07 Dec Share Winter: CITC Helps Native Youth Hit the Slopes

Strap on a pair of skis and hit the hills with CITC’s Share Winter program!

“We’re so lucky in Anchorage—we have a ski hill right here in town. But skiing is an expensive sport,” pointed out Lael Bach, CITC program manager with Youth Services. “The goal of Share Winter is to get Native youth into the outdoors and on skis to experience their land in the winter.”

Through Share Winter, Alaska Native and American Indian ASD middle- and high-school students gain access to downhill ski and snowboarding equipment and lessons at Hilltop Ski Area. CITC will provide transportation to and from Hilltop, departing from local high schools. Hilltop is helping lower the cost of skiing by partnering with CITC to provide lessons and ski time.

This opportunity is scheduled for March 27 – 30, 2023.

According to the National Ski Areas Association, only 0.7 percent of skiers in the 2020-2021 season were Native—compared to White skiers, who make up 87.5 percent of the group.

“Here in Anchorage, this is the Dena’ina people’s land—but they’re not necessarily on it, enjoying winter activities outdoors, because of cost and accessibility,” Lael said.

The Share Winter Foundation is a nonprofit that creates opportunities for youth who have historically been denied access to skiing and snowboarding. This is the first year CITC has received a Share Winter grant.

According to Share Winter, youth need at least four downhill skiing lessons to become proficient in the sport. CITC’s week-long camp at Hilltop will provide students with four ski lessons, plus time to practice their new skills.

We’re looking for 50 middle- and high-school ASD students who have never skied or snowboarded before. Participants must be Alaska Native/American Indian.

Sign up today! Contact Christine Willock at christine.willock@citci.org.