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On a chilly January afternoon, I dropped off ski gear at Eagle Valley Middle School in preparation for the two days of school-wide camaraderie on the mountain. The massive band room was quickly filling with skis and boards of all sizes for a rambunctious event to happen over the next two days.

Some gear was shiny and new and other gear had seen better days, clearly hand-me-downs from layers of older siblings. Twenty-four hours later, my daughter — who is a social introvert and was dreading engaging with students she didn’t know — was raving about her day on the mountain with two Vail ski instructors and 10 advanced skier classmates. My son — a ride-or-die skier — was exhausted from his first day on a snowboard but was excited to graduate from the bunny slope the next day. “I fell down a lot,” he said.  

Growing up in the Midwest, I did not grow up in a skiing family. When my father had time off work, we went camping. A ski trip was something that wasn’t even considered as a potential family event. My husband grew up in Aspen in the ’80s and had he not introduced me to skiing when I was in my 20s, I am certain that I would not consider hurling myself down a mountain for fun as my preferred winter activity.

Such is the case with many families here: when the adults do not ski or snowboard, it’s virtually impossible for the kids to experience it. If the choice is to keep the household running or splurge on a ski pass (student passes are $300-$400), many families will choose the expense that pays the bills, keeps the lights on, and keeps food on the table. Fortunately, Learn to ߣÏÈÉú provides that opportunity for children in the Eagle County School District who would otherwise never find themselves on the mountain.

Learn to ߣÏÈÉú provides every student the opportunity to take part in an activity that is at the heart of our community. Although Eagle Valley Middle School and most of its students live a scant 27 miles from two world-class ski resorts, some students have never been on skis or a snowboard. With financial assistance and ski clothing available for loan, all Eagle Valley Middle School students could participate if they wanted to.

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“We are fortunate to live in a very special place and extremely lucky to have a wonderful community partner with Vail Resorts who offers a two-day ski opportunity to the students of Eagle County Schools,” said Eagle Valley Middle School Principal Eric Mandeville. “Many of the students who have experienced the Learn to ߣÏÈÉú program have often become employed by Vail Resorts or recreate on the fabulous properties in our backyard. The student experience is magical, particularly for those who have not had the opportunity to ski or ride and learn from professional instructors.” 

Mandeville added: “One of Eagle Valley Middle School Pirate Code Pillars is to ‘Be Adventurous’ and to ‘Be Safe’. The Learn To ߣÏÈÉú program embraces these core beliefs by offering an expeditionary learning experience enhancing engagement for skiers and riders of all abilities.”

Over the two days, 202 middle schoolers made the trek in the yellow school bus up to the mountain. Those who didn’t have gear were able to rent it. The students skied with amazingly patient ski instructors, ate lunch, and rode the bus back to the school, tired, windburned, and talking with new friends. Mandeville noted that a whopping two-thirds of the EVMS student population participated in this year’s Learn to ߣÏÈÉú program.  

On the last day of Learn to ߣÏÈÉú, I picked up my daughter from Lionshead en route to an event in Denver, signing her out from two of her teachers (one of whom was cheekily sporting heart-shaped Pit Vipers). I asked one of them about the day and he responded, “Can’t complain about a day skiing in powder!” Indeed. And after those two days on the mountain, some children will be able to say that for the first time.

Mandeville agreed with this sentiment. “As a school leader, it is so amazing to hear how students have enjoyed the experience of Learn to ߣÏÈÉú. Students commented on how their instructors met them on their abilities and how they learned something new. The smiles on their faces say it all.”

Alison Atkins lives in Eagle and is the parent of two Eagle Valley Middle School Pirates and is a member of the Eagle Valley Middle School Parent Teacher Organization.