Outdoor Events and Adventures

Built For Boys

Just the opportunity to live on our beautiful mountain campus affords many a moment to explore and enjoy an adventure.

But we don’t leave it up to chance. Throughout the year, the boys have the option to participate in loads of extra-curricular adventures. The Brokenback Challenge (featured in the video) is just one of many fun weekend events that boys can participate in throughout the year. 

Events & Adventures

Blue Ridge and Beyond

From weekends in the Blue Ridge Mountains to once-in-a-lifetime adventures across the country, students have many opportunities to challenge themselves, explore the outdoors, and build lasting memories. Local excursions range from skiing, rafting, and biking to camping in Shenandoah, while annual events bring the community together for races, competitions, and reflection. Each year also features an epic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure in destinations such as Wyoming, Utah, or Idaho, offering students the chance to push their limits and experience the natural world on a grand scale.

Afternoon Programs
  • Fall/Winter/Spring Outdoor
  • Fall Outdoorsmen
  • Fall/Spring Mountain Biking
Weekend Excursions
  • Skiing & snowboarding at Wintergreen and Massanutten Resorts
  • Fly fishing on the Moorman’s River
  • Rock climbing in the Blue Ridge Mountains
  • Backpacking and camping, Shenandoah National Park
  • Canoeing on the James River
  • Biking the Capital Trail, Richmond to Jamestown
Annual Events
  • Bacon Holler Hustle – The Mt. Cross bike race crosses Wyatt, Flattop, and Brokenback Mountains in beautiful Greene County, Virginia. Most of the routes cover steep gravel roads. The final 3.5 miles of each distance (beginner, sport, expert/pro) end on the Blue Ridge School trail system.  The Duathlon includes a 5k trail run and 5 mile XC mountain bike race, all on the Blue Ridge School trail system. Visit Webscorer to register for upcoming races or to see previous year’s results. The Mt. Cross and Duathlons benefit the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.
  • Brokenback Challenge – An adventure race taking place in the fall where students team up with a teacher to win bragging rights…that is until next year. This relay includes canoeing, trail running, swimming, and mountain biking.
  • The Great Blue Ridge School Campout – A unique solo reflection experience, where students can sign-up for a night in the wigwam on the mountain on campus.
  • Ride the Ridge – A yearly mountain bike race (open to the public and part of the Virginia Off-Road Series) taking place on Saturday, April 23 – 10:00am. Visit Webscorer to register for upcoming races or to see previous year’s results.
EPIC adventures

Each year, a different destination is chosen for an extended adventure. Examples include:

  • Fly-fishing and hiking in the Wind River Range, Wyoming
  • Backpacking and fly-fishing in the Sawtooth Wilderness, Idaho
  • Backpacking on the Appalachian Trail and rafting the Nolichucky River, NC/TN
  • Rafting and camping in Desolation Canyon, Utah
  • Skiing and snowboarding in Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Mountaineering in the Grand Tetons, Wyoming