Currently Freestyle America is the longest continuously operating freestyle camp in America. Since 1983, Freestyle America coaching programs have grown to become a thorough curriculum of skill training for freestyle skiing, including moguls, free ride, and aerials. The objective is to offer coaching programs that focus on the acrobatic elements required to succeed in domestic and international competition. To accomplish this, Freestyle America programs occur at the premier training locations of North America, including the Lake Placid Olympic Jumping Complex, Horstman Glacier at Whistler/Backcomb ski area, and at our incomparable trampoline facility at the Mountain Fare Inn in Campton, New Hampshire.

Nick and Suzi have each served the sport of freestyle skiing since the days of it’s founders. Both were professional competitors in the 70’s and 80’s, and coached extensively during that time in Maine, as well as for the Junior World Team and the US Ski Team. Presently, Nick is head coach for the Waterville Valley Freestyle Program, the Waterville Valley Academy, and the Holderness School Freestyle Team.

In recognition of Nick’s dedication to skiing, Nick has received the US Olympic Committee’s 2002 Development Coach of the Year, the 2002 USSA Domestic Coach of the Year, USSA’s 2004 Freestyle Program of the Year, and the 2006 USSA Russell Wilder Award, recognizing the most outstanding effort in focusing the interests of American youth on the sports of skiing or snowboard.

In concluding this introduction “About Us”, we offer Freestyle America as something that is more “About You”! Here’s why:

Freestyle America is about the athlete:
Freestyle America is comprised of athletes that range in age from 8 to adult, and range in ability from novices to Olympians. All athletes have individualized training needs. Freestyle America coaches start athletes at their appropriate level of skill. Freestyle America’s mission is maximized training at minimized risk, while providing the finest possible training opportunities in the sport of freestyle skiing. All programs emphasize participation and esteem building experiences through the attention and guidance of our experienced staff.
Freestyle America is about skills progressions:
All sports have skill elements, but few demand the acrobatics, speed, altitude, and mental attitude of moguls, aerials, or freeride. Coaches teach athletes to master fundamental skills before advancing to more complex ones. Freestyle America is a curriculum of acrobatic training from basic tumbling, to trampoline, to ramps, to snow. Progression and age appropriate activities are the essential key to the success of Freestyle America programs.
Freestyle America is about continuity and curriculum:
Nick Preston has designed the Freestyle America training methodology based on his 20 years experience as a director and clinician with the USSA Freestyle Coaches Education Program. The technical skiing program offered in the Whistler/Blackcomb Camp reveals the most current PSIA and USSA Coach Education methodology. The aerial acrobatic skill program is based on current USSA Coaches Education and Athlete Qualification requirements. The core of the trampoline training program is based on the curriculum of the Canadian National Trampoline Team coach, Dave Ross. All our head coaches hold a USSA coaching license and USSA Coach Education Certification.
Freestyle America is about training environments:
The glacier courses at Blackcomb, the facilities at the Freestyle America Trampoline Center in New Hampshire, the water ramp and tramp facilities at the Olympic Jumping Complex in Lake Placid, New York each offer specialized training venues which optimize learning, while reducing risk. The locations are among the finest anywhere in the world.
Freestyle America is all about competition:
Competitive Freestyle Skiing consists of 5 disciplines across the 5 competitive levels of USSA and FIS competition. Freestyle America coaching programs are competitively focused, and strive to train participants for success according to USSA and FIS rules and judging criteria. More than 60 Freestyle America athletes have gone on to World Cup and Olympic levels. Many of our guest coaches are current US Team athletes.
Freestyle America is about fun for you and your friends:
Freestyle America people share a passion for skiing and other sports. Athletes and coaches lodge as a team, and share meals, sports activities, and quality time. The rapid learning experienced at camp creates a positive environment and one that nurtures participation and self-esteem. Freestyle America camps are frequently the highlight of the summer for campers and coaches alike.
Freestyle America is about youth development through sports:
Freestyle America is dedicated to offering outstanding educational and developmental opportunities in skiing, athletics, and wholesome summer camp experiences. All camps include setting goals and facing challenge with personal strength and mutual support. Coaches and staff promote athletic values, including proper rest, nutrition, hydration, respect for others, and good times with friends.