[2] The academy is operated in conjunction with Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, providing a traditional and flexible academic program while giving student-athletes the opportunity to train and compete at the international and Olympic level.

[2][3] As of 2011, the program serves about 200 students at the middle school and high school level, and includes individuals who competed at the 2010 Winter Olympics held in Vancouver, British Columbia, as well as members of the United States Ski Team and a number of elite-level junior competitors.

Similar publicly funded winter sports training programs have existed in European countries for years, where they have achieved success in developing Olympic champions.

[2] While the academic program is free for county residents, the ski and snowboard training costs a minimum of $7,500 per year, but upwards or 50,000 depending onw how much you travel.

[2] Students use laptop computers that allow them to complete coursework and interact with teachers remotely, wherever training or competitive events may take them.