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With COVID-19 tearing up the “norm” of the upcoming college season, many of our graduating athletes are considering taking gap or “post-grad” (PG) year with other clubs and teams. In fact, some of our current college athletes are facing a school semester that may never start in 2020, and are also looking into some non-college options for the coming ski season.
This phenomenon isn’t new, with programs near and far offering PG years in some capacity or another. Some of these (such as Sun Valley, Sugar Bowl Academy, Bridger Ski Foundation, or GMVS) are institutions with a complete PG system including lodging options, potential coursework, and a structured living situation. Other skiers choose to do a PG year with other clubs that offer training and racing support just like MNC, in a weekly structure with athletes handling their own lodging, meals, transportation, etc.
Below are some of the most well-known and easy-to-learn-about PG programs in the US, with links to various website and, if applicable, some takeaways and notes from current and former MNC athletes who current have/have had involvement.
Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (Sun Valley, ID)
Sun Valley is a resort town with a wealth of resources for skiers including bike paths, great mountain trails, a rollerski treadmill, and a gym specific to the program. Some current/former MNC athletes include Will Solow (PG ’18/’19) and Magda Lelito (PG ’20/’21).
Bridger Ski Foundation (Bozeman, MT)
The central club in a recent massive surge of college skiers in the area, BSF is led by Andy Newell (jointly with Nordic Team Solution) and is a big presence in Bozeman in terms of Nordic training, events, grooming, and racing. Some current BSF/NTS athletes with MNC connections include Greg Burt (Summer Collegiate ’19, ’20) and Conor Munns (Summer Collegiate ’19, ’20).
Montana Endurance Academy (Bozeman, MT)
As noted above, Bozeman is blossoming with Nordic options. MEA has both a summer collegiate option as well as a more traditional PG offering. Meredith Stetter (Summer ’20) is a part of this program along with several of her college teammates from Bowdoin.
New York Ski Education Foundation/NYSEF (Lake Placid, NY)
Across the lake is a long-standing Nordic program that is also offering post-grad opportunities for athletes. NYSEF has awesome access to a rollerski loop, the Olympic Training Center, and the great ADK mountains.
Sugar Bowl Academy (Truckee, CA)
On the opposite coach from us is SBA, one of the few “ski schools” outside the east.
Green Mountain Valley School (Waitsfield, VT)
A bit closer to home here! Many of us know GMVS skiers and coaches, and our athletes often train and compete year-round with GMVS athletes. For an option that doesn’t involve moving across the country, this is certainly an option to check out along with SMS (below).
Stratton Mountain School (Stratton, VT)
Again a program many of us are familiar with. Without jumping across the USA, you could dip down to southern VT for a different experience and familiar racing within the NENSA framework and beyond.
Strong Nordic programs and clubs that offer summer and year-round training (though not necessarily a dedicated “PG” program):
Auburn Ski Club (Soda Springs, CA)
Loppet Nordic Racing (Minneapolis, MN)
Endurance United (Minneapolis, MN)
