SAM Magazine-Whitefish, Mont., Sept. 23, 2008-Whitefish Mountain Resort, in conjunction with Whitefish School District 55 and the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF), is creating the Whitefish Alpine and Freestyle Ski Academy for middle and high school student athletes for the 2008-2009 school year and ski season. The academy will offer programs for alpine ski racers, freestyle skiers and snowboarders.

The program allows for two full mid-week afternoon training sessions in addition to weekend training and competitions. The Whitefish School District will assign an academic liaison to schedule core classes and monitor academic progress throughout the season. Participating students must maintain a "B" average.

Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation president Richard Kramer has worked closely with the three groups in creating the program. "This is a real windfall for our Valley," he said. "No longer will elite athletes have to move away from their families in order to train. Kids as young as 11 years old can now live, train, and go to school in their home town." \