The Big Mountain program is a rapidly-growing discipline that lives under the school’s Freeski umbrella. Athletes compete on some of the East Coast’s most difficult natural terrain at places like Jay Peak, Stowe, Magic Mountain, and Mad River Glen. At each venue, competitors ski or ride on a designated expert trail, scoring points based on how many natural features they hit. Athletes are also judged according to several additional criteria, including control, technique, fluidity, and the overall style and energy. For Big Mountain athletes, competition is all about creativity and split-second problem solving in difficult terrain – not racing against the clock on a manicured course. Athletes split their time training between Loon Mountain Resort and Cannon Mountain.