Pats Peak celebrates MLK with day of diversity, fun

Martin Luther King weekend is all about celebrating diversity. One New Hampshire ski resort has championed that cause on snow. For 16 years, Pat’s Peak has caught the national ski world’s eye and won its respect, with its annual “Diversity Day goes POP” at the resort, held on Martin Luther King Day.

Since it’s inception, the program has brought thousands of skiers and riders to the slopes of Pats Peak, often people who never before considered skiing or riding as a sport.

“Diversity Day provides an atmosphere that encourages individuals to bring others skiing, snowboarding and tubing, who may believe that this is a sport out of their reach,” Pats Peak director of services Jim Wall said. “Diversity Day at Pats Peak commemorates the importance of diversity, nondiscrimination and freedom.”

The way Pats achieves this goal is simple. The resort makes skiing and riding for that day accessible and affordable. It also makes everyone feel completely welcome on the slopes.

Diversity Day at Pats Peak does more than teach skiing and riding. It celebrates the work, spirit and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King by turning the mountain into a place of diversity and inclusion. For instance, a DJ will keep everyone dancing in the base lodge to a wide array of world music. There’s also food, festivities and special surprise events.

“This winter fun event commemorates the importance of diversity, nondiscrimination and freedom,” Wall said. “It’s an opportunity to come to the slopes of New Hampshire no matter a person’s ethnicity, social or economic background.”

The event takes place from 3-9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at a “pay one price” amount, $49 for skiers and riders, which includes access to skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, rentals and even lesson tips. Snow tubing is from 5-9 p.m. and lesson tips are from 4-6 p.m.

Group discounts are available as well.

This event has won not just national attention but national ski resort awards for diversity, as well as for bringing new people into the sport. Boston’s Youth Enrichment Services have long partnered with this program and brought many Boston youth to the slopes to discover just how fun — and inclusive — winter sports can be.

For more details, visit www.patspeak.com.