About Us
VSSA was born from a vision shared by Aldo Radamus (SSCV) and Michael Gass (Eagle County Schools), aiming to integrate elite athletic training with public education. In 2007, VSSA launched as a “school within a school” for grades 9–12, operating out of Minturn Middle School with just 31 students and two staff.
Despite a modest beginning, VSSA grew quickly—reaching 90 students by 2010 and earning its own school code from the Colorado Department of Education. In 2011, a dedicated campus opened, expanding to include grades 5–8 and giving younger athletes access to world-class training facilities.
Olympians like Faye Gulini (2010), Heidi Kloser, Adam Crook, Aaron Blunck (2014), Tess Johnson (2018), and Kai Owens (2022) reflect the powerful combination of opportunity and commitment that defines VSSA.
The campus now features a Nordic trail system, trampolines, pump track, skateboard half pipe, rail garden, climbing wall, and a hockey rink. The Minturn Fitness Center, built in partnership with the Town of Minturn and SSCV, enhances on-site training with expert strength and conditioning coaches.
In 2019, VSSA expanded its model to include partnerships with Vail Gymnastics, VSSA Developmental Hockey, and the Avon Narwhals Swim Team—growing enrollment to over 250 students.
Today, VSSA continues to balance rigor and flexibility, developing well-rounded student-athletes and compassionate citizens. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked VSSA the 7th highest-performing public high school in Colorado. Our community remains committed to excellence in both academics and athletics.