5-week PROGRAM for 6th-9th Graders

Powder Term

Carve your path during our 2026 session, which will run January 24-February 27. Don’t miss your chance!

26 unplugged teens.
One life-changing adventure.

Powder Term is a fully immersive, non-traditional learning experience that empowers 6th-9th graders to stretch their limits in every way imaginable.

For five weeks, students trade mind-numbing lectures for accelerated academics, smartphones for expert ski instruction, and everyday pressures for unforgettable adventures in the mountains of southwest Colorado.

Prentice H.,

Powder Term parent

It is our job as parents to help our kids find their superpower. Step one in that effort is to give them the tools to be curious, independent, and confident. This experience checked all those boxes — in spades. I feel so good about our decision to send Mars to Powder Term.”

A day in the
Powder Term life

We structure each day around unplugging and immersing ourselves in the mountain experience. We provide students with the opportunity to stay present, develop self, and fulfill their potential in three critical areas.

AM: Physical mastery

Our students spend their mornings out on the slopes, either working in small groups with their coaches or enjoying “buddy-ski” with their friends.

These invigorating and unforgettable mornings expand their limits as they experience the deep fulfillment that comes from pursuing mastery of a single skill.

PM: Academic mastery

Weekday afternoons are spent working on home academics and Discover Term projects, like Project Avalanche.

Our hybrid courses combine the latest self-paced, adaptive learning platforms and Socratic, discussion-style education — giving every student the opportunity to excel.

24/7: Self mastery

Evenings and weekends include a rotation of free time, book club, leadership games, Durango excursions, and movie night.
Communal-style living and group activities foster self-reliance while empowering participants to forge friendships that last a lifetime. In this dynamic group setting, our students rapidly learn how to communicate, collaborate, and advocate for themselves.

A day in the 
Powder Term life

We structure each day around unplugging and immersing ourselves in the mountain experience. We provide students with the opportunity to stay present, develop self, and fulfill their potential in three critical areas.

Example Weekday Schedule

7:45 am
Breakfast
Fuel up and clean up
9:15 am
Morning Ski & Snowboard
Coached in small, level-based groups
11:45 am
Lunch
Student-prepared from our lunch pantry
1:00 pm
Project and Individual Academic Work
Project Avalanche or math, English, science from home
4:30 pm
Alternating Study Hall & Leadership
Work together and play together
6:00 pm
Dinner
Chef and student-prepared, group clean-up
8:00 pm
Free Time
Group discussion or workshop on a specific topic
10:00 pm
Evening Wrap
Clean up and calm down
Powder Term students analyzing sections of snow
A skier making a jump
3 young snowboarders posing together on a ski slope

Ready to hit the slopes?

Natalie H.,

Powder Term parent

Cameron went to Powder Term wanting more. I'm not sure that she knew what that meant but every bit of her experience was transformative. From community living to challenging herself both academically and physically, she will carry these core memories with her throughout the rest of her life. It was powerful.”

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Academics

Designed for every student’s success

Our academic programs blend place-based projects with the latest adaptive learning platforms. We focus on six key courses developed by expert educators:

  • Intensive core math via Khan Academy
  • Intensive core English via NoRedInk and Lexia
  • Hands-on, project-based science & social studies
  • A 22-session group leadership course
  • Foreign language coursework brought from home, completed with on-site tutors
Our Campus

The Black Diamond Lodge

Located one mile south of Purgatory Resort, our cozy and welcoming lodge offers a perfect blend of comfort and proximity to outdoor adventures.

The town of Durango is only a 25-minute drive away, with local amenities such as the Durango Hot Springs and the Durango Community Recreation Center. It’s also the home of our community service partners for our Summit & Service program.

Powder Term students pose together in the Black Diamond Lodge

Still have questions?

Ready to claim your spot?

Yes! Powder Term students are welcome to either ski or snowboard, as long as they pick one single discipline to focus on throughout the program.

Students do not need to have any prior experience, but they will need to be physically fit enough to spend a few hours each day skiing/snowboarding (or learning to do so). We recommend students spend at least 30 minutes per day in rigorous activity for a month leading up to Powder Term. Activities could include skiing, basketball, soccer, swimming, running, etc.

To ensure they’re challenged appropriately and set up for success, students are grouped by similar ability level and previous experience. Our goal is to create an environment where each student feels both supported and stretched in their learning.

We regularly reassess and reshuffle groups based on how students are progressing, what they’re interested in focusing on and how they’re engaging with the activity. This flexible approach allows us to meet students where they are and help them continue to grow at their own pace.
No, Discover Term provides either skis and poles or a snowboard for all participants. Students are welcome to bring their own ski and snowboard gear if they prefer.All students must bring their own winter clothing and personal gear (such as helmets and goggles), as outlined in the student packing list.
Yes, all parents/guardians are required to purchase a Power Pass for their student. These are used daily during Powder Term at Purgatory Mountain Resort. Even if your child is 12 years old or younger and qualifies for free skiing or snowboarding at Purgatory, you must still complete the process of acquiring a Power Pass and signing the necessary Purgatory waivers.

We’ll provide detailed instructions on how to complete this process before the start of the term to ensure everything is set up for your child’s arrival.