Catamount SkiCubs Youth Ski Program

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!  In 2012, the CTA expanded the SkiCubs program with the purchase of GPS and snowshoes to further develop our environmental education program.  

Program Structure

The CTA has 30 pairs of cross-country skis which we bring to pre-determined skiing locations in Burlington or surrounding towns. In the past, we have met with each program for a few hours, one day a week, for 6 to 8 weeks throughout January and February. We always provide equipment, skiing instruction, and environmental education lessons free of charge to participating programs.  This season we will provide our program on 6 Saturday mornings at Bolton Valley and Sleepy Hollow from January 19-February 23, 2013, in order to optimize the time we have together with youth and the amount of time on quality snow!

2013 Participating Programs

• Community Friends Mentoring in Burlington, VT
• King Street Youth Center in Burlington, VT
• The New North End Youth Center in Burlington, VT
• Northgate Apartments in Burlington, VT
• Spectrum Youth Services in Burlington, VT

We will also be reaching out to other organizations such as DREAM and the local YMCA to provide one time events for children who are not able to commit to a Saturday program.  In addition, we will be taking our skis to local skiing festivals such as the Stowe Tour De Snow on January 20, 2013 to further expand our communities access to skis.  

Volunteering with the SkiCubs

If you are interested in volunteering with this program, please contact Emily Licht at outreach@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