MT HOOD RACE TEAMS
MT HOOD SKI RACING: TEAMS & INFO
Mt. Hood Ski Education Foundation / Mt. Hood Race Team & Academy
The Mt. Hood Ski Education Foundation (MHSEF) Is the Governing Body of The Mt. Hood Race Team & Academy (MHRTA). In 1965 Matt Greenslade and Duane Bridge, two avid skiers and racing enthusiasts, founded Mt. Hood Race Team. Later in 1983, MHSEF was created by local competitive skiing supporters with one simple goal to provide elite training and education for Mt. Hood skiers. Today MHSEF functions as the umbrella organization for Mt. Hood Race Team & Academy, operating all athletic and academic programs in unison.
For over 30 years, MHRTA has called Mt. Hood Ski Bowl home, providing rewarding experiences for youth and families. The mission of MHRTA is threefold: 1) Build a fellowship of people with a passion for skiing to advance the programs of MHSEF while preserving the tradition and culture of ski racing in the area. 2) Inspire the love of skiing and competition by providing a quality athletic training program that supports each athlete’s goals and aspirations, and 3) Provide a flexible, efficient and enriching educational program that supports and drives individual academic objectives and character development.
MHRTA programs provide ski racing & training opportunities for all ages and all levels of skiing. Registration and additional details regarding all of the programs listed below can be found on Mt. Hood Race Team & Academy’s website www.mhrta.org.
LEARN TO RACE
Learn To Race (LTR) is the first level of Mt. Hood Race Team & Academy program offerings under our Youth Development Team. Prior racing experience is not required, however, skiers should be able to ride the lifts, negotiate intermediate terrain, and put on their own equipment. Learn to Race is open to youth ages 6 to 11. Athletes have the option and are encouraged to participate in the Mt. Hood Youth Ski League races at Ski Bowl and other local ski areas. These races are coach supported. Learn to Race is a gateway to our Training and Competition Teams.
TRAINING TEAM
The Training Team is the second tier in our Youth Development system. It is designed for our younger athletes who are only able to commit to 1 day per week (Saturdays only) but are ready for more challenges and more days on snow than our Learn to Race Program. The time on snow emphasizes FUNdamental skiing skills combined with all-mountain skiing and gate training.
COMPETITION TEAM
The Competition Team is the top tier in our Youth Development System. It is designed for U10, U12 & U14 athletes able to commit to a Saturday & Sunday program and who are motivated to ski and to race. Within the Competition Team, ability groups are established on a daily basis and groups rotate throughout our entire Comp Team coaching staff. The time on snow emphasizes FUNdamental skiing skills with plenty of all-mountain skiing and gate training. The Competition Team is a great starting point for U14 athletes to join US Ski and Snowboard and begin traveling to U14 series races throughout the Pacific Northwest area.
CLUB TEAM
Our Club Team is designed for athletes who aspire to race in PNSA divisional series’ (Evergreen Cup, Northwest Cup) and regional FIS events. The program is a stepping stone to our Academy Team. The Club Team has a 3-day per week commitment level to best prepare athletes for above mentioned race series. The 3-day commitment includes Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays with training offered on Friday days and Friday nights. This program has a minimal impact on missed school days while achieving appropriate volume of on snow training before racing.
Academy Team
Mt. Hood Academy is a grade 8-12 Winter-Term (November – April) Ski Academy for skiers who aspire to race Nationally, Internationally and at the Collegiate level. Student-Athletes are enrolled in online school from November thru April giving them the best opportunity to balance education and ski-racing. Our Academy teachers provide in-person instruction and support both at the Academy and via phone and email to ensure each student’s success. Our unique circumstances, living across the street from Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, a completely online curriculum, and limited to just 14 athletes allows for a program like no other. We have the flexibility to train and race where we need to and give individualized attention to each and every student-athlete. Alumni of Mt. Hood Academy includes current US Ski Team member, Luke Winters of Gresham, OR. Watch Luke on the World Cup circuit this season.
HIGH SCHOOL
High School Training and Racing is supported by both Mt. Hood Ski Bowl and Mt. Hood Race Team & Academy. Ski Bowl provides a training and racing venue for teams in the Metro, Three Rivers and Mt. Hood High School racing leagues. Races are coordinated by the Oregon Interscholastic Ski Racing Association. MHRTA provides a consolidating training program open to members of any High School team.Training is offered on Sundays so coordinate training and racing with the High School season. Our primary focus is fundamental skiing skills, tactical fundamentals, and race simulation.
