Powder Term instills foundational principles that empower teens to fulfill their potential in three critical areas — Physical, Academic, and Self Mastery. This development occurs not only during their five weeks in the San Juan mountains of Colorado but carried with them for the rest of their lives.

Each of the three primary areas of mastery requires building new skills, knowledge, attitudes, and experiences. At Powder Term, we create new physical and mental health habits and modes of self-direction, time management, project execution, leveraging adaptive learning platforms, and leadership skills.

What is Academic Mastery?

Every student can achieve academic excellence if given the right combination of challenge and agency to suit their needs. We embrace hybrid courses that combine the latest self-paced, adaptive learning platforms and Socratic, discussion-style education. We also create authentic, place-based learning experiences that allow students to see the value of their skills and knowledge in action.

At Powder Term, your student has left the traditional classroom and entered a learning environment where time outside is valued as much as studying - and studying is not limited to the inside of four walls. To maximize each day, our students learn how to make their academic hours count to get out in Purgatory Resort's sparkly, powdery trails.

Each day, students sit down at the start of Study Hall and set a goal for what they want to achieve in the next hour. Students do not have unlimited computer access at Powder Term, so they must learn to make the time necessary to get schoolwork done count!

At the end of the hour, the students reflect upon how they did. Without the distraction of phones and unlimited screen time, students begin to hone in on what best supports their concentration and learning.

Discover Term creates authentic learning experiences resulting in meaningful work. Building on learning pioneers like Maria Montessori – learning accelerates when your work is significant. At Powder Term, we simulate avalanche rescue scenarios, plan expeditions, and consult with experts in mountaineering and safety.

What is Physical Mastery?

A healthy mind and body elevate each other—and we believe the two are equally important. Our rigorous athletic programs get teens off the couch and into the great outdoors for a refreshing and unforgettable experience. Best of all, participants can explore and expand their physical and mental limits as they experience the deep fulfillment of pursuing mastery of a single skill.

While we plan for every participant to improve significantly their skiing skills at Powder Term, becoming a competitive skier in 5-weeks is not the objective. Our goal is for every student to gain the building blocks and understanding for how to achieve mastery in their own lives - both on and off the slopes.

Every morning, Powder Term students wake up, fuel up with a nutritious breakfast, and hit the slopes! All students ski for 3+ hours six days a week, with the option to ski all seven days. There is a blend of focused coached sessions as well as student-directed sessions. Skilled coaches are on the mountain with the students at all times.

Training is not limited to just on the slope. Students improve their ski/snowboard skills both out in the elements as well as from the comforts of our lodge.

From providing feedback in ski analysis sessions, studying photos and videos of one another to daily journaling about the conditions and one’s progress to practicing different techniques on land, students are constantly gaining growth opportunities. In addition, students practice yoga, mindfulness, and meditation to support their physical pursuits. Yoga and meditation build great body/mind awareness and give students tools to stay calm and centered, even amongst tricky conditions or in the face of fear / doubt.

The Discover Term ski experience aims to introduce a mastery mindset and equip students with tools to practice for mastering any physical skill. These building blocks will be transferable to any feet they may set out to conquer.

What is Self Mastery?

Ultimately, the most impactful growth at Powder Term is self-mastery. The skills and practices gained from the Physical and Academic pillars of Mastery flow into the immense development of character and independence of Self at Discover Term.

On-campus, communal-style living fosters independence and self-reliance while empowering participants to forge deep friendships that last a lifetime. There is no better (or faster) way for teens to learn how to respectfully communicate, collaborate, and advocate for their needs and preferences than in this dynamic group setting.

Away from home, regular routine, and family, Powder Term students learn about themselves and their needs rapidly. They wake up early each morning, choose their own breakfast fuel, ski, shower, and then it’s time to hit the books. It’s up to the students to be on time and advocate for something when needed. With limited computer time, students learn to make every minute of study hall count to use their time efficiently. This leaves the rest of the day to play, explore, read, or pursue a personal hobby such as guitar or art!

Some questions the students explore throughout Powder Term are:

• How do you relate to others?

• How do you connect to yourself?

• What do you do in the face of a challenge

• Who am I?

• What is the life I dream of?

• What are the steps I can take to get there?

Powder Term students leave with lasting connections, heightened self-awareness, and a clear sense of purpose and direction. They are invigorated, motivated, transformed, and equipped to take charge of their education and lives!

Read more about past students and their family’s reflections after Powder and Surf Terms.