Only seven spots are left since the Red Mountain Academies started accepting applications in April for the 2011/12 season.
“Space is limited,” said Kristi Calder, the core co-ordinator for the academies, a set of programs for high school athletes who want to balance their public education at RSS with “top of the line coaching in either alpine ski racing, freeski, dance, snowboard or nordic skiing,” Calder said.
“RSS is a top achieving school in the district, consistently in the top five per cent of graduation rates in the province,” Calder said. “[Academy] students are
enrolled in web-based courses so that they can work while away at competitions, performances or training camps.
The athletic training takes place at three primary grounds: Kootenay DanceWorks Studio, Black Jack Ski Club, and Red Mountain Resort.
In addition, “they travel frequently to competitions, performances and camps throughout the west,” Calder said.
Depending on the student’s focus, she continued, “experienced coaches guide athletes through skill development, training, certifications or
competing at the regional, provincial or national level.”
“The program is always looking for ways to increase the athletes’ skills,” she said.
This past season, dancers performed and challenged examinations in Vancouver, snowboarders and freeskiers charged lines and hucked big air onto air bags before hitting the snow, FIS alpine skiers got an early start on the season in October with a trip to Tignes, France, and the nordic skiers have been inspired by hometown heroes like George Grey, a new generation coming on strong, and the world class coaching of former national coach Dave Wood.
In the classroom, Calder said, academy athletes learn beside students focused on different sports and who come from here and “other regions of B.C., Canada and abroad as well.”
While the Red Academies improve their international reputation, students from British Columbia receive the program at a “significant discount,” Calder said.
She also noted, “homestay accommodation is available for out of town athletes.”
For more information, visit www.redacademies.com or contact Calder at 231-8870, kristi@redskiacademy.com.