After-school ski and snowboard program wraps up biggest season yet

LEAVENWORTH – Cascade School District’s after-school ski and snowboard program celebrated the end of its largest season yet on Feb. 26.

“It's something so unique to our town. I don't know anywhere else where kids can hop on a bus from school and come up to Ski Hill and just ski after school. It's so cool,” said program coordinator Abde Elshafei.

The winter program introduces students grades three through eight to skiing or snowboarding, providing gear, transportation, and instruction every Wednesday for five weeks. This year, a record 70 students participated.

“I really like how it is an outlet for them after school. There's a bunch of kids too that have challenges in school…and team sports can be difficult for them as well. So I think it's really wonderful how this skiing program is open to them,” said volunteer instructor Aria Knutson.

This year’s program was overseen by elementary teachers Elshafei and Isabelle Auty and executed by a network of community support. The Leavenworth Winter Sports Club provided the students with free season passes, community members donated equipment and gear, the elementary Parent-Teacher Organization contributed snacks, and volunteers provided supervision and instruction. 

Through this collective effort, students get an introduction to the sport without the financial burden, and are surrounded by peers and familiar adults for encouragement and support. Additionally, with gear and a pass for the season, students are able to keep skiing beyond the few hours allotted for Wednesday afternoon.

“It removes a lot of barriers to get people interested in the sport and enjoy it…All they have to do is basically show up and then really decide if they want to do it or not…I think a lot of the kids maybe wouldn't have the opportunity to do it if it wasn't set up like this,” said parent and volunteer David Summers.

Out of 75 students, about half learned how to ski and snowboard through the program this year, with returning participants making up the remainder. Over the course of a season and subsequent years, volunteers witness students undergo huge transformations in their enthusiasm and confidence as their skills begin to progress. While a student may start the season in tears on the magic carpet, they may be smiling up the little rope tow by the end.

“I started on the magic carpet, and then I made it [to the little rope tow]. It was just tough, really hard…Last year, I tried doing the pizza. I hated it, but I love it this year,” said fourth-grader Liam Rich, who just finished his second year of the program. “Now I'm on the big tow, just hitting airplane [jump], helicopter, squirrel trail.”

Now, Rich’s only complaint is that the season is never long enough. He plans to return next year, and participate in the after-school program for as long as he can.

“This is my favorite program I’ve ever been in. I really like it,” said Rich.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media