At Lookout Pass, they are passionate about introducing kids to “the wonderful winter world of skiing and riding.” The greatest example of this is their Free Ski School, which is entering its 77th season and has worked with more than 60,000 kids. “If we don’t find ways to get youth involved in the sport of skiing,” says Phil Edholm, Lookout Pass Ski Area’s President and CEO, “we are going to lose them to soccer and other sports. In this program, to provide free lessons and give a life skill to kids, it’s so heart-warming and fulfilling.”
Lookout Pass Free Ski School Inc. is a separate entity from the ski area and is run by about 30 volunteer ski instructors. They offer beginner and intermediate skiing and riding lessons for boys and girls, ages 6 to 17. Registration is limited to 500 students and is open online now through the first three weeks of the program. This season’s program starts January 9, 2016 and runs every Saturday morning through March 12. While equipment and lift tickets (for additional skiing after the lesson) are not included, Lookout’s rental shop has all the equipment needed during the program to make it a great experience for kids and affordable for any family. “Parents just love this program,” says Edholm. “When they first get their kids going, they can be with them in the beginner areas as they learn. It’s a family affair, and everyone has such a good time.” As Lookout’s signature program, the Free Ski School plans to continue growing strong, imparting to youth the love of skiing and riding for many more seasons to come. Register your kids online at Skilookout.com. //
