As we are wrapping up the school year, I have been thinking about our family’s journey with ski racing and school. It’s been a tricky (and expensive) combination. About eight years ago, we decided to forgo traditional schooling to send our two girls to a ski academy. This VERY specific type of schooling redefined who we are as a family and brought many terrific experiences and challenges. Our school is one of a handful or traditional ski academies that is run as a private school and operates during the normal school year. We didn’t even know the Winter Sports School existed. It’s a publicly funded school that serves high-level athletes in the “off season” and a model we think more families should consider.
Winter Sports School in Park City
Why Ski Academies Exist
For families raising competitive skiers and snowboarders, a traditional school calendar can often clash with peak winter training and travel for competitions. For our girls, it was nearly impossible for them to get the time on snow they needed and attend a regular school day. That’s where ski academies come in. A ski academy is a specialized school designed to support student-athletes who are pursuing high-level training in winter sports. An academy offers academic flexibility, personalized learning environments, and coaching support to help young athletes succeed both on the mountain and in the classroom.
One of the most unique and accessible models in this space is the Winter Sports School in Park City, Utah. Unlike many private ski academies, the Winter Sports School is a public charter school that flips the traditional school calendar on its head. Students attend school during the spring, summer, and fall—leaving the winter months open for full-time training, travel, and competition. That’s not the only difference, this model doesn’t involve coaching. The WSS is a school-only solution. Parents and athletes work with private clubs and coaches when they are not in school.
Listen and Learn
In our Ski Moms Podcast “Listen Again” series, we’re shining a light on this forward-thinking school through a conversation with Tess Miner-Farra, the Head of School at Winter Sports School. Tess shares how the school’s mission is to make high-quality education and elite-level athletics compatible—not competitive.
This episode is especially valuable for parents navigating the next steps for their middle or high school athletes. If your child is serious about skiing or snowboarding—and you’re looking for a way to keep education in focus—this is a must-listen.
More About the Winter Sports School
As ski moms, we know the juggling act all too well—early mornings on the hill, weekend races, missed school days, and the constant question: How do we make this all work? That’s where the Winter Sports School (WSS) in Park City, Utah, truly stands out. Founded in 1994, this tuition-free public charter high school was created with families like ours in mind—those raising dedicated winter athletes in grades 9 through 12. While residents get the first priority. There are also spots for non-Utah residents. Back in 2023, Non-Utah Resident Tuition & Fees were predicted to be $17,850. This is a big discount to a traditional ski academy.
While most kids are winding down for summer break, WSS students are gearing up for their school year—refreshed from the slopes and ready to dive into their studies. It’s a thoughtful and practical approach that allows kids to pursue their athletic dreams without compromising on education. For families without the means to attend private school, the WSS also offers a solution that is more affordable than a ski academy.
The school offers a college-prep curriculum led by instructors who understand the unique demands of elite-level competition. And the results speak for themselves: WSS alumni include Olympians, World Cup athletes, and standout students who’ve gone on to attend top universities. It’s a community built for balance, and a model more of us should know about.
🔗 For more information, visit Winter Sports School
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