Unisus School in Summerland is partnering with KR Academy and Apex Ski Club to offer a new program for freestyle and alpine snowsports athletes.

The Unisus Snowsports Academy program combines athletic and academic development, allowing freestyle and alpine enthusiasts to pursue national team ambitions.

The KR Academy program is led by Kristi Richards from Summerland, a two-time Olympian and world-champion freestyle skier. The alpine component, meanwhile, is led by Jorgen Anderson, who has worked to help alpine athletes achieve provincial, national and international success in alpine skiing.

鈥淚f this existed when I was an athlete going through the ranks, it would have changed my world,鈥� Richards said.

Unisus School describes the initiative as a scholar-athlete program and says it combines an opportunity to pursue multi-paths to graduation and academic success.

The program is combined with the International Baccalaureate approach to learning at Unisus School.

鈥淭he unique element of this program is that the scholar-athlete does not sacrifice academic learning time for professional freestyle sports training,鈥� a statement from the school reads.

KR Academy is based out of Apex Mountain Resort near Penticton and works with skiers of all ages. The Apex Ski Club provides professional coaching and the opportunity to compete in Okanagan Zone, inter-zone, provincial and national races.

The Unisus Snowsports Academy program was launched in 2023 and is now accepting applicants for September 2024. The school will be holding an open house on April 11, at 5 p.m. for interested families.