BMA X THE LIFT-BORNE

Since 1970, Burke Mountain Academy (BMA) has defined and redefined what is possible in ski racing. As the first ski academy in the U.S., BMA created a model that focuses on elite-level skiing paired with rigorous academics. Located in East Burke, Vermont, this coed boarding school continues to push boundaries—most recently, with its campus expansion to Sterzing, Italy, immersing athletes in the heart of European racing. Burkies come from around the world to attend BMA for one reason: to see just how far they can go.

THE LIFT-BORNE has had the honor of supplying clothing to the BMA team, currently training and racing in Europe as they prepare to take on the classic slopes of Kitzbühel. We had the opportunity to sit down for a brief chat before they set off.

Interviewer (THE LIFT-BORNE):
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us! Burke Mountain Academy has an incredible reputation for producing world-class alpine ski racers. Let’s start with the basics: What sets Burke apart from other programs?

Burke Mountain Academy (BMA):
Ski racing is at the heart of everything we do. We’re constantly asking ourselves how we can continue to push the limits to be the best ski academy out there. That means evolving and adapting to give our athletes every opportunity to succeed. This year, every athlete will get the chance to train at our second location in Sterzing, Italy, which offers even more access to world-class facilities. With our training hill on Burke Mountain and a close-knit community, BMA is where athletes can truly grow and thrive.

THE LIFT-BORNE:
Your athletes, the “Burkies,” are renowned worldwide. What do you think is the key to their success on the slopes?

BMA:
It’s a combination of factors. First, we instill a strong sense of discipline and work ethic in all our athletes. Second, we have an exceptional coaching staff—not only are they incredibly experienced, but several, including our Sport Director Jesse Hunt '83, are BMA alumni. They understand the process firsthand and are deeply committed to developing the next generation of athletes. And third, we focus on mindset—helping athletes build resilience and confidence to perform under pressure.

THE LIFT-BORNE:
How do you balance academics and intense training schedules?

BMA:
We’re a ski academy first—ski racing is at the core of everything we do. Our faculty is skilled at teaching in a way that supports the unique needs of our athletes, especially during the winter when training and racing are a priority. Balance is key, and our academic system is designed to align with our athletes' racing ambitions. Our academic calendar is structured to accommodate training and competition, and our teachers work closely with students to ensure they stay on track. Time management is something we emphasize early on, so our athletes learn to balance their academic and athletic commitments.

THE LIFT-BORNE:
With the Burkies currently in Europe preparing for Kitzbühel, what’s the focus during this stage of the season?

BMA:
The focus is on refining technical skills, perfecting race strategies, and staying physically and mentally sharp. Kitzbühel is one of the most iconic courses in the ski racing world, so it’s an incredible opportunity for our athletes to test their skills against some of the best in the world.

THE LIFT-BORNE:
As providers of your team’s clothing, we’re curious—how important is gear to performance?

BMA:
It’s crucial! High-quality gear is essential for optimal performance. It ensures our athletes stay comfortable, protected, and able to perform at their best in all conditions. Whether training or competing on the challenging alpine courses of Europe, the right clothing makes all the difference.

THE LIFT-BORNE:

Finally, what’s next for Burke Mountain Academy? What are your goals for the future?

BMA:

We’re always working toward our vision of being the best ski academy in the world. It’s an ambitious goal, but it drives us to continually innovate and refine our program so we can offer the best possible experience for our athletes. Ultimately, we want to develop top-tier athletes who can succeed on the world stage—and we want to instill in them a lifelong love for skiing and learning. We’re focusing on building a strong development pipeline, and with that comes exciting new initiatives, including the expansion of our campus and programming to Europe and a few strategic changes we’ll be rolling out for the next school year. We can’t wait to share them!

THE LIFT-BORNE:

Thank you so much for sharing your insights. Best of luck to the team in Kitzbühel—we’ll be cheering for the Burkies!

BMA:

Thank you! We appreciate the support from THE LIFT-BORNE and are excited to see how far our athletes can go.

Burke Mountain Academy: Founded in 1970, Burke Mountain Academy (BMA) is a coed boarding school for elite ski racers in East Burke, Vermont. With a student body of approximately 70 students in grades 9-12, BMA is the first ski academy of its kind, yielding more than 154 National Ski Team members and 37 Olympians and earning the reputation as one of the top ski academies in the world. Burke Mountain Academy exists to champion ski racers chasing greatness. It provides elite ski racers the opportunity to pursue their limitless academic and athletic potential in a community based on trust. It embraces an ethos in which hard work is held in the highest esteem and believes that risking failure and learning from success are exceptional preparations for life beyond Burke. www.burkemtnacademy.org