New Freeride Program aims at All-Mountain skills

News Release
December 17, 2004
Loryn Kasten
970-247-9000 x237
lkasten@durangomountain.com

NEW FREERIDERS PROGRAM AIMS AT ALL-MOUNTAIN SKILLS
Season long progression for young skiers

Durango, CO - With the influx of freeskiing in winter sports, Purgatory has created a freeriders program aimed to teach young skiers all areas of the mountain from bumps to trees, jumps to spins. This 9-14 week program progresses with the student to find each individual skiers comfort level and advance their skills as necessary.

Freestyle accredited coach, JC Jones, teaches students every Sunday, building skills that allow skiers to conquer every corner of the mountain. "There are only a handful of accredited freestyle coaches in Colorado," says Jones. "I want to use my accreditation to teach young skiers how to utilize, and enjoy, the entire mountain."

Jones created the program after noticing a gap in the learning programs for freestyle skiers. Snowburners is a popular local's class for children under the age of 12 that teaches the basics of skiing up to the more advanced skills of freeriding. Jones saw the students graduating Snowburners and instead of continuing to take lessons, trying to tackle the mountain on their own. He envisioned a program that embraced freeriders throughout their teen years. Currently the team has students ranging in age from 9 to 14 years old, and is open to teenagers up to 18 years old.

The nine week program is available beginning January 2nd. To enroll in the Freeride program contact the Ski and Ride School at 970-385-2149.

-www.durangomountainresort.com-