Youth Backcountry Program
Share your love of backcountry skiing with the next generation!
Even wanted to ski down a mountain that doesn't have a lift with your family? Brown Mtn? Shasta? McLoughlin? Crater Lake? Or just have the mountain to yourself in the preseason, postseason, or when the mountain is closed? This is your answer.
In 2023 (the first year) - we held 5 sessions with 16 participants. This year, we are planning to host a few more clinics on Mt A.
We have Contour Startup sets free for use. These bindings let you click into your normal skis and use your everyday skis as a backcountry set up. We will stay in the resort boundary area so there will be no avalanche danger.
These free clinics equip kids with essential skills for safe exploration, respectful trail etiquette, and the unforgettable experience of carving fresh lines with their crew. Our reward is seeing their grins light up the slopes.
If you are interested in these clinics for your child or just want to volunteer, please fill out the google form below and you will be automatically added to the email list.
Requirements:
You and your child will need to get an uphill ski pass. For 2024, our sponsor Cascadia Prime will sponsor this pass. You'll need to sign the waiver and go into the office and tell them your name and that you are with the Youth SkiMo Program.
The participants will need to be solid downhill skiers (be able to ski most black diamond runs).
We will ask that a parent will stay to assist and help support (unless we make an exception). If the parent has backcountry gear that is a bonus, but not mandatory.
Equipment:
If you have your own gear, great! Just bring them and email me if you have any questions.
For the Contour Adapters:
These adapters will fit boots with BSL (Boot Sole Length) 245 mm - 305 mm.
Skis should be between 100 cm and 160 cm. (the Skins are 140 cm long)
Read more about the Contour Adapters here: Wild Snow, SkiMo.co, StraightChuter.
When?:
Currently, we plan on hosting the clinics on Wednesdays when the conditions are good. We'll be emailing you on Mon or Tues to make sure conditions look ok to hold these clinics. The mountain is closed on Tues and Weds and the Ashland School District gets out early from school. We'll start around 3:00 pm and end around 4:30 pm. Eventually we'd love to host a few sessions on the weekend and venture off into the backcountry.
Any questions? - email me at mtashlandskimo@gmail.com
Youth Program Sponsor
The future of the sport is in the hands of the youth. We believe we can safely introduce this amazing sport to the next generation and our goal for this year is to create more opportunities for kids to get together and backcountry ski together! With the help of Cascadia Prime, we are starting up the Mt Ashland Youth SkiMo program.
Cascadia Prime is THE commercial real estate agency in the Rogue Valley. Check them out!
First Youth Clinic!