Admissions

The Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy (VSSA) admissions process is created to allow prospective families the opportunity to educate themselves about Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy (VSSA). VSSA student-athletes are expected to be eager to pursue academic excellence, to be able to adapt to technology, to demonstrate a commitment to their sport and a willingness to attend all SSCV fall on-snow or local camps, and to possess self-advocacy skills. Through the SSCV website, communications with the VSSA Admissions Office, SSCV coaches and SSCV members, and participating in a VSSA visitation day and a SSCV guest training day, families are able to evaluate if VSSA and SSCV are appropriate for their children. Admissions for 2012-2013 school year runs November 7, 2011 - April 9, 2012.

The application process requires the completion of five components:

VSSA Monday Visitation Day;
SSCV Guest Training Day for non-SSCV members;
SSCV Athletic Assessment
SSCV interview with Program Director; and
VSSA Admissions paperwork.

SCHEDULE A MONDAY AT VSSA

VSSA Monday Visitation Day

The VSSA Monday Visitation Day includes families attending a Welcome Meeting and the All School Meeting. Students will spend the remainder of the day attending classes. They will also have an admissions interviewing. Applicants will need to bring a sack lunch or $10 to buy lunch, adhere to the dress code, and bring unofficial transcripts for current and previous year.

Overview of VSSA Monday Visitation Day:

8:45 Check-in at the VSSA Office 
8:50-9:15 School tour
9:20-9:45 Student and Parents attend All School Meeting
9:45-3:50 Student shadow a VSSA Student-athlete
9:50-10:50 Parent Welcome Meeting with Mr. Grimmer, Head of School and Ms. Davis, Director of Admission in Admission Office, rm. 206
3:50 Pick up for Lower School applicants
4:00 Athletic assessment for all applicants 13 and older

Additional Notes

 Monday Visitation Days begin November 7, 2011
Mondays NOT available include Nov. 21, Dec. 19 and 26, Jan. 2 and 16 and Feb. 20

How to schedule a VSSA Visitation Day:

1. E-mail the Admissions Office at admissions.vssa@gmail.com with:

Name of applicant 
Applicant's date of birth
Applicant’s current grade and school (if out of state, provide city and state)
 Name of parent/s, cell/s phone number and e-mail address/es
 Mailing address
Current snowsport club/team and coach
 Snowsport Program (Alpine, Freeride, Freestyle, Nordic or Snowboard)
1st, 2nd, and 3rd date choice for a VSSA Monday Visitation Day

SCHEDULE A DAY AT SSCV

The SSCV guest day is important for both the athlete and the coach. It will provide an opportunity for the athlete to get a feel for the program, the level of athleticism of their potential teammates, and the coaching style and philosophy of the staff at SSCV. The visitation will afford the coach the chance to get to know the applicant, evaluate the appropriateness of the full time program for him/her, and provide the applicant with a snapshot of a typical "day in the life" of a SSCV athlete. The athlete will be asked to be punctual and prepared for the specific training event. It is helpful to come to the office the day prior to training or a little early on the training day in order to submit paperwork, ask questions, and obtain lift ticket. If the athlete needs a lift ticket, SSCV administrative staff will provide one at a discount.

Overview of on-snow SSCV Guest Training Day:

7:30–8:30 Arrive at SSCV (time varies depending on snowsport program)
Athletes should plan to pack a lunch or inquire about lunch plans 
3:30-5:30 Pick up at SSCV (time varies depending on snowsport program)

How to schedule a SSCV Guest Training Day:

1. E-mail SSCV Program Director with the following:  

Name of applicant 
Date of birth
 Name of parent/s and cell phone number
 Present snowsport club (include town and state if not in Colorado) 
Specific club program 
USSA or USASA ID number
 Desired dates for athlete to be a guest athlete at SSCV

Additional Notes:  

Complete Early Training Forms (http://skiclubvail.org/club/forms).
Athletes are required to wear helmets and have a lift ticket.
Discounted lift tickets available at SSCV office.
There is no parking at SSCV. You may drop off equipment and your athlete but please make other parking arrangements if you wish to escort your athlete into SSCV. Parking is available in the Vail Parking Structure.
Guest Training is comped, for up to two days, for athletes applying to VSSA.

SSCV Program Directors

Alpine Men's Program Director- Rob Worrell
Alpine Women's Program Director- Dan Stripp
Alpine Youth Program Director- Rika Moore
Freeskiing Program Director- Elana Chase
Freestyle Program Director- Mike Friedberg
Snowboard Program Director- Ben Boyd

VSSA ADMISSIONS PAPERWORK

The following items must be submitted to VSSA before an applicant’s file can be reviewed:

 Completed VSSA application 
English Performance Summary
Math Performance Summary
Coach Performance Summary (for non-SSCV athlete)
Last two years of academic transcripts
 Athletic resume, if applying to 9th-12th grades

VSSA ADMISSIONS NOTIFICATION

The Admissions Committee begins meeting in mid-April to review completed admissions files and send applicants a letter about their acceptance. If accepted, the letter will include details to secure the applicant’s spot at VSSA and SSCV for the upcoming school year and athletic season, as well as registration details. Spots are limited in each SSCV program, so interested applicant are encouraged to complete the process early in the season.