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The Catamount SkiCubs

Pictures from 2011 Season
Pictures from 2011 Season
Pictures from 2011 Season
Pictures from 2011 Season
Pictures from 2011 Season
Pictures from 2011 Season
Pictures from 2011 Season
Pictures from 2011 Season

Mission

We strongly believe that introducing youth to the sport of cross-county skiing helps to raise healthier families and communities in Vermont. However, there are many families who do not have the resources or time to engage in the sport of cross-country skiing. With the knowledge of these limitations and a profound desire to share the benefits of skiing with others, the CTA has launched a free, youth skiing program in the Burlington area to focus on the importance of active lifestyles and provide a fun alternative to indoor entertainment. 

Our hope is that through our program, youth will develop an affinity for outdoor recreation and natural areas, and will want to continue to ski with their friends and families so as to spread the joy of skiing. 

History

In the 2011 pilot season, the CTA worked with 5 Burlington area youth organizations, teaching a total of 60 young people (ages 8 to 14) to ski, from countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, Former Yugoslavia, Kenya, and Nepal.  75% had never skied before and 100% expressed a desire to continue skiing in the future!  

Program Structure

The CTA has 30 pairs of cross-country skis which we bring to pre-determined skiing locations in Burlington or surrounding towns. We meet with each program for a few hours, one day a week, for 6 to 8 weeks throughout January and February. We provide equipment, skiing instruction, and environmental education lessons free of charge to participating programs.

2012 Participating Programs

  • The YMCA after-school program at Brewster Pierce in Huntington, VT
  • Hunt Middle School's after-school program in Burlington, VT
  • The YMCA after-school program in Burlington, VT
  • Northgate Apartments in Burlington, VT

Volunteering with the SkiCubs

If you are interested in volunteering with this program, please contact Lauren Fereshetian at intern@[remove this text]catamounttrail.org. We are looking for helpers with experience in the following areas:

  • cross-country skiing,
  • working with children ages 8 to 14, and/or
  • environmental education.

Video Clip from 2011 Season