Student athletes get Olympics-ready at Stratton Mountain School

BY STRATTON MOUNTAIN SCHOOL Special Contributor

Reaching the pinnacle of your sport comes with unique challenges.

For school-aged athletes at the most elite levels of competition, finding a muscular support system can often feel impossible.

Stratton Mountain School serves students at this intersection of academics, athletics and community.

The winter sports academy offers five disciplines – Alpine, Nordic and Freestyle Skiing, Freeskiing, and Snowboarding – alongside a rigorous academic program tailored to the unique experience of a young athlete traveling the globe for training and competition.

Additionally, the school’s array of boarding and residential students from across the globe lends itself to a vibrant community. SMS is ardent about instilling strong values both on and off the mountain. According to Headmaster Carson Thurber, the lessons learned through competition can apply anywhere.

“Our athletic philosophy emphasizes things like preparation, goal setting, teamwork, and a zealous approach to competition,” Thurber explained. “During their time at SMS, our student- athletes learn that the realization of their goals comes from a combination of rigorous training, a focus on mental performance, and commitment to always putting forth your best effort.”

While some alumni like current SMS coach Ross Powers – a bronze and two-time gold Olympic medalist – have gone on to athletic excellence, the school boasts an equally strong track record of professional and academic achievements among its former students.

The SMS campus, nestled near the Stratton Mountain ski area, boasts facilities suitable for an Olympic athlete. Alongside a sprawling strength and conditioning facility – facing a full-size soccer and lacrosse field – the facility features at 10,000-square-foot training facility tailored to action sports (think trampolines, foam pits, and indoor skateboarding space, and a massive indoor training ramp.)

There is also a place for rest and rehabilitation on campus with ded- icated athletic trainers on staff and a yoga studio. Campus life comes alive in spaces like the auditorium, student lounges, and of course the dining hall.

All five athletic disciplines at SMS have earned Gold level certification from US Ski & Snowboard, and the campus has been certified as a US Ski & Snowboard High Performance Center. In 2020, SMS was honored for the second time as U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Overall Club of the Year.