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PHASE 1 – AN INTRODUCTION

Learn to Ride/Ski

Nuts & bolts

The SOS program begins with our introductory ski or snowboard experience and our core values of courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, compassion, and humility. Learn to Ride/Ski (LTR) is our most fundamental program for youth in grades 4-12. The program features a five-day curriculum where each day centers around one SOS core value while youth learn a new outdoor adventure activity. 

It’s amazing what these kids learn about themselves by strapping on a piece of wood and flying down a snow-covered mountain. They experience a sense of accomplishment that only comes from trying something new—and nailing it!

During this phase of our curriculum, youth gain a positive peer group, are exposed to a variety of challenging activities that provide opportunities for self-reflection, develop a growing sense of accomplishment, and are introduced to our core values that offer a framework for positive decision-making. 

“During the Learn to Ride Program, I learned more than just how to snowboard. I learned the core values that now keep me going, and most importantly, I have learned that they are the key to success.-Gaby H.
What’s Included
  • 5-days of lift tickets
  • All necessary snowboarding/skiing equipment
  • Professional ski/snowboard instructors
  • All snowsport clothing including: snow pants, jacket, goggles, gloves, and helmet if needed
  • Character development and core-value curriculum
  • Positive staff and volunteer support
  • Opportunity to enroll in the SOS Mentor Program upon graduating
Sample day 

8:45 am: Arrive at mountain

9:00 am: Gear up for a day on the slopes – put on rental equipment, divide up into lesson groups, meet your ski/snowboard instructor

9:30 am: Opening Circle of Love – introduction to the core value of the day

9:45 am: Head out on the hill with your instructor

12:00 pm:  Break for lunch

12:45 pm: Get back on the hill and continue lessons with instructor

2:45 pm: Closing Circle of Love – reflect on the core value of the day

3:30 pm: Return gear and depart from the mountain

Where This Program Is Offered

Eagle County, CO

Summit County, CO

Denver, CO

Park City, UT

South Lake Tahoe, CA

North Lake Tahoe, NV

Chicago, IL

Detroit, MI

Minneapolis, MN

Steamboat Springs, CO

Leadville, CO

Durango, CO

Portland, OR

Seattle, WA

Yakima, WA

Register

To register or learn more about our Learn to Ride/Ski program in your community, please reach out to your local Program Manager or contact us at sos@sos-outreach.org.

SnowCore

Nuts & bolts

Our SnowCore program introduces youth to skiing or snowboarding through a one or two day introductory experience. This program is currently offered in Denver, CO and Park City, UT.

“The most rewarding part of the program is meeting new people while having the opportunity to improve my snowboarding skills” -Lindsay C. 
What’s Included
  • 1 or 2 days of lift tickets
  • All necessary snowboarding/skiing equipment
  • Professional ski/snowboard instructors
  • All snowsport clothing including: snow pants, jacket, goggles, gloves, and helmet if needed
  • Character development and core-value curriculum
  • Positive staff and volunteer support
Register

To register or learn more about our SnowCore program in your community, please reach out to your local Program Manager or contact us at sos@sos-outreach.org.

Our Curriculum

We use a progressive curriculum that evolves with kids as they advance through our programs. Each year, kids learn new outdoor skills and life skills based on their age and circumstances. For younger participants, this might mean getting along with peers and taking personal responsibility for their homework. For older youth, the focus shifts to developing leadership skills and mentoring younger participants in the program.

PHASE 2: MASTER

MENTOR PROGRAM

Next is the mentoring program, a four-year program that combines on-mountain skill building and in-community leadership development. As kids progress from bunny hills to black diamonds, they also begin to experience a shift from “just a participant” to a natural leader. They take risks. They take ownership of their actions. And their newfound self-esteem begins to permeate all aspects of life.

PHASE 3: SHARE

PEER MENTOR PROGRAM

With this newfound knowledge and confidence, older participants graduate from the mentoring program and become a mentor in their own right. They show younger kids the ropes on their first ski and ride days. Their own inner transformation is so obvious that classmates and families begin to emulate their success, ultimately lifting everyone in their sphere of influence.