Athletics

Our Athletic Programs

Freestyle Freeski

Carrabassett Valley Academy has one of the nation's longest-running freestyle programs for student-athletes who are driven to excel in this high-flying sport. Our athletes are prepared for success from our Development group, competing locally in USASA events, to our elite FIS group, ascending through US Ski & Snowboard’s Rev Tour, World Cup competitions, and even the prestigious X Games and Olympics.

The CVA Difference

Located at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, CVA offers an ideal environment for freeski athletes. Here's what sets us apart:

Premier Training Venues: Sugarloaf features five terrain parks perfect for skill progression, with an expanded area in Whiffletree for focused training and high-volume practice. Athletes have the opportunity to train domestically and internationally.
Optimal Facilities: Our campus features an indoor training center with two Olympic-quality trampolines, a dry rail site, and a full winter rail park for year-round skill progression.
Extended On-Snow Training Season: Sugarloaf's extended snow season maximizes training time and minimizes travel costs.
Supportive Community: CVA provides a nurturing environment to help athletes excel on and off the slopes.

Experienced & Dedicated Coaching

Freeski Head Coach, Mark Spinney ’12 has competed at top levels, including NorAms, the Free Flow Tour, Revolution Tour, and Junior Olympics. His expertise in competitive skiing and the ski film industry helps athletes develop both technical skills and creative expression.

The CVA Freeski program supports athletes at every level, from beginners to elite competitors. We emphasize team bonding while encouraging each athlete to pursue their own goals and vision.

Coaches focus on building strong fundamentals and approach every challenge with full commitment. CVA believes in balancing the creative side of freeskiing with solid preparation, ensuring athletes are physically, mentally, and academically ready for success in both sport and life.

Program Philosophy

The CVA Freeski program emphasizes long-term athlete development through proven training principles, aiming to prepare athletes for success both on and off the slopes. Key elements of the program include:

Maximizing Time On-Snow
Mastering Fundamentals
Building Confidence in Sport and Life
Setting SMART Goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)

Freeski Progression

The Carrabassett Valley Academy Freeski program focuses on long-term athlete development with ability-appropriate coaching to help athletes reach their goals.
Development Team: Focuses on mastering the fundamentals, with athletes competing in USASA events and aiming for the USASA National Championships.
FIS Team: Prepares athletes for international competition, with advanced techniques and mental conditioning. Athletes compete in the Futures Tour, Revolution Tour, and World Cup events, aiming for the Junior World Championships, X Games, and the Olympics.

- Fall Air Bag Training

Year-Round Training

By attending the fall and spring terms at CVA, student-athletes optimize their physical and mental preparation and establish a strong academic foundation. This holistic approach sets the stage for success, allowing athletes to thrive both in the classroom and on the slopes during the demanding winter term.

List of 2 members.

Mark Spinney

Head Freestyle Freeski Coach

Bio
Mark is a CVA alumnus, who graduated in 2012. Coming to CVA opened Mark's eyes to his natural admiration for freeride skiing, as well as the many career paths skiing has to offer. His competition years involved Nor-Ams, Free Flow Tour, Revolution Tours, and the Junior Olympics.
Following graduation from CVA, Mark moved to Summit County, Colorado, where he experienced many local successes. Rail Jam victories and filming opportunities have allowed him to expand his knowledge and experience in this ever-growing sport. His connections in the industry led him to coach the Team Summit program, with impressive results at the 2022 Nationals in Slopestyle, Halfpipe, and Rail Jam.
Mark offers an approach to coaching that has disciplined roots and knowledge of the sport from its early days with a strong understanding of the sport today and where it is going.
Hank Vinall

Freestyle Freeski Coach

Bio
Hank grew up skiing at Saddleback Mountain in Maine. He began working part-time at CVA in the Freestyle program and joined full-time in 2022 to help Freestyle athletes learn, grow in their sport, and throw down new tricks on snow. In the summer months, Hank follows the snow and heads out west to coach for Windell's Ski Camp at the base of Mt. Hood in Oregon. When Hank isn’t chasing powder, he enjoys playing disc golf and going cliff jumping with his brothers.

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Carrabassett Valley Academy

3197 Carrabassett Drive
Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947
(207) 237-2250

Carrabassett Valley Academy prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any member or group based upon age, gender, race, color, religion, disability, categories sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic predisposition, ancestry or other categories protected by Maine or federal law. CVA does not discriminate on these bases in the administration of its admission process, scholarship and aid programs, educational policies, athletics, or other school-administered programs.