Our Student Athletes
A lifetime of mountain adventure awaits.
Ridge Mountain Academy is designed for gap year students or student athletes seeking a challenging and formative experience for their off-campus semester. You will train—independently and as a group—in remote, rugged settings. Our goal? To help broaden your view on the world as you develop the critical athletic, academic, and life skills required to help you stay focused in life, school, and, eventually, your career.
Whatever your background or starting level, arm yourself with the knowledge and experience you need to travel safely in the mountains and enjoy the best mountain sports on the planet. Although we welcome and encourage athletes of all skill levels to join, we expect that all athletes commit to the experience and improve their skills while having fun.
Outdoor Enthusiasts and Beginners
Love the mountains? Or think you might?
If you like to ski or ride—or want to learn—now is a good time to explore your potential. Learn the basics or fine-tune your skills on the snow with some of the best coaches around. Live, learn, and train—and reach new heights in any sport that you choose.
Traditional Sports Athlete
Play soccer? Hockey? Regional lacrosse or basketball?
As an accomplished high school athlete, you know what it takes to succeed. Mountain sports provide the opportunity to take your game to a whole new level. Training, teamwork, and dedication still applies—but now your playing field is bigger. Gain the knowledge and skills you need to actively pursue your passion and prepare yourself for a lifetime of mountain adventure.
Elite Mountain Athlete
Just finished ski or snowboard academy?
Racing excites you and you’re good at it. And you know the mountains are calling. Maybe you’ll keep a focus on racing while cross-training with other mountain sports. Or maybe you’ll switch tracks completely. Bring your A-game and an open mind to unleash your full potential in the various mountain sports.
Freeride park or big mountain snowboarder / freeskier?
Want to jib? Hit the parks and slide rails, rainbows and boxes. Surf powder? Strap into a snowboard and feel ultimate freedom. Rip big mountain lines? Freeski or freeride some of the best big mountain training in the country. Go Uphill? Yeah, this is how we get fit. And have fun, too. Skin uphill on skis or a split board and have the best snow of the day on your descent.
Combine all of these skills in action sports and now let them meet the backcountry and big mountains with safety from our coaches. While learning backcountry skills like avalanche safety and wilderness first aid, you will travel through some of the most breathtaking terrain in Montana.
