No matter where you ski, or your ability, there is a ski program at our local resorts for you. Bohart Moonlight, Big Sky and Bridger all offer programs for any type of skier, competitive and noncompetitive. If you are looking to improve you race skills, become a stronger free skier, or just learn to carve, you can trust that there is a program for you.

Moonlight Basin:
Aside from offering full and half day ski lessons, Moonlight offers specialty programs for wanting to really step up their skiing. Enroll your kids ages 3 and 4 in Skiwees and start off their skiing in a positive way, the program is 6 weeks long and available 7 days a week. When they have moved on from Skiwees, try out All Mountain Kids. All Mountain Kids is for kids ages 7-14 who are ready to conquer the whole mountain. The program is also 6 weeks and is available Saturdays or Sundays. Moonlight has a freeride team for kids who have completed All Mountain Kids, or want to start competition. The freeride team is 16 weeks, on Saturdays or Saturdays and Sundays. The team will learn about the terrain, competition, avalanche awareness and technical ability. For adults, there is the Headwaters and Lone Peak Challenges, which give you the opportunity to ski the Headwaters and North Summit snow field with an experienced guide. For more information on Moonlight’s programs visit www.moonlightbasin.com

Big Sky:
Big Sky offers programs through both the resort and Big Sky Ski Education Foundation (BSSEF). The resort offers lesson for children of all ages. The Little Lobos camp, a 6 or 12 week program for the youngest children, teaches them the basics of skiing and building their confidence. The Mad Wolf and Cub Shred is for skiers and snowboarders ages 4-14 who would like to polish their abilities and bring their skiing to the next level. The Big Sky Rippers is for kids ages 9-14 who can ski the blacks, but want to learn more technical skills and be able to ski the whole mountain. Big Sky’s adult classes include the Master the Mountain and Mountain Mammas. Master the Mountain is a 5 or 8 week (depending on which session you choose) class that takes adults who are comfortable skiing and teaches them how to ski moguls, powder and all the terrain the mountain throws at you. Mountain Mammas is a program for women with children in any of Big Sky’s programs. The dates are the same and they give you a chance to improve your skills and confidence while your child does the same. Visit www.bigskyresort.com for more info.

BSSEF offers a variety of teams for those interested in development and competition. The Youth Ski League is designed for children 6-11 who want to improve their skiing skills, but aren’t ready to compete yet. They will learn avalanche awareness, as well as some gate training. The Buddy Werner Program is for kids aged 7-12 who wish to alpine race. The program builds racing skills, and introduce kids into the competitive skiing world. The Junior Development Program is for children and teens 13 and up who  have a desire for racing. This is a full racing program which focuses on the development of a good athlete. BSSEF’s Freeride Program is designed for skiers who are confident in their ability and want to ski everything. There are competitions throughout the year where the participants can show off what they have learned. For adults, BSSEF offers the Master’s Program. This program is for adults who want to develop their racing skills and become better competitors. Visit www.bssef.com for full descriptions of their programs.

Bridger Bowl:
Through the Bridger Ski Foundation, there are many programs for the competitive skier. In the alpine division, there are 3 programs to suit each skiers needs. The Youth Ski League Team Program is an 8 week program for first time racers. After a year of the Youth Ski League Team Program, skiers can move up to the J-Fast Program. J-Fast is designed for skiers who are still relatively new to racing, and puts an emphasis on advanced technique. The BSF Alpine Development team is for serious competitors who are ready to step up their skiing. In the freestyle division, there are 6 teams to help develop the skiers skills. The Freestyle Youth Ski League Team is for kids aged 5-10, and introduces them to skiing in a fun and positive way. The Development Team is for kids 11-13, and works on creating excellent all-mountain skiers. They learn the basic skill for moguls, freeskiing and big mountain skiing. The Freeskiing Team is for kids 10-13 who want to focus on the park and pipe. They will have the opportunity to compete and grow their freeskiing skills. The Divisional Competitive Team is a top mogul team which focuses on mogul skiing and competition. The program is part-time, meaning, unlike the Full-Time Team they practice on weekends only. The Full-Time for Moguls is a team for serious competitors. There is practice 5 days a week and strives to develop the best skiers out there. BSF also offers the Big  Mountain Team, this team is for ages 12-20 and focuses in the entire mountain. It prepares the younger participants for competition and equips the older participants with skills they need to win and have fun. Please visit www.bridgerskifoundation.org for more information or to get involved in a program.

Bohart Ranch:
Bohart Ranch Cross Country Ski Center offers daily lessons for all levels of skiers in both classic and skate techniques. Our knowledgeable and friendly Ski School Staff can help you choose the best type of lesson for your needs. Whether you are a beginner needing an introductory lesson or an advanced skier wanting a technique tune-up, a lesson from a professional instructor will enhance your Nordic enjoyment.

SKI EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS
The School Group Programs are adaptive to grades K through 12. The morning begins with a series of group games that teach ski skills helping students learn to balance and move on cross-country skis. Skiers then divide into smaller groups for a ski tour on the trail system. Instructors capitalize on teachable moments and terrain to refine ski skills and introduce environmental education concepts. The program is an active and fun-filled discovery based learning experience.

ADVENTURES IN WINTER ECOLOGY (AWE)
Bohart Ranch is pleased to partner with Montana Outdoor Science School to offer a full day ski and winter ecology program. Your school group arrives at Bohart by 9:30 AM. We begin the morning lesson with skill games on skis. AWE is integrated into the ski tour, lunch on the trail, and afternoon hands-on field exploration. The activities are tailored to grade level and designed to compliment school curriculum and standards. Students spend the entire day with Bohart Instructors.

Between these 4 resorts, there is a program for everyone. Ski season is right around the corner, be sure and register for a class soon. Get out and hit the slopes!

Chloe Nostrant is a high school junior at Bozeman High School and photo editor for Hawk Tawk. She enjoys skiing, photography, hunting and the outdoors.