*Refer to the “Registration” link above or click here for specific program fees.
FREESKI/SNOWBOARD FUNDAMENTALS
*Non-competive program - NEW freestyle progam for 2024-25
Freestyle Skiing/Snowboarding is all about mastering a variety of technical skills in order to perform in its different disciplines. Freestyle is great for both participants and spectators. As athletes can soar through the air while spinning, speed down a motocross-inspired course with other athletes, or simply make difficult maneuvers appear effortless.
The Team Duluth Fundamental Freestyle Team is a program for all levels of Skier/Snowboarder. We provide a safe and instructional environment for athletes to progress their skills, achieve personal goals, and form lifelong friendships- all while having fun!
For competitive level Skiers/Snowboarders, Lake Superior Freestyle (LSF) registration is recommended. Contact Corey Danelski, Team Duluth Program Director or Jon Schmidt, Team Duluth Freestyle director and LSF Head Coach, for more information.
Freeski and Snowboard Programs
Team Duluth's Freestyle Team
New to the 2024/2025 season: There is no longer a a development freestyle team. We have now built a fundamental non-competitive team designation called Freestyle Fundamentals. Team Duluth’s Fundamental Freestyle program will be a program proficient in training riders and skiers of all levels to development is progression through fun. Practices will be fun while accomplishing the rider’s personal goals. We hope to build a strong cohesive Freestyle community with passionate, successful riders. The Fundamental Freestyle program cares and looks at the psychology and well-being of everyone involved. Not just caring about the rider’s skill level, but also their overall well-being and their future as a good human in society.
Athletes will develop high-level freestyle skills from fundamental building blocks.
Prerequisite: Understanding of turning fundamentals (parallel carving on skis, linking toe-side/heel-side turns on a snowboard).
Emphasis on training in both the physical and mental realms of the sport.
Training includes
Dryland Training TBA
Tues/Wed/Thurs 5-8 pm, Saturday 9 am-noon (~ 65 practices)
Primary Freestyle Disciplines:
-Slopestyle: The athlete is scored by judges in the categories of Difficulty, Amplitude, Variety, and Execution on a course consisting of rails, jumps, boxes, and other terrain park features.
-Boarder Cross/Skier Cross: Athletes race down a course consisting of banked turns, rollers, and jumps.
-Rail Jam: Athletes take turns on a small set of terrain park features. Typically scored based on overall impression.
-Big Air: One large jump, one large goal. Impress the judges with technical skills in the air to win.
Competition Options:
Lake Superior Freestyle (LSF):
For competitive level Skiers/Snowboarders, Lake Superior Freestyle (LSF) is recommended. Contact Team Duluth Program Director, Corey Danelski or LSF Team director, Jonathan Schmidt for more information.
USASA: United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association is a national organization that offers scored freestyle competitions, and opportunities to compete at the national level. Extra costs: USASA membership fee ~$150, day of event fee ~$35.
Chester Bowl Freestyle Fridays: Small-town-style terrain park jams focused on building community and learning new skills. FREE
Other Local Events: Occasional events hosted by local businesses/organizations, unaffiliated with any other competition options. FREE or low cost
Jonathan Schmidt
HI! I am Jonathan Schmidt. I have been a Freestyle Ski and Snowboard rider for 23 years, including 16 years as a coach. I started as a self-taught rider at Mount Du Lac. When I found Spirit, it was amazing and I quickly progressed by myself in the sport. Soon after, I began coaching for G Team. (the largest coaching company in the US) I quickly fell in love with coaching and became one of their three Pro Level Coaches. I did that for 7 years traveling to comps with Semi Pro athletes across the country while also running G Team’s Duluth division. I was inspired by the people and riders of Duluth to create a Freestyle team that encompasses the values and vibe of the North, and Lake Superior Freestyle was the result. Team Duluth and I have talked for many years of making Freestyle more cohesive in the North and we are making it happen! We are combining our efforts to find the best possible Freestyle scenario for the athletes under our care. As the new Freestyle Director of Team Duluth, I will be working with coaches and riders to develop skills needed to become competent and safe riders. We will also be focusing on the fun, inventive aspect of Freestyle and the culture, phycology, and friendships it creates.