Ski Moms Talk Ski Academy Life with Tracy Keller, Head of School, Green Mountain Valley School in Vermont.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode Nicole and Sarah host Tracy Keller, ski mom, and Head of School at Green Mountain Valley School (GMVS) in Waitsfield, Vermont. Tracy shares her ski and career journey with us from racing at Dartmouth to her first job at Sugar Bowl Academy and finally to GMVS where she is the Head of School.Tracy learned to ski when she was six at Pico Mountain in Vermont and started ski racing at a young age.  She went on to ski at Dartmouth College and after college took a job teaching, coaching and dorm parenting at Sugar Bowl Academy in California.  Tracy clearly defines a ski academy - a high school (and in some cases middle school) designed for and to serve the needs of competitive ski racers. Most are independent schools, many have a boarding component. Tracy gives some great advice on how to check out what a ski academy is like by attending a ski camp.  While students can enroll as early as 7th grade at GMVS, many students do not start attending full time until 9th grade.  Many academies offer winter term programs (typically 6th, 7th, 8th grade) starting in November through the ski season. A ski academy is a good fit for a student that is passionate about skiing - they ski every day, in all weather, and you really need to love it. Students need to be resilient, hard working and have the ability to recognize that competitive skiing is a process. Another key factor is that the desire to ski competitively needs to be driven by the athlete and not their parents. We also learn about a typical year at a ski academy - which can consist of international and domestic camp travel, on-site physical conditioning and local training.  Keep up with the Latest from GMVS:Website: https://gmvs.org/Instagram: https://instagram.com/gmvsskiFacebook: GMVSGMVS Ski CampsGMVS 7th Grade Winter TermResources:Sugar Bowl AcademyWaterville Valley Academy (NH)Rowmark Academy in Park CityThe Winter Sports School Park CityOkemo Mountain SchoolUSCSA (college ski racing)NCAA College SkiingPlease Help Support our Podcast:Mabels Labels at www.mabelslabels.com and use code SKIMOMS for 15% off your first orderShop our Ski Moms Stocking Stuffer Gift GuideCheck out the Ski Pack at www.puremountainfun.com and use code SKIMOMS2022 for 20% off your orderScheduling at Ski Haus is open! Appointments start Saturday, 9/12. Available for kids 16 & under, includes skis /poles or a snowboard, boots + bindings. Make a separate appointment for each child at Ski Haus in Salem, NH; Framingham or Woburn, MA. Bonuses: Free Jr Season Pass Black Mtn (10 & under)$99 Jr Season Pass Tenney Mtn (13 & under)Fee Jr Lift Ticket Cranmore MtnMORE! This season, don’t just see the fall—experience it. Plan your Ulster County adventure at visitulstercountyny.com. Register by August 15, 2026, and use code SKIMOMSRETREAT to save $100 on your trip.Visit www.theskimoms.co/events to see the 2027 lineup and reserve your spot. Get the best gear recommendations and trip-planning tips directly to your inbox. Head to skimom.substack.com to subscribe. Join for free—or upgrade for all the premium perks. Premium subscriptions start at just $5 a month and get to listen ad-free and unlock exclusive content, including insider travel guides, packing lists and more. Support the showKeep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!Website: www.theskimoms.coSki Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discountsSki Moms Ski Rental HomesJoin the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook GroupInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected]@skimomsfun.com