WVA Freeski
WVA Freestyle: A Legacy of Innovation, Excellence & Champions
At Waterville Valley Academy, Freestyle skiing isn’t just a sport—it’s a tradition, a community, and a proven pathway to the podium. From pioneering mogul skiing to launching Olympic dreams, WVA has long been at the forefront of freestyle athlete development in the U.S.
Our program is fueled by elite coaching, world-class facilities, and a year-round progression pathway that transforms ambitious skiers into elite competitors. Whether it’s slopestyle, big air, rail jams, halfpipe, or moguls, WVA athletes have every tool and opportunity to elevate their skills and reach their goals.
On-Snow Training Grounds
WVA Freestyle athletes train daily at Waterville Valley Resort, home to cutting-edge terrain parks, mogul courses, and customized jump features. During the off-season, our teams travel to Mt. Hood and Mt. Sima for on-snow training camps that keep their edge sharp all year long.
Year-Round Progression with Phil’s Hill & Barbeau Training Center
We’re proud to offer some of the best dryland training facilities in the East—right on campus. Phil’s Hill, our on-campus airbag and jump hill, lets athletes safely develop and perfect aerial tricks with precision. Coupled with the trampolines, foam pits, and strength facilities at the Thomas Barbeau Training Center, WVA athletes experience a training loop that’s both elite and effective.
A Proven Track Record of Champions
The results speak for themselves. WVA has produced a pipeline of U.S. Ski Team athletes, including standout siblings Hunter and Grace Henderson, and freestyle star Julia Kraus. Of course, we can’t forget the legendary Hannah Kearney, Olympic gold medalist and former World Cup dominator in moguls—another proud product of the Waterville freestyle legacy.
This level of success is no accident—it’s built on dedicated coaching, individualized athlete management, and a supportive culture that encourages athletes to go big and dream bigger.
2019 U.S Ski & Snowboard Freeskiing Club of the Year
2 Nor-Am/Rev Tour wins │ 4 Nor-AM/Rev Tour podium Finishes │ 5 athletes currently in the top 10 on the Nor-Am tour │ 3 World Cup starts │ 1 top 10 World Cup finish │ 2 invited athletes to Junior Worlds
Freeski Coaches
Dan Shuffleton // Freeski, Freestyle & Snowboard Director
Dan brings more than 15 years of freeski and acrobatic training experience to WVBBTS. He is a Level 400 certified Aerial coach. He has worked with athletes who have appeared on both the national and international freeskiing scene. In 2014 and 2020, US Ski & Snowboard named Dan the U.S. Freeskiing Domestic Coach of Year.
Matthew Crowe// Freeski Head Coach
Matt has been a full-time coach for WVBBTS/WVA since 2016. Matt was a WVA athlete himself where he competed and trained with Coach Dan Shuffleton. Matt is passionate about physical training and is a certified personal trainer and is often seen leading work-outs with athletes. In his free time, you can catch Matt cycling and climbing all over NH.
Training Facilities
Thomas Barbeau Training Center
The Thomas Barbeau Training Center opened in 2014
The facility is home to the majority of WVA's off-snow training and preparation. The facility includes free weights, squat racks, a dozen spin bikes, recovery equipment, space for stretching & works-outs, and a basketball hoop!
The TBTC also houses WVA's indoor trampolines. The two inground trampolines are used by Freeski, Freestyle, and Snowboard athletes to work on acrobatic skills before trying them outside on the bag or snow.
Phil's Hill Training Center
Phil’s Hill Bagjump Training Center at Snow’s Mountain, located on the campus of Waterville Valley Academy, is a 275’ jumping venue that is used to train athletes year-round in conditions of increased safety.
For Freeskiers, Freestylers, and Snowboarders, learning a new trick in a safe environment before trying it on snow is key! The first of its kind on the East Coast, the training venue has two take-offs to accommodate beginner and advanced athletes as they launch into the air and land safely on the BagJump airbag. Athletes slide down the exit area of the airbag, get coaching feedback, then hike back up to do it again.
The WVBBTS Bagjump is a high-tech innovative tool for athletes to learn and qualify their tricks safely! The multi-chambered, airbag apparatus is used for absorbing the impact of landings.
WVA Freeski
Waterville Valley Academy's Freeski Program