Investing in NSA’s Extra Edge
A proposal for leadership support
The Extra Edge Campaign
NATIONAL SKI ACADEMY
has embarked on our first campaign since the school was established in 1986. The Extra Edge Campaign is a holistic fundraising program that includes an Annual Appeal and Major Gifts Campaign.
We are looking to increase our edge and to guarantee the current and future needs of the school are met making sure we set a clean line to the future.
The Extra Edge Campaign will enable the NSA to not only continue, but vigorously enhance our unique academic and alpine ski program offerings – the nucleus of who we are – with leading and exceptional educational and training approaches and support, within exceptional environments. We are not an ordinary high school experience and we aim to be extraordinary.
Our History
FOR OVER 35YEARS
National Ski Academy has benefited from the generous philanthropic support of families and friends, which has made a demonstrated, meaningful and critical difference in our student-athlete experiences. Without this commitment, NSA would not be what it is today.
We are counting on our community to continue this tradition of support to ensure the longevity and success of the Academy, as well as the significant impact it has on our students and the sport of ski racing.
We are at an important milestone in the school’s history as we transition leadership.
National Ski Academy exists today thanks to the entrepreneurial vision of founder Jurg Gfeller, who is still an active member of our board of directors.
There was an important need to have a program that offered the balance and structure to students who wish to pursue their love for skiing, while also addressing academics (wellrounded, with a good education), athletics (pursuing their sport and passion), physical (physical fitness level and lifestyle), mental (to be prepared for challenges of all kinds) and social (fun, friends and family involvement). The goal has always been to positively affect the kids, giving them the skills, tools and environment necessary to learn, to have success and to master the challenges. If we do this, it prepares them for the most important part… the life that comes after.
We are Unique
National Ski Academy is Canada’s only offering where students are able to balance a comprehensive education at the same time as managing a challenging ski training program and competitive season that travels the world.Our holistic approach builds outward from each student’s needs addressing three core development areas: Academics, Fitness/Wellness and Ski Racing.
We strive to offer an enriched, robust and leading education that prepares our student athletes with the extra edge – invaluable skills and forward-looking experiences –to thrive in the exciting and ever-changing world that awaits, well past the race course finish line.
Our students benefit from a variety of environments: our full-time home in Collingwood, our early fall home in Saas Fee, Switzerland, and pre-season east and west environments, as well as an extensive support system of professional coaches, teachers and advisors, trainers, chef and wellness specialists, helping them prosper, grow and succeed.
A FEW REALITIES
• As with many private schools, tuition does not cover day-to-day operating expenses or capital improvements or emerging priorities.
• Tornavene, our 130+-year-old heritage designated home needs ongoing maintenance and upgrades.
• To get us where we are today, National Ski Academy has benefited from generous philanthropic support. The model of the past has changed and is no longer sustainable for the future with few dedicated donors making large donations as needed to offset the school’s funding needs. We cannot rely on this model moving forward.
• To achieve our vision, we need to depend on realistic tuition fees, as well as philanthropic dollars from a variety of sources (i.e. current families, alumni, past parents, community organizations and foundations).
• We are not an ordinary high school experience and we aim to be extraordinary.
Dedicated young people enter the doors of National Ski Academy and with our support and programs, these student-athletes become accomplished ski racers, enlightened students and tomorrow’s leaders.
Investment=Impact
As donors have in the past, we hope that you will carry on the tradition and consider supporting NSA with a gift that will both show the confidence you have in the Academy and ensure its legacy, building upon the principles of Founder Jurg Gfeller.
Achieving NSA’s mission demands the entire NSA community’s support to succeed.
We are asking you to support the NSA in 2025.
The NSA strives for outstanding learning and training environments locally, nationally and internationally, and exceptional programs to maximize our students individual potential through the pursuit of alpine ski racing excellence, academic achievement and personal growth. We are here to support their passion, funnel their focus, build upon their determination, enhance their selfconfidence and find their edge.
