Athletics

Recreational Sports

All recreational sports are coed, and meet twice a week.

Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding (winter)

We travel to Mount Snow (about a 40­minute drive) on Wednesdays and Sundays.This activity is open to individ­uals of all skill levels. Mount Snow main­tains over 100 trails and has excellent snowmaking. Rentals and lessons are available and there is also a halfpipe for snowboarders. A minimum number of lessons is required to ensure that partici­pants can negotiate the mountain safely. Transportation is provided but students must purchase a trail pass and equipment.

Ballet (Level I, II and III) (fall, winter, spring)

This class will offer participants a strong foundation for any movement form through the vocabulary of ballet. In a supportive group environment, each individual will have the opportunity to gain physical strength, alignment, flexibility and articulation. Level I--all are welcome, no prior experience neces­sary. Level II and III--this ballet class will offer the opportunity to further expand one's vocabulary knowledge, strength and ability. Enrollment is by teacher's approval.

Dunham-Style Jazz Dance I, II & III (fall, winter, spring)

This class will explore various techniques of jazz dance with a focus on contempo­rary styles and the Dunham technique. Following a warm-up, students will learn specific dance skills as well as a range of jazz combinations. Three levels are offered, with approval of teacher needed for level two and level three.

Cross-Country Skiing (winter)

See Cross-Country Skiing, above.

Hiking (fall, spring)

Hiking invigorates the body, calms the mind and stimulates the senses. We will do some bushwhacking, but most of our walks will be on trails through the woods and fields in the vicinity of the school. We will refer to existing trail maps and create our own maps of our walks. Come prepared to walk with comfortable walking shoes, sneakers or boots, a water bottle, jacket and hat (optional). We will walk in all weather. Walks will be designed to bring us back to campus by the end of the activity period.

Horseback Riding (fall, spring)

The horse program offers riding lessons and trail rides for beginners to more advanced riders. Students learn to care for horses at the school’s stable.The program teaches balanced seat English rid­ing. Jumping and dressage lessons are also available.There is a $300 charge for participation in two days of this program each term.

Mountain Biking (fall, spring)

The group rides on school trails and local dirt roads.There is one long ride each week, and one shorter ride that focuses on technique and other specific skills. Each student is encouraged to ride at other times of the week to best develop their skills and fitness. Occasionally, when the weather is inclement, we’ll take time to clean and perform routine maintenance on our bikes. Participants must supply their own mountain bikes and helmets.

Renaissance-Style Fencing (winter)

Renaissance-style fencing is a historical martial art that aims to re-create the techniques of dueling taught by the masters of the 16th century with the addition of modern safety equipment. In practice, it looks like a cross between modern fencing and the stage combat techniques used in popular movies. We will start with basic positions and foot­work, learn how to use the blade in attack and defense and, finally, practice actual duels against one another.

Rock Climbing (spring)

Largely dependent on spring weather conditions, this activity meets twice a week and our climbing will usually be on the bouldering wall in the barn. Sometimes, however, we drive to Vermont Academy to climb with their program (an indoor wall with ropes). And sometimes we will meet on a Wednesday or Saturday for a longer day of climbing outdoors.Technique is emphasized in the belief that the best way to develop climbing strength is through repeated climbing. Students have the opportunity to help develop routes and problems on the bouldering wall, which has recently been expanded.

Running and Fitness (fall, spring)

Students will combine running on our beautiful trail system with stretching and strengthening exercises. The combination is guaranteed to leave you feeling fit and healthy. And it’s a great way to work up an appetite for dinner.

Snowshoeing (winter)

Snowshoers enjoy scenic tours through the snowy woods, taking advantage of the school’s rural campus and miles of trails. If the snow is limited, the group of 10 or 15 students will go hiking instead. The school supplies snowshoes and students learn how to use them and main­tain them. Participants learn to appreciate the pace of snowshoe travel, the beauty of the winter landscape, and the ability to travel through areas normally inaccessible the rest of the year, such as wetlands.

Ultimate Frisbee (fall, spring)

Ultimate Frisbee is organized as a two-day recreational sport in the fall and spring. Ultimate is a wonderful game to play at the high-school level for its emphasis on conditioning and skills, but especially because it is self-refereed at all levels of play. This challenges young athletes to be honest, calling fouls on themselves even as they try their hardest to win.

Weights and Fitness (all terms)

Students participate in a variety of resist­ance activities.The weightroom offers free weights, aerobic exercise machines (rowing, running) and strength-training machines.Abilities range from athletes who are training for other sports to people who just want to get in shape. Individualized programs are designed to meet all fitness needs.

Wilderness Skills (spring)

Experience all the aspects of being a Human Being powerfully aware and connected to the natural world by learning real skills of tracking animals, harvesting edible plants, fire-making, orienteering, surviving with next to nothing in total comfort, invisibility training to perceive what doesn't exist for most people, and hand-made crafts that release you from the dependence of modern consumption. Build a village where these skills and knowledge can be not only practiced but mastered. Coordinated by Vermont Wilderness School instructors.

Yoga (all terms)

Students will learn basic hatha yoga pos­tures in the Kripalu and Ashtanga traditions. Each class will begin with a flowing series of strengthening and balancing postures, followed by slow stretching and a long relaxation period. We will also learn partner postures.