The Big Mountain Devo Program is a one day/week program open to athletes U12 and up, this program focuses on building confidence, stability, and strength on steep and mixed snow conditions.  This is a Saturday Only program.  If you are U14 and older, you can select Saturday OR Sunday Only as your program day. 

Training includes:

• 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.)

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 6:30-8:00pm 
• Wednesdays in Hood River 5-6:30pm

On Snow

Season Runs mid December through mid March at Mt Hood Meadows

• Saturdays OR Sundays 8:45am - 2:00pm 

The program will also include Holiday Camp Dec. 27-29 at Mt Hood Meadows 

Summer Skiing

We are looking to expand our Big Mountain camp offerings fro Summer 2026!  

• June/July 2026 Summer Camps @ Timberline
• August 2026: International Camp @ Portillo, Chile 

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

Competition & Events 

Our Big Mountain Devo athletes have the ability to compete in our Meadows Challenge Big Mountain event hosted at Mt Hood Meadows. 

If you are interested in competing in Big Mountain IFSA competitions, please select our "Big Mountain Comp Team" add-on program when registering

Fees & Obligations 

2025-2026 Program Fee

$1,400.00

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 Policies

MRT Team Handbook

Equipment Recommendations 

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

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.
• 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.
• Big Mountain Comp Program: Big Mt. athletes can also compete on the IFSA (International Freeski & Snowboard Association) competiions, 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!