TOGETHER we can help ensure this mission. We know that ski racing and the Academy’s irreplaceable offerings will take our students well past the race course finish line, preparing them with the invaluable skills and forward-looking experiences to thrive in the exciting and ever changing world that awaits.
NSA at a glance
Established: 1986 2024-25 Enrollment: 21 students
Staff Members: 20+
Average Class Size: 2-10
4 COACHES
7 TEACHERS
Boarding: 10 students Day: 11
Number of Alumni: 450+
35+ YEARS IN OPERATION
NUMBERS
12K
• Average tuition cost of a Tier 1 Private School: $40,000 - $54,000 annually
• Average boarding cost of a Tier 1 Private School: $25,000 - $33,000 annually
• Average cost of a U16 club ski racing program and HP program: $30,000 annually
• Average cost of an OST FIS program: $40,000+ annually (does not include government subsidy)
• Personal Trainer: $2,500-$5,000
• Total cost of a U16 program is $65,000 (does not include room and board)
• Total cost of a FIS program is $75,000 (does not include room and board)
• Burke base day student tuition $105,000 CDN (does not include camps, race options, travel)
• GMVS base day student tuition $83,000 CDN (does not include camps, race options, travel)
Student Athlete Success
National Team Members Who Have Attended NSA:
• Justin Alkier (Canada)
• Rob Butler (Canada)
• Rudolpho “Rudy” Dickinson (Mexico)
• Dave Duncan (Canada)
• Tyler Nella (Canada)
• Morgan Megarry (Canada)
• Christina Metzger (Canada)
• Graydon Oldfield (Canada)
• Stefan Overgaard (Canada)
• Roni Remme (Canada and Germany)
• Larisa Yurkiw (Canada)
Olympians who have attended NSA:
• Tyler Nella (Vancouver 2010)
• Larisa Yurkiw (Sochi 2014)
• Rudy Dickinson (Pyeongchang 2018)
• Roni Remme (Pyeongchang 2018)
• Sydney Payne (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024)
• Dave Duncan (Sochi 2014, Pyeongchang 2018)
Here is a list of the international schools and programs that our graduates have attended since 2021:
• Castleton University, USA – Business Administration
• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology –Global Business
• St. Andrew’s University, Scotland – Master of Arts International Relations
• University Targu Mures, Germany – Medicine
• Williams College, USA – Business
Here is a list of the Canadian schools and programs that our NSA graduates have attended since 2021:
• Concordia University – Commerce
• Dalhousie University – Arts
• Huron University College at Western University –Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies
• McGill University – Management
• Queen’s University – Arts, Sociology with a Certificate in Business
• Queen’s University – Commerce, Health Sciences and Life Science & Biochemistry
• Selkirk College – Ski Resort Operations and management
• University of British Columbia – Kinesiology/Masters of Management
• University of British Columbia – Sauder Business School
• University of Calgary – Geography, Kinesiology and Political Science
• University of Guelph – Biochemistry
• University of Ottawa – Civil Engineering
• Western University – Integrated Science
US Schools Attended by NSA Alumni throughout our 35+ year history:
• Babson College
• Boston University
• Castleton University
• Middlebury College
• Montana State
• St. Lawrence University
• University of Colorado Boulder
• University of Denver
• University of Miami
• University of New Hampshire
• University of Utah
• University of Vermont
• Westminster College
• Williams College
Priorities of the Campaign
1.
CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR UNIQUE AND ROBUST DAY-TO-DAY ACADEMIC AND ATHLETIC OPERATIONS
Tuition alone does not cover the costs to operate NSA annually and donations are vital to make up the difference in expenses.
4.
BURSARY AND SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS
2.
