SkiMo Programs

Ski Mountaineering, also known as "SkiMo," combines the endurance of Nordic skiing with the skill and strength of Alpine skiing.  Excitingly, SkiMo will be making its Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games! This sport is ideal for Alpine, Nordic, and Freestyle/all-mountain skiers, as well as mountain bikers and runners. Our athletes begin by learning the fundamental skills and efficiency of ski touring before transitioning to race-focused training. 

SkiMo races come in various distances and styles: 

Vertical: Uphill only, lasting from 15 minutes to 1 hour. 

Individual: Multiple ascents and descents, ranging from 1 hour to several hours. 

Sprint: Combines all the skills in under 4 minutes, featuring heats and finals similar to cross-country skiing sprints. 

Team: Teams of 2 or 3 travel and race together, with events lasting from 3 hours to multi-day stages.

Our team programs are meticulously crafted to develop, challenge, and engage athletes at every skill level. We offer comprehensive training utilizing all four Aspen Ski Company mountains and the City of Aspen's Nordic trails in the winter.

Unsure which program is best for your athlete? Contact Program Director August Teague at ateague@teamavsc.org for guidance and information. SkiMo programs can be found under the Nordic Program Registration.

If you want to learn more about our SkiMo Programs, or share information about this program with family and friends, click here

HOW TO REGISTER

Registration for 2024-2025 Winter Programs are OPEN!

For additional information on registration, dates and deadlines, forms and more click here. Once you've selected a program, click here to enter our Campminder system and register. If you have used Campminder before with us, please use the same login and do not create a duplicate! 

Scholarships are available for all team programs based on need. Click here to access the scholarship form. Athletes applying for a scholarship must submit their  scholarship application by the early registration deadline (August 1st, 2024). Early Season Pricing will be extended for this new program through September 1. A $100 - $600 deposit (dependent on program) is required to apply for a scholarship. Scholarships are only available to residents of the Roaring Fork Valley or Western Garfield County. 


 COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS

The SkiMo Race Program is a comprehensive, year-round training and racing initiative designed for experienced ski mountaineering athletes committed to excellence. This program is ideal for individuals with a strong work ethic and a passion for reaching the highest levels of competition in ski mountaineering.

Participants in the Race Team are expected to compete in regional races and engage in summer dryland training. Our training program is structured to support athletes in achieving peak performance, with each member receiving a personalized, year-round training plan tailored to their specific needs and goals. 
 
Key values such as character, sportsmanship, work ethic, leadership, and inclusion are integral to our curriculum. These principles are emphasized throughout the program to develop well-rounded athletes who excel both on and off the slopes. 

U16-20 SKIMO RACE (BIRTH YEAR 2005-2010) *NEW PROGRAM*

  • Year-round training (August 1 – July 31st) On-snow training: year-round as weather allows. Training in winter is 5-6 days a week, training in summer is 4-5 days a week.
  • Includes Summer Training Camp(s) and Thanksgiving Training Camp.
  • Athletes will have the opportunity to participate in competitions, which may include team travel and housing. 
  • Program Fee: $6,380.  Additional Parent Work Deposit $600

REGISTER NOW! 

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Based out of Aspen (AVSC Clubhouse & City of Aspen Trails), this program serves as a great stepping stone for athletes interested in learning more about SkiMo or looking to enhance their skills and endurance for the Race Team. It caters to athletes of all ability levels, focusing on fundamental skills and enjoyment while introducing them to racing and goal setting.

SKIMO DEVO (BIRTH YEAR 2010-2014) *NEW PROGRAM* 

  • 3 days a week during winter (Wednesdays and Weekends) from October 28th – April 14th (No training Dec 23 – 31st).
  • Includes Thanksgiving Training Camp.
  • Athletes will have the opportunity to participate in competitions, which may include team travel and housing. 

  • Program Fee: $3,500.  Additional Parent Work Deposit $450

REGISTER NOW! 

MP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SKIMO PROGRAM

The MP Elementary School SkiMo Program offers a fun and engaging introduction to ski mountaineering, designed specifically for elementary school-aged children. The program focuses on fostering a love for the sport while encouraging kids to enjoy winter in the Roaring Fork Valley. Participants will build a strong foundation in essential SkiMo skills, including skiing, skinning, and boot packing.

In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes developing coordination, agility, and balance through creative games and activities. As they progress, children will also learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and fair play—habits that help set the stage for future success both on and off the mountain.

Thanks to a generous donation, the program is free this year, with only a $25 processing fee required to register.

The program takes place at Lower Moore Field, adjacent to the Aspen Middle School, and runs on Fridays from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, starting January 17th and ending March 14th.

We look forward to helping your child develop their skills and passion for SkiMo in a supportive and fun environment!

MP ELEMENTARY SKIMO (AGES 8-11) *NEW PROGRAM*

  • Fridays January 17th through March 14th
  • 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the Lower Moore Field
  • Program Fee: Thanks to a generous donation, the program is free this year, with only a $25 processing fee required to register.

REGISTER NOW! 

MEET THE STAFF 



 
Kevin Roop | Head SkiMo Coach Eric Knight AVSC
kroop@teamavsc.org

Kevin joined the AVSC team in 2023 with years of experience coaching and competing.  He comes to us from SSCV, where he was and Alpine, Strength and Conditioning, Skimo and Mountain Bike coach.  Kevin is celebrating his 30th season working in the ski world where he has run race departments, ski schools, and various other departments. He is a Alpine Level 100 coach, PSIA Trainer and Children’s Accred, and hold various strength and conditioning certifications.  Kevin grew up in Virginia, where he attended the Virginia Military Institute for college, and played Rugby.  He started his skiing career at Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia, and made the move to Colorado in 1996.  Besides Alpine Racing, Kevin enjoys mountain biking, skimo, yoga, and trail running with his wife, Ann and and their dog Murray.

TEAM Refund Policy: 100% Refunds are permitted before the program start date. Once the program start date has passed, refunds are only available for documented medical reasons that result in a season-ending injury. Refunds are determined by the following: Before January 1 - 50%; between January 1 and February 1 - 25%; after February 1 - No Refund. This season-ending injury refund assumes complete withdrawal from all AVSC programming, including Strength & Conditioning or athletic training services.   All refunds are subject to a $100 processing fee.