The JHSC SkiMo Team is an entry-level ski mountaineering training program and a brand-new offering at JHSC. Skimo, short for ski mountaineering, is an endurance-based winter sport where athletes climb uphill on skis using skins, transition quickly, and ski back down through mountain terrain. The sport made its Olympic debut at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.

Athletes will train at Snow King on Tuesdays from 4:30–6:30 p.m., December through mid-March, for a total of 14 sessions. Training will be approximately 80 percent on snow and 20 percent in the gym. Athletes will build fitness through dedicated interval training, light strength work, and core workouts while also practicing efficient transitions from skinning to skiing and skiing back to skinning.

Athletes will be trained and encouraged to participate in a SkiMo race at the end of the season. Coaches can also help identify other race opportunities for interested athletes. Racing is optional, and parents will need to provide transportation.

Athletes of any experience level are welcome. For athletes already participating in another JHSC program, the SkiMo Team can be a great addition to their winter schedule. All athletes will be required to complete an Avalanche Level 1 course at the beginning of the season. Athletes enrolled in the four-month Backcountry Program will complete this requirement through that program.

Join us for the first season of the JHSC SkiMo Team as we build this new program from the ground up. We are starting small, with a focus on fun, fitness, and learning the sport, and we are excited to see how the team grows in the years ahead. For athletes interested in a more comprehensive backcountry program, check out our four-month Backcountry Program, where athletes also spend the season ski touring in the mountains.

Open to ages 13 - 18.  Motivated younger athletes may contact program director for consideration. 
 

This program is put on in partnership with Exum Mountain Guides and the American Avalanche Institute.  

Please read all drop-down menus below, or contact bvotilla@jhskiclub.org for more information. 

Training Schedule 

2026-2027 Season

Snow King Sessions:

Tuesdays - December 1 - March 9 (no training Christmas week): 14 sessions 

Avalanche Level One Course:
Early December - 2 field days and one classroom half day session.  Exact date TBD 

Parent / athlete team meeting: 2hr in person evening session in early November 5:30 - 7:00

Wasatch Powderkeg Race*:  TBD

Dryland: Optional drop in style dryland program will be offered in the fall.

Competition & Events 

Wasatch Powderkeg Race - Salt Lake City- date is yet to be announced, typically mid March.
Races are optional - touch base with coaches for more race opportunities.  At this point we are not offering JHSC transportation to races.

Fees & Obligations 

2025-2026 Program Fees

Through August 31	September 1 - October 31	After October 31

Price with / without Level 1 Avalanche Certification 

Price includes gratuities 

Avalanche Course Requirement

Although our ski-mo team will primarily train inbounds, Jackson has a strong backcountry skiing culture, and many young athletes will eventually be exposed to uphill travel outside the resort. Because we are teaching kids the skills to move efficiently in the mountains, we believe they should also have a baseline education in avalanche awareness, decision-making, and companion rescue. For that reason, completion of an Avalanche Level 1 course is required for ski-mo athletes.

Athletes are required to attend both classroom and field AAI sessions to obtain their Avalanche Level1 certification.  

If you are already enrolled in the 4-Month Backcountry Program, please do not register for the Avalanche Level 1 course here, as that course is already included in your program. Athletes who have completed an Avalanche Level 1 course within the last 12 months may also skip this requirement by providing proof of completion.

Dryland Training

$35 per dryland training session

Optional Trips

JHSC Backcountry Program offers a number of unique trips and travel opportunities.  This includes a mid winter Montana hut trip, and an international spring break trip.   Please see our trips page for more information. 

Payment Plan

An installment plan of equal payments from the date of registration through December is available when you register. 

Scholarships

Need-based scholarships available, learn more

Ski Passes

Athletes need a Snow King Mountain Uphill Pass 

Parents are required to provide transportation for their athlete to and from Snow King on weeknight sessions.  Public or school busses may be an option for Tuesday evening sessions.

 

Physical Requirements  

JHSC coaches will work with athletes to help them build fitness and perform at their best throughout the season. The ski-mo team will have a stronger fitness focus than the general Backcountry Program, including uphill intervals, core strength, endurance work, and efficient movement on skis.

That said, ski-mo is a physically demanding sport, and athletes should come into the program with a base level of fitness. Athletes should be comfortable hiking to the top of Snow King with a light to medium-sized pack and should expect to skin up Snow King regularly throughout the season.

Athletes should also have strong downhill skiing skills and feel comfortable skiing a variety of ungroomed snow conditions. If you are unsure about your athlete’s physical ability or fitness for the program, please reach out to Backcountry Program Director Blake Votilla. Motivated athletes often build fitness quickly and feel great in the program.
 

Snow King Information  

Snow King uphill or season pass is required for the Ski Mo team.

Please read this information about skinning up Snow King:
 

APPROVED WINTER UPHILL ROUTES
During operating hours Uphill Travellers are required to stay on the approved uphill routes:

• The Bootpack, The Cat’s Tail, and connector from the East of the ice rink to the summer trail. See uphill routes on the SK Trail Map.

Uphill Travelers are prohibited from entering closed terrain at any time. It is the user’s responsibility to know what terrain is closed. Please direct any questions regarding closed trails or terrain to the Snow King Ski Patrol at 307.201.5667 during normal business hours or check “Mountain Conditions” on Snow King's website at snowkingmountain.com or Snow King Mobile App.

Uphill policy is on this page:

https://snowkingmountain.com/activities/uphill-travel/

SKI PATROL
No ski patrol services are available outside of normal operating hours. During normal operating hours, ski patrol response may be unavailable for unpatrolled terrains, such as the upper mountain during night skiing. Uphill users are prohibited from entering closed terrain at any time. It is the user’s responsibility to know what terrain is closed.

 

Work Deposit

There is an _ point work deposit commitment with this program. What is work deposit? Learn about it here. 

Team Meeting

November date TBA at 6pm in the Snow King Lodge Room

JHSC Policies

Parent/Athlete Handbook

Equipment Recommendations 

Athletes will be traveling uphill on Snow King and are required to have the following:

• Touring specific ski or splitboard bindings (i.e. Dynafit, G3, Plum, Spark R&D)
• Climbing skins
• Properly fitting touring friendly ski or snowboard boots
• Skis or splitboard 
• Backpack with food and water 
• Clothing suitable for backcountry travel in a variety of conditions (layers, down jacket, waterproof shell, multiple pairs of gloves)
• Helmet, and eye protection
• Headlamp (for Snow King training sessions)
  
  Avalanche equipment is not required for this program.  Aside from the avalanche level one course, we will be training in bounds at Snow King - we will have avalanche equipment that you may borrow for the Avalanche Level 1 Course
• Lightweight "Ski Mo" specific setups are encouraged, but not required.  Athletes may participate with their standard backcountry ski kits

Please reach out with any equipment related questions.

There is a lot of used gear floating around our community and we would be happy to help with finding equipment. Please contact bvotilla@jhskiclub.org if in need of acquiring gear.