RENOVATIONS AND ENHANCEMENTS TO TORNAVENE, OUR HOME AND CAMPUS AT 200 OAK STREET
Tornavene, our 12,000 square-foot heritage designated mansion routinely needs maintenance, upgrades and repairs - standard necessities of a majestic home of its generation. Priorities include a new veranda with new foundational pillars, changeroom renovation, gym HVAC, windows, and brickwork repairs.
3.
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR UNFORESEEN IMMEDIATE NEEDS THAT ARISE AND EMERGING PRIORITIES.
Affordability can be a significant factor for families considering sending their children to National Ski Academy. Support the next generation of talented skiers by contributing to our Bursary and Scholarship Programs. Each donation helps provide aspiring athletes with the financial support they need to pursue their dreams of excellence on the slopes and in the classroom. These funds support diversity and excellence on our teams. Donate today to support athletes in their journey to become #RacerReadyForLife.
Testimonials
National Ski Academy provides an accommodating environment for those who want to thrive academically and athletically. With the help of coaches and staff during my four years at the academy, I was able to reach my goals in ski racing, live alongside my friends, and successfully move on to the University of British Columbia for Kinesiology. I learned the importance of self-discipline during my time at the NSA, giving me a successful transition to university, alongside reinforcing crucial life skills which I use when moving on to new challenges. I will always cherish the memories, lessons, and skills that the NSA has provided.
NSA GRADUATE ‘22
COLLINGWOOD, ON
Our priority for our daughter has always been ensuring she receives an excellent education. We also wanted to encourage her to pursue ski racing throughout high school, but only if this meant her education would not be compromised. At NSA, our daughter truly got the best of both worlds: academic success in her crucial final years of high school, and memories from an excellent ski racing program. She was able to complete academically rigorous courses while travelling across the world for training and racing. This balance of skiing and school would not have been possible or so excellently accommodated for anywhere else. Her unique experience helped her to get into her dream undergraduate program, and her teachers at the NSA truly helped push her towards her goal of becoming a doctor. The NSA has left a permanent imprint on our daughter, and the valuable lessons, friends, and experiences she had will stick with her forever. Thank-you NSA!
PARENTS ‘22
MONT TREMBLANT, QC
We are absolutely thrilled with the level of education at NSA – and moreover – the extra time, work and patience all of the teachers put in to ensure the students excel. Maddy could not have done as well in school and absolutely could not have continued skiing at a high level anywhere else. Her education at NSA has opened up a world of choices as she moves toward post-secondary education! Thank you to all of the teachers, staff and coaches!!
PARENTS ’23
BLUE MOUNTAINS, ON
“ NSA was a fabulous experience.
I spent two great years at NSA, my last year in K2 and my first year in FIS. I learned easily at the academy because of the positive environment. All the athletes seemed to have lots of energy and kept the momentum moving forward. Traveling on that path for two years taught me skills I use every day.
I owe a lot of my success to the many coaches who have helped me during my career, and Jurg Gfeller was one of those inspiring coaches. ”
LARISA YURKIW ’04 (TEAM LARISA, CAST MEMBER & OLYMPIAN)
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorships and donations from businesses ensure that the National Ski Academy is always delivering the best academic and athletic experience to our students and making sure our facilities remain top-notch.
Donor Levels
Gold - $50,000+
• Endowment fund and scholarship in your name
• Ad in annual magazine and newsletters
• Brand identity on jacket, on hill, online and on vehicle
• Social media recognition
Silver - $25,000
• Ad in annual magazine and newsletters
• Brand identity on jacket, on hill and online
• Social media recognition
Bronze - $10,000
• Brand identity on jacket, hill and online
Thank you
Thank you for considering this proposal to ensure our student athletes are #Racer Ready For Life”, and investing in NSA’s unique edge.
National Ski Academy is a registered charity, and all donations are eligible for a tax receipt.
CRA Registration Number: 119051936RR0001
200 Oak Street, Collingwood ON L9Y 2Y1
P: 705-444-1617 | F: 705-444-2685 | nsa.on.ca | info@nsa.on.ca