Battalion Freeride Team

Ages 6-17

Compete with other Snowboarders and Twin Tip Skiers

The Battalion Freeride Team is Welch Village's snowboard and twin tip ski division of the Minnesota Junior Development Program. A high energy and energetic program, Battalion coaching and competitions focus on flatland tricks, switch riding, rails, big air jumps, and alpine carving. Our coaches are advanced certified instructors who love to ride just as much as you do.

The team has weekly practices and four competitions during the season. All four of these competitions take place at other resorts this season requiring transportation and lift ticket purchase. There is a minimum skill level required, participants need to have "the ability to execute heel side and toe side turns down an entire beginner run." If you are looking for a "Learn to Snowboard" program, please refer to the Learning Programs section of our website. 

Sign up OnLine.

 

Email Head Coach Wynne Yelland at wgy@comcast.net with questions, or our Racing Department at racing@welchvillage.com.

 

2009/2010 Costs

$300 for Coaching Only
$450 plus tax for Coaching & Season Pass (ages 6-10)
$580 plus tax for Coaching & Season Pass (ages 11-17)

Helmets and eye protection are mandatory while participating in these programs 

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2009/10 Calendar

 

All practices are Sundays noon to 4pm

12/13, Practice at Welch

12/20 Practice at Welch

12/27 Practice at Welch

1/3  Practice at Welch

1/9 Practice at Welch

1/10  Comp. at Wild Mt.

1/17  Practice at Welch

1/24  Comp. at Trollhaugen

1/31  Snowboard Comp. at Hyland; Ski Comp. at Buck Hill

2/7   Practice at Welch

2/14  Practice at Welch

2/21  Championship at Afton Alps

 

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Parental Information

Q. My child's friends are doing tricks in the park and now he/she wants to hang out with them. What can I do?
A. Managing risk is the most important component of a fun and successful park experience. Make sure your child is aware of, and understands, each of the Smart Style mottos: 1) Look before you leap, 2) Easy style it, 3) and Respect gets respect. These principles provide a responsibility framework that can help people of all skill and experience levels. Working with the coaches of the Battalion, your child will get coaching and practice time that will help develop the skills and experience required to enjoy the terrain park.

Q. Should my child wear protective equipment? What is available, useful, and/or recommended?
A. A helmet and protective eyewear is required for participation in Battalion. Just as with all skiing and snowboarding, there is an element of risk in the terrain park. There's a lot of personal preference when it comes to choosing protective equipment. Make your decision based on what your child is comfortable in while trying new tricks. Comfort is the key. You're child is more likely to wear the protection if it's comfortable, allows movement the way your child wants, and still fits in with choices for fashion, form, and function.

Q. Do the snowboard movies my child watches reflect real life scenarios on this team?
A. The videos portray parks and pipes from an unrealistic viewpoint. The tricks are performed by some of the best snowboarders in the world. Although we will help your child progress as an athlete, it is important for your child to understand his or her limits. Using freestyle terrain takes a lot of practice; each member of the team will start where comfortable and work his or her way up.