Shaun White Partners with U.S. Ski & Snowboard for Olympic Talent Development at Mount Hood

Shaun White and Project Gold: A New Era in Snow Sports

In an exciting development for the world of winter sports, three-time Olympic gold medalist Shaun White has partnered with U.S. Ski & Snowboard to launch Project Gold, a national talent search and development initiative. This project is designed to mentor up-and-coming snowboard and freeski athletes from across the United States. The inaugural session will take place from June 15 to 21, 2025, at the High Cascade Snowboard Camp and Windells Freeski Camp, located on the scenic Mount Hood in Oregon.

This collaboration marks a significant step in bridging grassroots summer camp culture with the structured pathway of the national team. Project Gold will bring together 60 of the top junior athletes for a week of Olympic-level coaching and evaluation, which is crucial for many young athletes who aspire to represent the U.S. in the Olympic Games. The initiative not only emphasizes skill development but also fosters personal growth and relationships among young athletes.

Central to this project is the introduction of a state-of-the-art landing bag training system—North America’s biggest—which is poised to change the dynamics of athlete training. This revolutionary setup includes a 30-foot-wide adjustable takeoff ramp and an extensive landing zone, enabling athletes to practice jumps up to 60 feet. Funded partly by parents of a Wy'East Mountain Academy alumnus, this facility is set to open for broader use after the Project Gold athletes get the chance to train on it.

One of the defining moments during this inaugural session will be Shaun White's visit on June 17, where he will share insights gathered from his own experience in youth development and the challenges faced on his Olympic journey. White emphasizes the importance of such initiatives, stating, "This is a key moment for developing talent here in the U.S. We've always had incredible young riders, and now we have the infrastructure and partnerships to help them grow at home, starting at the grassroots level."

Participation in Project Gold is exclusive to athletes selected based on their performance in various competitions, including the Revolution Tour and USASA National Championships. These young talents will benefit from a nurturing, developmental environment rather than a result-driven atmosphere. Anouk Patty, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Chief of Sport, highlighted that the focus will be on long-term progression and the development of critical relationships between athletes and coaches.

For many young athletes, the journey often begins at the High Cascade and Windells camps, which offer summer-long training sessions. These camps welcome snowboarders of all skill levels—from beginners to elite competitors. Athletes can participate in these camps multiple times, ensuring they receive ample training to hone their skills before potentially earning an invite to Project Gold.

The June session will be facilitated by a dedicated coaching team, including members from the Hydro Flask U.S. Snowboard Team, Stifel U.S. Freeski Team, and the experienced staff from High Cascade and Windells. These coaches not only guide the athletes on snow but also focus on instilling trust and assessing their long-term potential in the sport.

As the momentum builds for Project Gold, its founders and supporters see the potential this initiative holds for shaping the future of Olympic-caliber winter sports athletes in the U.S. The official websites for further information include U.S. Ski & Snowboard, High Cascade Snowboard Camp, Windells Freeski Camp, and Wy'East Mountain Academy.

Shaun White's contributions to this project signify his commitment to fostering the next generation of snow sports athletes, ensuring they have the opportunity, resources, and support needed to excel on the world stage.