The Edwards-based Snowboard Outreach Society (SOS), expanding its mission to help kids build character and self-esteem through snowboarding this season, is introducing skiing into the program and changing its name to the Snowsports Outreach Society.
SOS, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1993, is partnering with Vail Resorts in its goal to sponsor 1,500 “on-mountain experiences” for Front Range minorities through the resort company’s 4-year-old diversity outreach program. Vail had partnered with the Alpino Mountain Sports Foundation in Denver for two years before attempting to administrate the program internally last year.
In addition to its outreach programs, SOS also will work to bring 750 minority skiers and snowboarders to Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone for two-day introductory courses taught by Vail Resorts instructors. Lift tickets will be donated to participants.
SOS recently received a donation of 1,100 skiing packages from Salomon to help the transition to skiing. SOS expects to increase overall program participation to 2,500 kids this winter. In addition to the diversity program, SOS conducts several five-day learn to ride programs and the SOS University program, a four-year program that incorporates the LTR program with community service and life-skill workshops.
For more information, log onto or call 970-926-9292.
