Nordic Program

List of 2 items.

• Nordic Program Philosophy

  The Stratton Mountain School Nordic Program strives to develop individuals with an appreciation for an active, outdoor lifestyle and a love of the sport while providing every opportunity for success at the highest levels. Nordic skiers at SMS are expected to be model students, dedicated athletes, and exemplary citizens of the school community.

  
  We take a long-term and complete-athlete approach in our development process. The SMS Nordic program focuses on solid, consistent training in a variety of modes as well as appropriate exposure to regional, national, and international level competition. This is achieved in a team environment, emphasizing camaraderie, respect, and accountability. 

  
  In pursuit of athlete education, we create an environment that allows student-athletes to understand and take ownership of the processes that facilitate improvement and success and equip them with the tools to achieve their goals. Skiers leave SMS with the knowledge needed to continue their progress as athletes and individuals regardless of their path— a collegiate ski program, the US Ski Team, academic pursuits, or other personal goals. 

• Why Stratton Mountain School?

  The SMS Nordic Program believes in developing individuals with an appreciation for healthy outdoor lifestyles and a love of the sport while providing every opportunity for success at the highest level. We use a combination of sports science, a proven training program, and team camaraderie to boast one of the most successful Nordic programs in the country. Our unprecedented national and international success has produced 16 Olympians in the past seven Winter Olympics, over 35 U.S. World Junior Teammates, and 25 National Team placements.

  
  Our Mission

  Since the founding of the school in 1972, the SMS Nordic Program’s mission has been to provide an environment that offers each student the opportunity to pursue excellence in competitive winter sports and college-preparatory academics, while developing strong personal values. In pursuit of this mission, SMS Nordic athletes develop a training foundation that prepares them for the international level. 

  
  The Process

  As younger athletes enter the program, the coaches focus on building technique and speed while introducing them to a systematic training regimen. When they progress to the U18 and U20 levels, the program builds into more specific training. Athletes are given year-round training plans and racing opportunities. We take a long-term and complete-athlete approach in our development process, focusing on athlete education, consistent training in a variety of modes, as well as exposure to regional, national, and international-level competition. This is achieved in a team environment emphasizing camaraderie, respect, and accountability. Skiers leave SMS with the knowledge needed to continue their progress as athletes and individuals regardless of their path- a collegiate ski program, the US Ski Team, academic pursuits, or other personal goals.