There’s something magical about the glaciers in Austria – the crisp mountain air, the endless rock formations, the first deep-blue shadows stretching across the glaciers. This year’s WVABBTS adventures abroad once again lived up to that magic, giving our athletes, families, and coaches an unforgettable blend of world-class training, cultural exploration, and community bonding.

Our Stubai experience offered two entirely different, but equally meaningful chapters:
Week 1: Focused U14 training and early-season development
Week 2: A lively commercial camp with families, younger athletes, and big adventures off the mountain

Here’s a look back at the highlights.

Week One: U14 Training — Back on Snow and Back in the Gates

For our U14 athletes, the first week in Austria was all about reawakening the fundamentals and reconnecting with the snow after summer and fall training. The glacier offered ideal early-season conditions, letting the team sharpen edges, rebuild movement patterns, and get back into a training rhythm.

Gates were set, skills were tested, and confidence grew quickly.

The athletes returned each day a little stronger, a little quicker, and a little more connected to what they love most—carving shapes into real snow again.

A special highlight was watching new U14 Coach Tyler Lefebvre connect with our new Academy students, helping them transition into the culture, expectations, and camaraderie of WVA and being a student-athlete. Ty’s leadership, positivity, and guidance helped unite the group, and it showed in both their skiing and their growing trust in each other.

It was a week fueled by focus, grit, laughter, and the kind of progress that only happens through dedicated training on exceptional terrain.

Week Two: Commercial Camp — Families, Fun, and Big Mountain Adventures

The second week shifted into a more vibrant, community-wide experience as parents,  U10-U14 athletes joined the adventure. What unfolded was equal parts training camp, family vacation, and cultural immersion.

Skiing the Mountain Face with Backpacks On

One of the most memorable days came when the group skied from the top of the mountain all the way down the face — backpacks on, smiles wide. It wasn’t just a run; it was an experience. Younger athletes got a taste of alpine adventure, and parents loved experiencing the thrill of going through tunnels, bridges and steep switchbacks down the face.

Views of the Dolomites from top of Tyrol — 3,210 Meters Up

Reaching the top of Tyrol at 3,210 meters offered a view none of us will soon forget: the stunning silhouettes of the Dolomites in the distance. Watching our athletes pause: quiet, reflective — while taking in the vastness of the Alps reminded us of one of the greatest gifts of this trip: perspective. Skiing teaches grit, but the mountains teach awe.

Seeing a World Cup Freeski Venue Up Close

Another highlight was visiting the site of the World Cup freeski competitions on the back side of Stubai Glacier. Standing where the world’s best push the limits of Freeski was breathtaking.

Beyond Skiing: Innsbruck, Italy, and Shared Meals

Austria wasn’t just about gates, edge angles, and elevation. It was also about:

• Exploring Innsbruck with its pastel buildings, elaborate Christmas market and mountain views at every turn.
• Crossing the border into Italy for another Christmas market, beautiful churches and Tyrolean Italian inspired food.
• Eating meals together long tables filled with athletes, parents, coaches, and friends.

These shared moments became the glue that bonded the group. There’s something about traveling together; carrying skis through airports, sitting side-by-side on gondolas, trying new foods, skiing down switchbacks –  that builds community in a way nothing else can.

A Community That Trains Together, Learns Together, Grows Together

The beauty of our Austria trip is how it blends athlete-focused development with community-building experiences. Athletes returned home not only with stronger skiing skills, but also with:

• More confidence
• A deeper sense of belonging
• A stronger connection to their coaches
• Broader cultural awareness
• Memories that will stay with them for a lifetime

It was a trip filled with laughter, challenge, adventure, and growth— everything WVABBTS strives to provide both on and off the mountain.

Until Next Year…

As we look ahead to the winter season, our time in Austria has set the tone: focused, supportive, adventurous, and connected. We’re proud of the athletes who showed resilience, joy, and curiosity, and grateful to the families who trusted us with this experience.

Here’s to more skiing, more growth, and more unforgettable moments. Check out some highlights from the trip.