Ski Utah, YSA expands youth program, adding lessons and opening to more grades

With its new expanded youth program, more kids will have access to the mountains and get hooked on skiing and snowboarding. Photo: Ski Utah.

SALT LAKE CITY — Ski Utah and Youth Sport Alliance is overhauling its school skiing program to reach more students and provide expanded instruction, the nonprofit announced Monday.

The partnership will replace its single half-day lesson model with four after-school sessions. The program, which was previously open only to fourth graders, will now serve students in first through sixth grade starting in the 2025-26 season.

Transportation will be provided for the after-school lessons. Ski Utah will continue limited operations of its existing school programs with select schools during the transition.

The program will introduce tiered pricing with scholarships available for families earning less than $120,000 annually. Scholarship recipients will also receive help with equipment rentals.

Nathan Rafferty, president of Ski Utah, said, “This is about expanding access to the slopes for kids throughout Utah. One day on the mountain can spark an interest, but four days gives them the confidence to keep coming back. Teaming up with YSA means we can make that experience possible for more families across the state, while also planting the seeds for the next generation of athletes who may take the world stage when the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games return to Utah in 2034.”

Emily Fisher, executive director of the Youth Sports Alliance, said, “Our mission is to introduce kids to sports in a way that fosters confidence and belonging, while teaching kids the lifelong lessons of sports – perseverance, optimism, and resilience. Partnering with Ski Utah allows us to connect more families to winter sports and provide resources that make participation possible for every child, regardless of financial barriers.”

The original program has introduced thousands of fourth graders to skiing and snowboarding over two decades, according to Ski Utah.

Ski Utah is a nonprofit marketing association representing the state’s 15 ski and snowboard resorts. The Youth Sports Alliance, based in Park City, served more than 3,200 students last year through after-school sports programs.