Waterville Valley Academy (WVA) is a premier snowsports academy and college-preparatory school nestled in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Established in 1972, WVA has cultivated generations of champions, including Olympians, U.S. Ski Team athletes, and NCAA standouts, by combining world-class training with academic rigor.

At WVA, we believe in building the whole athlete. Our unique model blends elite coaching, individualized learning, and a strong community grounded in the core values of GRIT—Growth, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork. Students train on high-performance terrain steps from campus, supported by a team of passionate educators and coaches who understand what it takes to succeed at the highest levels.

Recognized as the birthplace of freestyle skiing and a leader in alpine development, WVA is more than a school—it's a pathway to the podium. Whether your goal is the Olympics, a national title, or college athletics, WVA equips student-athletes to rise to every challenge—on snow, in the classroom, and in life.

The Waterville Valley community is the perfect backdrop for adventure, growth, and connection. Our campus is surrounded by abundant recreation opportunities—from trails and ski terrain to tennis courts and a golf course that literally weaves through campus.

We make the most of our mountain setting year-round. Students participate in the 4,000-Footer Club, working toward the goal of summiting all 48 of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot peaks during their time at WVA—a proud tradition that reflects our spirit of challenge and achievement. Rock climbing and mountain biking are in abundance.

Just steps from campus, students can walk to local shops, restaurants, the ice arena, and the White Mountain Athletic Club, where they train in the fitness center and pool. Nearby Plymouth, NH, adds further convenience and access for off-campus excursions.

Student Voice, Leadership and Internships

Voices aren't just heard—they are valued, elevated, and empowered. We believe leadership is a skill developed through experience, and our students play a central role in shaping the culture and energy of our campus community.

Each year, students elect their peers to the WVA Student Council, a representative body that serves as a bridge between students and faculty. The council leads campus-wide initiatives, plans events, and advocates for student interests—ensuring that student perspectives influence decision-making and school-wide experiences. From organizing community activities to driving meaningful conversations, the Student Council helps build a connected, inclusive, and spirited school culture.

WVA also fosters leadership beyond campus through a growing summer internship program. This initiative connects students with real-world experiences in fields like healthcare, marketing, operations, non-profit work, sciences, and outdoor education—offering a chance to gain professional insight, develop life skills, and build networks for future success.

Whether it’s through governance, innovation, or service, WVA students are encouraged to take initiative, develop their leadership voice, and leave their mark—on the hill, in the classroom, and in the world.

Your Ski Home Away from Home

You’re not just signing up for elite snow sports training—you’re joining a community, a tradition, and a home.

This is a place where lifelong friendships are forged on frosty mornings, where coaches know your name, your goals, and your grit. It’s where athletes come to chase podiums and discover who they are in the process.

Our classrooms, training centers, dorms with dining hall and home-cooked athlete specific meals are more than facilities—they’re a second home, designed to support your full potential as a student-athlete and human being.

With a dedicated staff, close-knit community, and values built on GRIT—Growth, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork—WVABBTS is where passion meets purpose.

This isn’t just a ski academy. It’s home base for your biggest dreams.