Truckee, Calif. – Northstar California Resort, in partnership with SOS Outreach, is making skiing and snowboarding more accessible to local families by giving parents of program participants the opportunity to hit the slopes for the first time. Through this collaboration, parents who may have never considered skiing or snowboarding due to financial or logistical barriers are experiencing the thrill of the mountains alongside their children.
For years, SOS Outreach has been dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging in youth through outdoor mentorship. The organization provides more than 200 local kids and teenagers with mountain access and gear each season. This latest initiative extends that impact to parents, ensuring that families can share the joy of winter sports together. With support from Northstar and Vail Resorts’ Epic Promise program, parents received complimentary lift tickets, rentals, and hands-on guidance, making their introduction to the mountain as seamless as possible.
“We all know that the cost of skiing and snowboarding is a major barrier, but beyond that, the experience itself can feel intimidating,” said Heather Schwartz, SOS Outreach Program Manager. “We help families with everything—from providing gear to explaining where to park and how to carry skis—so they feel supported from the moment they arrive.”
Many parents expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting how it strengthened their connection to their children’s experiences. “I always wanted to learn to ski so I could go with my son,” one participant shared. “He’s 12 and snowboards. This has been a very, very special day for me.”
Northstar’s team is equally passionate about making winter sports more inclusive. “Seeing parents ski or ride for the first time, especially alongside their kids, is incredibly inspiring,” said Max Leabman, Director of Ski and Ride Services at Northstar. “These experiences create a more connected mountain community, and we’re proud to partner with SOS Outreach to make them possible.”
Beyond the slopes, SOS Outreach incorporates a multi-year curriculum focused on mentorship, life skills, and community service. For parents, this introduction to skiing and snowboarding offers a window into the transformative experiences their children gain through the program.
As Northstar and SOS Outreach continue working together, they remain committed to expanding access to winter sports and fostering a welcoming environment for all families. Through initiatives like this, the mountains become a place where new memories are made, barriers are broken, and a lifelong love for the outdoors begins.
