Helping Youth Belong Everywhere
No matter what social, societal, or economic barriers exist—SOS Outreach believes every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. It starts with skiing or snowboarding, because it’s on the mountain that kids unearth the courage to step outside of their comfort zones, develop new strengths within themselves and cultivate lifelong skills. Since 1993, we’ve been using mentorship and a proven, multi-year curriculum to foster a sense of belonging in kids and teenagers.
MISSION
to change young lives, building character and developing leadership through mentoring outdoors.
VISION
to ensure that every kid we meet grows stronger.
CORE VALUES
Courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, compassion, and humility.
Our History
SOS Outreach was founded at Vail Mountain in 1993 when we introduced 15 kids from Denver to snowboarding. Originally named Snowboard Outreach Society, our mission was to bring awareness to the new sport while also giving back to the community. Now, as SOS Outreach, we do so much more than just skiing and riding and, despite having “SOS” in our name, we are not here to “save” anyone. We are using outdoor-based mentorship to teach life skills to kids and teenagers, unearthing their future impact on our world. Serving over 3,000 youths annually across 15 locations in 10 communities, we offer year-round programs that combine outdoor exploration, positive adult mentorship, skill development, and community service. These life-changing experiences inspire young individuals to foster belonging, overcome challenges, enhance mental well-being, and become strong leaders.
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Introductory
SOS programs kick off with a beginner ski or snowboard adventure while learning our core values. It’s incredible how much one can discover about themselves when courageously trying something new for the first time. The children experience a sense of achievement that stems from embracing new challenges and mastering them over five on-snow ride days.
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Mentor
Following the introductory experience is the five-year mentoring program, which blends on-mountain skill enhancement with community service and skill development. As young participants advance from gentle slopes to challenging black diamonds, they transition from being mere participants to emerging leaders. They take risks, assume responsibility for their actions, and let their growing self-confidence influence all aspects of their lives.
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Junior Mentor
Gaining knowledge and confidence, older participants graduate from the Mentor program to become mentors themselves. As junior mentors, they guide younger members during ride days, off-hill workshops, and activities. They share their experiences and joy with the next generation of SOS participants, inspiring classmates and families to follow in their footsteps, uplifting everyone within their circle of influence.
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Career Development
The Career Development Program is a summer initiative for participants aged 15+. The program starts with a 50-hour intensive to develop professional skills, followed by four-five weeks of on-site job experience. Throughout the program, they engage in paid apprenticeships with industry partners such as Vail Resorts, Oberalp, US Ski & Snowboard Team, evo, and more.
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Alumni
The Circle continues with our alumni program at SOS. Access to mountains and opportunities doesn’t cease after graduation. The Continuing the Circle program aims to offer alumni a support network for career guidance, an opportunity to re-engage with SOS programs as mentors, and maintain their connection with the SOS community through events like alumni ride days.
I genuinely believe that SOS successfully sets up students for the future- whether that’s going to college, going to a vocational school or going into the ski industry. From the service days and the industry days, participants are able to build all these different life skills that they may not have had the opportunity to get if it weren’t for programs like SOS”
Transforming Lives Across 15 Communities
At SOS Outreach, we take pride in serving over 3,000 kids and teenagers annually, spanning from bustling cities like Seattle to picturesque resort towns such as Vail, fostering personal growth in the outdoors.
Spread the Love
We are committed to eliminating any financial barriers to youth accessing our programs by offering free or low cost programs. By making a donation, you can sponsor a life-changing mentorship experience for a young person.
