Taos Ski Valley expands youth programs
In an effort to provide access for children to the ski industry and address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, Taos Ski Valley recently expanded access and equity programs for kids this season, according to a press release from Feed Media.
Collaborations with regional schools, local and national nonprofits, and specialty organizations, will give children and teenagers options for getting on the mountain at more affordable rates.
Special opportunities are available for children of color, economically disadvantaged families, special needs youth, and more. The programs will include:
Charles N. Romero Snowsports Program for Pueblo Youth
In collaboration with Working on Wellness and the Share Winter Foundation, youth in grades 4-12 from the Taos Pueblo community and Native American youth in the Taos Area, will have the opportunity to ski for five days. This will include lift tickets, clothing and equipment rentals, and full or half-day lessons. This offering is named in memoriam of Charles N. Romero, a member of the Taos Pueblo community and longtime Taos Ski Valley employee. Cost: Free
School Groups Access
Regional students from 1st12th grade have the opportunity to ski once a week for five weeks this winter. The program kicked off Jan. 4 and includes half-day lessons all five days, lift tickets, rental equipment and special onmountain education. Cost: $165 total for Taos County residents, $185 total for students outside of Taos County. Scholarships are also available to students who qualify. Residents interested in the program should speak with their school.
Special Needs Access
Taos Ski Valley will continue working with the Taos Winter Sports Team to identify and reach out to special needs youth and support them getting on the mountain with scholarships as needed. Taos Ski Valley offers adaptive ski programs to suit a wide range of abilities and needs. Cost: Varied. Scholarships are available to students who qualify. Residents interested in the program should contact Peter Donahue at edu@taoswintersportsteams. com.
Female Youth Access
On Jan. 30 Taos Ski Valley will host the SheJumps Wild Skills Junior Ski Patrol, a day camp for girls to learn mountain safety and first aid while working with the strong women of the ski patrol community. SheJumps is a nonprofit that increases the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities to foster confidence, leadership and connection to nature and community through free and low-cost outdoor education. Cost: $45
Give a Kid a LIFT
A new fund held at Taos Community
Foundation has been established with an initial contribution of $50,000 from Taos Ski Valley, Inc. The intention of this fund is to give Taos and Colfax County children who may have financial barriers the ability to experience outdoor recreation through skiing and snowboarding, hiking, snowshoeing and more. Granting from the fund will begin in the near future, according to the press release.
Shredders
Taos Ski Valley has also continued its popular and steeply discounted youth program, Shredders, which provides any child aged 6-13 with five consecutive weeks of full-day lessons on either Saturdays or Sundays. Shredders began on Jan. 8, and lift tickets, rentals, and lunch are also included. Cost: $550. There will be an additional Afternoon Shredders program offered in February and March for $400.