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Snow Sports

Holderness combines state-of-the-art training facilities, world-class coaching, and rigorous academics to offer one of the most comprehensive preparatory school ski programs in the nation.

Recognized as a Gold-certified club by US Ski & Snowboard—the highest distinction for affiliated programs—Holderness supports every level of skier, from elite athletes chasing national and international success to students developing their skills and passion for the sport.

Our legacy speaks for itself: 17 Olympians, 38 National Team members, and countless alumni who have carried their love for snow sports into every facet of their lives. Whether you’re striving for the podium or simply seeking the joy of a lifetime on snow, Holderness is the place to pursue your goals—on the mountain and in the classroom.

Snow Sports Programs

Alpine Skiing

Our Alpine Skiing program is a recognized leader in ski racing in independent schools. Coaches work one-on-one with our skiers, maintaining best practices in strength and conditioning, dryland training, and cross training. Skiers train at the best speed training venue in the East, the Mittersill Training Slopes at Cannon Mountain.

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Nordic Skiing

Holderness student-athlete nordic skiing

Nordic skiing is a storied tradition at Holderness School. Racers compete on several levels, the best vying to make the Eastern team and represent our region in national competition. Students new to the sport are introduced to both classical and skate techniques and the joys of a beautiful New Hampshire winter.

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Freeskiing

The Freeski program gives athletes every opportunity to train and compete to their highest potential. Progression is the name of the game, with expert coaching, an on-campus air bag jump, and daily training sessions at Loon Mountain Resort’s award-winning terrain parks.

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Snowboard

The Snowboard program gives athletes every opportunity to train and compete to their highest potential. Progression is the name of the game for riders, with expert coaching, an on-campus air bag jump, and daily training sessions at Loon Mountain Resort’s award-winning terrain parks.

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Freeride

Freeride athletes compete on some of the East Coast’s most difficult natural terrain. Splitting training time between Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain, athletes learn to ski challenging natural terrain with control, technique, fluidity, style, and energy. Competitions are held at mountains like Jay Peak, Stowe, and Mad River Glen.

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Intro to Snow Sports

A student skis across campus.

Not a skier? Not a problem! Try out our Intro to Snow Sports Program, which teaches beginners how to alpine and Nordic ski, snowboard, ice skate, and snowshoe. The program promotes outdoor adventuring, the learning of new skills, and the benefits of physical fitness. 

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Recruit Me

Holderness School earns Gold Certification from US Ski and Snowboard

US Ski & Snowboard has named Holderness School a Gold-certified club, the highest honor award to affiliated ski program. Gold-certified clubs possess a heightened level of accountability to maintain and build upon areas of both strength and improvement, to ensure the longevity and stability of the organization and to help, through feedback and observation, to grow the cumulative strength of clubs throughout regions and across the country. 

Training Facilities

Cannon Mountain

Mittersill Race & Training Slopes at Cannon Mountain.

A world-class facility for training and racing. 

Loon Mountain

Award-winning terrain parks for freeskiers and snowboarders.

Nordic Trails

Enjoy 10 km of FIS Nordic trails on-campus, including snowmaking and lights.

Mittersill Performance Center

A 9,500 square foot lodge to support training and racing. 

Trampoline

Practice aerial awareness in a safe, supervised setting.

Air Bag Jump

On-campus air bag jump.

A year-round venue for freeski and snowboard training.

Meet the Program Directors

Alan Smarse

Alan Smarse

Director of Snowboard, Freeski & Freeride

Interested in using the trails?

With 10km of cross country ski trails–5km of which are homologated–and world-class snowmaking, our trails are among the best in the country. We've opened our trails to the public via our Nordic Club.

Learn more about Nordic Club membership >