Ski and Snowboard Program
Starting in January each year, students in third through ninth grade enjoy the tradition of a once-weekly ski day.
Students follow a half-day academic schedule and then head to Mt. Peter for an afternoon filled with skiing and snowboarding. Students are split into groups based on experience levels, working together and individually to master their skills on the slopes.
If your child isn’t a skier or snowboarder, have no fear, they will be in no time!
The ski program at Tuxedo Park School is more than just an exciting addition to the winter athletics program. Students begin their afternoons taking lessons from Mt. Peter ski instructors, working on individual skills, and pairing off with "ski buddies," giving everyone the opportunity to work and play together.
Race Day
The ski program concludes in February of each year with Ski Race Day. During this day, all students race for Green and Gold points and the coveted Jake Shepard Ski Bowl. Parents, faculty, and friends of TPS come together to cheer on students, whether it is their first time racing or they have previously competed. Race Day is a treasured community tradition!
After the race is complete, the Parent Association hosts a family tubing event at the mountain. Students of all ages, and their families, have a great time sliding down the mountain together.
Ski Day History and Traditions
The idea of weekly ski days began in the winter of 1963 under Headmaster John A. Shepard. During that first season, only a few students knew how to ski and found that skiing wasn't going to be an easy sport to learn. They realized that it took stamina and patience, as well as dedication and commitment to practice.
After that first winter term on the slopes, many of the students who had never skied gained significant skill and looked forward to Thursday afternoons on the slopes. After two or three seasons, skiing became quite competitive among the student body and was the new favorite sport during the winter term. A prize bowl was initiated in 1968 and continues to be awarded to this day.
Gore Mountain Ski Trip
In addition to weekly visits to Mt. Peter, students in seventh through ninth grade participate in an overnight ski trip to Gore Mountain, New York. This three-day, two-night trip is a highlight for upper school students as they take some time away from academics and trade in their textbooks for team building activities and full-days on the mountain. Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and hot cocoa by the fire are some of the many highlights of this experience.
