Black Sheep Program

Black Mountain is pleased to offer seasonal ski programs for athletes from ages 5 to 13 years old. Our goal and primary focus is on building skills that will enable athletes to ski on all terrain including groomed and ungroomed terrain, glades, and woods, and most importantly, to have fun and build a life-long love of skiing We believe that building sound fundamentals is critical to skiing all terrain, whether it be shredding groomers or skiing lines in the back country. Our program is unique in that we offer Alpine Touring as a key component of the program. In addition, the small size of our program compared to other mountains in the area provides an intimate coaching environment and small instructor-to-student ratios. Our coaches are dedicated to nurturing a love for skiing while ensuring safety and improvement. Emphasis on teamwork, group dynamics, and social interactions, make every session an opportunity to grow both on and off the slopes.

Black Sheep Seasonal Ski Program for 7-13 Year Olds

The Black Sheep Seasonal Ski Program is designed for kids ages 7-13 who are eager to develop their skiing skills in a fun, supportive, and challenging environment. This program offers a structured, progressive approach to all mountain skiing including an introduction to backcountry/uphill techniques, helping young skiers build confidence over the course of the season.

Each week, participants will enjoy expert instruction from dedicated coaches, with sessions tailored to meet the skill levels and needs of the group.

Key Features:

Progressive Skill Development: Focus on technique, confidence, and mountain safety while advancing through various skill levels:
Safe all mountain skiing
Edge control and pole use
Moguls/bumps
Tree skiing
Uphill technique - plan on Sunday skin sessions, starting slow maybe halfway up the hill, possibility progressing to an offsite backcountry adventure. *
Backcountry safety, beacon demonstrations, hazard discussions etc.
Fun, Engaging Atmosphere: Dynamic group lessons, games, and activities keep kids motivated and excited about skiing.

*Students are not required to participate in uphill skiing. If interested in uphill skiing, consider the following equipment:

Alpine skis and boots or AT set up
Contour Touring Adapter and skins (which enable student to use alpine equipment)- can be purchased at local ski shop or online.
Backpack (for skin sessions) with 1 liter water bottle, light layer outer wear and gloves with room in pack for Jacket, gloves, snack and water

As the season progresses, the athletes will have the opportunity to participate in “field trips” under the supervision of a coach and mountain guide, to some of the outstanding back country venues in the Mount Washington Valley. Field Trips are optional and will entail additional costs to cover mountain guides and equipment needs.

Schedule: Black Mountain’s seasonal programs train from 9 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, and on Tuesdays and Thursdays during school vacation weeks (Massachusetts and SAU 9). The season begins on Saturday, December 28th and will run until Sunday, March 16th (Weather permitting), and will include the following days:

December 2024: 28, 29, 31

January 2025: 2, 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 25. 26

February 2025: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23

March 2025: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16

Training begins promptly at 9:00 AM (dressed out and on snow) and ends at 1:00 PM, with a break for lunch from approximately 11:30 – 12:00. For those parents that do not intend to remain at the mountain during the ski day, please provide contact information and ensure that you are on-site to meet your athlete promptly at 1:00PM.

Cost: $950 per athlete. Season passes are required and are not part of the program cost.

Equipment requirements: Properly sized skis, boots, poles, helmets, goggles and suitable warm clothing. Since our athletes will ski on varied terrain across Black Mountain, we encourage parents to purchase equipment for their athletes that are suitable for all mountain terrain. Please contact the Program Director for any equipment or clothing questions.