CRMS offers a Big Mountain Alpine Program. Big Mountain skiing focuses on an expression of creativity, precision, and fun in the winter mountain environment. Students will need to be expert skiers and be comfortable with powder skiing (assessments will be made as to appropriateness). Skiers will focus on searching for the best lines on potentially steep, complex terrain. Developing risk assessment skills and judgment will also be a large part of this team experience. The team will also participate in two local competitions.

One of the best ways to enjoy carving turns in fresh powder in the backcountry is to first earn them by skinning or hiking up, which is why we call this group "Powder Hounds." CRMS instructors introduce and practice the basic concepts of avalanche awareness and precautions. This active group will spend the majority of its time in the backcountry, but will also ride lifts to explore various “Hike-To” terrain from the top of the lifts as well as the adjacent “Side-Country” beyond the ski area boundaries. All student participants are required to carry the proper avalanche equipment when entering the backcountry (CRMS can provide avalanche safety equipment). This offering is open to advanced intermediate to expert skiers and riders.

The Freestyle Park and Pipe program provides an opportunity for skiers and snowboarders to explore freestyle terrain. Taught by seasoned Aspen Skiing Company instructors, these lessons cover the essential skills and techniques required to navigate terrain parks and halfpipes with confidence and style. Participants will learn how to master jumps, rails, and superpipes while emphasizing safety, progression, and fun. It is both for beginners seeking to explore the freestyle realm or experienced riders looking to refine their skills.

Starting with the second quarter, the Nordic Ski Team meets four afternoons per week and some weekends. The goal is to help skiers develop their full racing potential. Workouts are individualized and self-motivation is crucial. The competition season starts in mid-December and continues through the end of March. The major racing focus is on the Colorado High School Athletic Association (CHSSA) races. However, CRMS also partners with the Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club and athletes may make additional training arrangements directly with AVSC and compete in the Rocky Mountain International race series as is appropriate for each student.

Students learn the basics of nordic skiing on groomed trails. These skiers, instructed by Colorado Rocky Mountain School faculty, ski mainly at the local Spring Gulch Trail System and work on techniques specific to in-track skiing. Because the training is not as extensive as the Nordic Team’s, this activity allows students to explore their interest in cross-country skiing without having to commit as much time. Colorado Rocky Mountain School is able to provide all necessary equipment besides winter clothing.

To accommodate increased student interest in the sport of ski mountaineering, CRMS is the first high school in the country to offer a SkiMo program. The SkiMo team will meet four days a week, starting with dry-land training and then on snow at least two days a week starting in January. This team sport involves skiing uphill and downhill in alpine terrain on a designated route. The team's purpose is to teach students the skills needed for efficient uphill skiing, downhill descents, and transitions between the two, all while emphasizing safety in mountain environments. By participating in randonee racing, students will not only improve their physical fitness but also develop technical expertise in this new popular sport. There will be multiple opportunities to participate in local races throughout the winter.

Separate groups of beginning and intermediate riders meet one full day each week at the Snowmass ski area. Qualified Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club instructors and Colorado Rocky Mountain School faculty provide lessons for every level. This activity runs for the entire winter term. Should a student have the ability and desire to pursue competitive snowboarding, Colorado Rocky Mountain School can help make arrangements through AVSC for additional coaching time and event participation.

The CRMS winter schedule offers an amazing opportunity to get out for a full day of winter exploration! This offering focuses on snowshoeing and getting out to adventure on our local trails and mountains. Students will learn snowshoeing fundamentals with equipment provided by the school. Aspen Center for Environmental Science (ACES) guides will also show us about winter animal tracks and adaptations, snow properties, and more. Get ready to experience the joy of a Colorado winter day!

This is a developmental competitive program designed for students with backcountry telemark experience or with a strong Alpine ski background. The team starts with dryland training two afternoons a week in the second quarter and spends the winter quarter training on snow at the Aspen ski areas. The primary goal of the team is to produce well-rounded telemark skiers with a mild amount of competitive experience. Students are expected to attend freestyle competitions.

This telemark group skis one full day per week during the winter at Aspen ski areas, accompanied by Colorado Rocky Mountain School faculty. All levels are welcome, from never-evers to advanced free heelers.