SOS Outreach, a youth development nonprofit, offered parents of program participants the opportunity to learn how to ski or snowboard for the first time ever. Thanks to support from Northstar California, Beaver Creek, and Vail Resorts Epic Promise, complimentary lift tickets and rentals were included. There were 20 parents who participated at each mountain and the majority had never skied or snowboarded before.
Mary Ledezma was in that majority and participated in Beaver Creek’s inaugural parent ride day last year. Ledezma’s two kids have participated in SOS programs over the last decade, but the sport’s cost and a lack of time kept her from ever making it skiing herself.
“The weekend was wonderful. The first day I was so nervous and when the instructors started to teach us I felt more confident but when we went down the hill I said to myself ‘I will not do this again,’” Ledezma said. “The next day I was not confident but once I put the skis on I felt better and I liked it.”
Now, Ledezma said she would definitely ski again.
“We all know that the high costs that come with the sport are a large barrier to entry, however the sport itself can be really intimidating,” said Heather Schwartz, SOS Outreach Program Manager. “There are a lot of logistics that go into a day on the mountain, so we are ensuring that the experience is seamless for our families. We provide all the gear, guidance on where to park, how to carry the skis, and more, ensuring it is a supportive and inclusive environment for them to learn. It helps that they know me and are alongside other adults in the same situation.”
After decades of collaboration, SOS Outreach and Vail Resorts Epic Promise saw this ride day as an opportunity to further their impact on the community and the families they serve. With more than 800 local kids and teenagers receiving mountain access and gear through North Lake Tahoe and Eagle County programs, the two organizations continue to explore ways to make the industry more inclusive and accessible.
“As someone who’s watched my own kids discover the joy of the mountains, I know how meaningful it is to share that experience as a family,” said Max Leabman, Director of Ski and Ride Services at Northstar. “Seeing parents ski or ride for the first time, alongside their children, is truly inspiring and such a powerful step toward creating a more inclusive and connected mountain community. We’re honored to work with SOS Outreach to make moments like this possible, and we look forward to continuing to help make the sport more accessible to all.”
