The Big Mountain Club Plus Program is a 3 day/week program open to athletes U12 and up. Open to athletes U12 and older who want to ski both Saturdays and Sundays plus Wednesday evenings, this program focuses on drills and skills for steep terrain and mixed snow conditions.  Athletes build confidence, stability, and strength in variable environments through:

• Drills and coached practices related to steep terrain and mixed surface conditions

• Drills and technique for jumping, air awareness, and terrain selection

• Technical turning skills developed through the USSS Skills Quest

• Emphasis on safety—always skiing with a buddy
• Introduction to backcountry touring, basic mountaineering
• Avalanche awareness and snow safety training (AAIRE, etc.)
• Ideal for athletes seeking more time on snow to advance their big mountain skills.

• Program Starts weekend of Dec. 12/13 and ends March 13/14.  Option to add on Spring Block (April 3/4, April 10/11 & April 17/18)

The Following add-on programs are available when registering fro the program:

• Ski X Add-On Program is available for U10 and older athletes.  This is a selection you can make when you register.  This includes additional Ski X training days throughout the season (usually 5-8 days) in addition to coaching support at all USASA Mt Hood Ski Cross comps, Including Skier X Nationals at Copper Mtn. (~4 per season).  Attending the USASA events is optional *program does not include event entry fees, USASA License Registration, or other travel expense for coaches which are billed separately.
  • Fee: $200
• Big Mountain Backcountry Program is suited for those who want to learn about touring, backcountry travel, avalanche companion rescue and spend days human powered outside the resort.  These days may occur during regular Saturday training days and also on additional weekend days.  The highlight trip for those who progress is a three day overnight in the Wallowas lead by Eagle Cap Mtn Guides.  The cost is higher because each touring group needs two staff members and our ratio is never more than 5:1 athletes to coaches and frequently less 3:1 or 4:1.  Companion Rescue skills will be taught to all athletes in the program with many practice sessions.  Athletes will learn to transition between uphill skinning and downhill skiing.  There is really very few programs in the country where this level of opportunity is available to high school age athletes.  Lastly, we are able to tour directly from the MT Hood Meadows Ski Resort, through a Special Use Permit with the USFS.  Additional skills learning includes backcountry communication, terrain selection for weather conditions, KNOW before you go, and rescue skills for injured skiers (hypo wrap, extraction with a SKED).  This learning program will be tailored to the pace and abilities of the athletes.
  • Fee: $400
• Big Mountain Comp Program: Big Mt. athletes can also compete in IFSA (International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association) competitions, including one hosted by MRT at Mt. Hood Meadows.  Extra training includes coaching for successful competition approach, and coaching at events off of Mt. Hood.  Attending the IFSA events is optional *program does not include event entry fees, IFSA License Registration, or other travel expense for coaches which are billed separately.  Competition can be an incredible way to elevate your skiing and have fun visiting other resorts!
  • Fee: $200

Training Schedule 

Strength & Conditioning

Programming for the Comp team starts with strength and conditioning in November and December. Dryland training is open to all MRT athletes and included in tuition costs.  Scheduled dryland training times are:

• Tuesdays in NE Portland 
• Wednesdays in Hood River 

On Snow

Season runs mid December through mid March at Mt Hood Meadows.

• Saturdays AND Sundays 8:45am - 2:00pm 
• Starting date: Dec.12 &13 2026, snow depending
• Fridays starting in January 
• End date: March 13, 2027

The program will also include Holiday Camp Dec. 27-30 at Mt Hood Meadows 

Summer Skiing

We had a successful Big Mountain Freeride block this summer at Timberline! We are excited to add a full Freeride camp for the summer of 2027.

• June/July: Summer Camps @ Timberline
• August: International Camp

*These camps are not included in tuition, extra fees apply

Competition & Events 

Our Big Mountain Club athletes U14 and younger have the ability to compete in our Meadows Challenge Big Mountain event along with options to compete in Skier X, GS, and Slalom events hosted at Mt Hood Meadows. 

• Older athletes (U16+) have the opportunity to forerun, junior coach, or junior judge at Meadows Challenge if they are interested.

We also host our own IFSA event at Mt. Hood Meadows which is a wonderful opportunity for athletes interested in starting their competition journey. 

• If you are interested in competing in multiple Big Mountain IFSA competitions and traveling out of state, please select our "Big Mountain Comp Team" add-on program when registering

Fees & Obligations 

Program Fee

$2,200.00

Scholarships

Need-based scholarships available, learn more

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Membership

• no membership is required to compete in the Meadows Challenge Big Mountain event.  If you are interested in exploring IFSA Big Mountain comps, you should register for the Big Mountain Comp Team. 

Ski Passes

Athletes need a Mt Hood Meadows season pass. Pass prices are not included in program fees and must be purchased directly through Mt Hood Meadows Resort. 

Work / Volunteer Deposit

Each family is responsible for meeting our volunteer commitment each season.  The deposit is included in registration and billed up front.  

• Big Mountain one day commitment = 2 volunteer days ($200 deposit)

MRT Policies

MRT Team Handbook

Equipment Recommendations 

• All Mountain skis & helmet required
• Optional: Backcountry pack w/ beacon, probe, shovel
• Optional: AT touring skis & boots 
• Optional: Back protector & mouthguard

Local opportunities to purchase used gear:

• MRT Fall Ski Swap & BBQ 

Add-On Programs 

The Following add-on programs are available when registering fro the program:

• The Ski X Add-On Program is available for U10 and older athletes.  This is a selection you can make when you register.  This includes additional Ski X training days throughout the season (usually 5-8 days) in addition to coaching support at all USASA Mt Hood Ski Cross comps, Including Skier X Nationals at Copper Mtn. (~4 per season).  Attending the USASA events is optional *program does not include event entry fees, USASA License Registration, or other travel expense for coaches which are billed separately.
  • Fee: $200
• The Big Mtn Backcountry Program is suited for those who want to learn about touring, backcountry travel, avalanche companion rescue and spend days human powered outside the resort.  These days may occur during regular Saturday training days and also on additional weekend days.  The highlight trip for those who progress is a three day overnight in the Wallowas lead by Eagle Cap Mtn Guides.  The cost is higher because each touring group needs two staff members and our ratio is never more than 5:1 athletes to coaches and frequently less 3:1 or 4:1.  Companion Rescue skills will be taught to all athletes in the program with many practice sessions.  Athletes will learn to transition between uphill skinning and downhill skiing.  There is really very few programs in the country where this level of opportunity is available to high school age athletes.  Lastly, we are able to tour directly from the MT Hood Meadows Ski Resort, through a Special Use Permit with the USFS.  Additional skills learning includes backcountry communication, terrain selection for weather conditions, KNOW before you go, and rescue skills for injured skiers (hypo wrap, extraction with a SKED).  This learning program will be tailored to the pace and abilities of the athletes.
  • Fee: $400
• Big Mountain Comp Program: Big Mt. athletes can also compete in IFSA (International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association) competitions, including one hosted by MRT at Mt. Hood Meadows.  Extra training includes coaching for successful competition approach, and coaching at events off of Mt. Hood.  Attending the IFSA events is optional *program does not include event entry fees, IFSA License Registration, or other travel expense for coaches which are billed separately.  Competition can be an incredible way to elevate your skiing and have fun visiting other resorts!
  • Fee: $200