whole weekend. Everything was run soooo smooth…a credit to all those involved in the planning and running of the event. Thanks!!!”

Here’s the program…

Academy Overview:

The event kicks off informally Friday, December 11, in the Lounge of the Trapp Family Lodge at Stowe, and officially begins Saturday, December 12, at 8:30 a.m. at the Midway Lodge on the mountain. We’ll ski full days Saturday and Sunday. Saturday after skiing we’ll return to the Trapp Family Lodge to review video and later enjoy a group dinner and a short after-dinner presentation and Q and A with the coaches. Guests are welcome to attend the dinner and presentations.

Our goal is for all our participants to leave the Academy happy they came, delighted with their skiing, and equipped with the skills to continue making progress when they return home. Working in small groups with one of our top pros, students will attain progress in four important areas that will open the door to sustainable growth:

1. They’ll learn to collaborate so both teacher and student are centered on the student’s learning—together discovering what is needed for improvement.
2. Students will learn the fundamentals of self-coaching so they can continue to advance at home every day they are on the snow.
3. Students will develop a systemic understanding of what it takes to keep moving forward in any sports endeavor to which they apply themselves. The transferability of what you learn at ESA makes it an invaluable experience.
4. Learning to learn – that’s what creates breakthroughs! One of the greatest skills an athlete possesses is persistence—to move through the ups and downs and the failures and successes of sports development and to realize that “it’s all good.”

Our Credo

We strongly believe that the ability to be learning, always, no matter what–the normal state of young children and top athletes–is eminently attainable by reasonably motivated adult recreational skiers.

Where

Our headquarters off the snow will be at the Trapp Family Lodge where we have a block of rooms reserved from Friday December 11 through Monday December 14, 2009. The special guest room rate is $137/night, single, or $154/night double occupancy, subject to 10% local and state tax. A hearty Skier’s Breakfast is included. Use of the Trapp Family Lodge fitness center, including indoor pool, is included in the room rate. One night’s nonrefundable deposit is due at the time of reservation with the balance due upon departure. Telephone (800) 826-7000 or email reservations@trappfamily.com to make reservations—and be sure to tell them you are with EpicSki Academy. You may extend your booking before or after the Academy if availability permits.

“Just watching Dan Egan ski Goat was worth the price of the ESA.” –-skinowworklater

Price

$499 for two full days of instruction, lift tickets, afternoon sessions, video movement analysis, bootfitting assessment, group dinner, and a souvenir. This leaves your transportation, meals, lodging and equipment as additional trip expenses. If you wish to bring a guest to the group dinner Saturday night at the Trapp Family Lodge, the additional cost, including taxes and gratuity, is $50.

Lift Tickets

Lift tickets Saturday and Sunday are included in the price of the event. Your spouse or partner may be part of our group for lift tickets at the special price of $40/day. You may purchase additional tickets at the special price for Friday, December 11, and Monday, December 14. All extra lift tickets must be purchased in advance. There will be no lift tickets sold at the event.

Attendance Policy

EpicSki Academy is a benefit reserved for EpicSki Supporters and their guests. If you’re not a Supporter at the time of registration, your additional $35 will provide the necessary upgrade for one year. We hope you’ll participate in the forums, read often, and add your comments and voice to the discussions there.

Transportation

Please see http://www.trappfamily.com/directions for driving instructions, links to MapQuest maps, and current road conditions. Here’s where to find information about air service to Burlington, VT, the nearest airport.

Miscellaneous

If you have questions, please contact us at academy@epicski.com.