Become a Ski Moms substack subscriber here.

In this episode Nicole and Sarah talk with Tess Miner-Farra, the head of the Winter Sports School in Park City, Utah. This is a unique public charter school that serves 9th-12th grade students focused on winter sports.  

We loved learning about the Winter Sports School and what makes it such an amazing place for young student-athletes. The school has a non-traditional academic calendar, running from April to November, allowing students to focus on their athletic training and competition during the winter months. For a little history, the Winter Sports School was founded in 1994 as a partnership between the Park City ski team and local educators. In 2014, it transitioned to become a public charter school.

The school's unique model allows students to train and compete at a high level while maintaining a rigorous college prep curriculum. Teachers and staff are very supportive of the student-athletes.  The school serves around 150 students, with 30-40% being alpine ski racers, 30% freestyle/freeski, and the rest a variety of other winter and non-winter sports.

Academics follow a traditional high school model, with students earning about 7 credits per year. As a public charter, the school must meet state graduation requirements.  The application process is a lottery system for Utah residents, with a more selective process for out-of-state applicants.

Tess discusses the challenges and benefits of the school's April-November calendar, the support provided to students when they travel for training/competition, and the school's partnerships and fundraising efforts.

It’s clear that the Winter Sports School is a very special place that provides a unique and supportive environment for young athletes to pursue their dreams, while also receiving a strong academic foundation.

Keep up with the Latest from The Winter Sports School!

Website:https://www.wintersportsschool.org/
Instagram:

Shop the 2025 Ski Moms Holiday Gift Guides here www.theskimoms.co/gift-guides

SHOP HERE

Use Code SKIMOMS for 15% off all labels. Code is not valid on sale items or stamps. Other restrictions may apply. 

Still shopping for the skier or rider in your life?  The Ski Haus has you covered. Stop by the Ski Haus or grab a gift card online — and give the gift of snow this season. They’ve got locations in Salem, NH and Woburn, and Framingham in MA. Head to skihaus.com  to check store hours and directions.

Plan your winter getaway now at VisitUlsterCountyNY.com.

🎄Ulster County. Holidays done right.

Support the show

Keep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!
Website: www.theskimoms.co
Ski Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discounts
Ski Moms Ski Rental Homes
Join the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook Group
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/

Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next!
[email protected]
[email protected]