More Than an Introduction: Creating a Lasting Impact Through Snowboarding
At Elevation Outdoors, we work tirelessly to remove the barriers our graduates face when accessing the activities we introduce them to. Teaching participants to snowboard and helping them discover a new passion fosters a positive life shift that extends beyond the slopes, but we know that real lasting change takes place when we reduce the challenges they face in continuing that journey.
Every winter, Elevation Outdoors takes a step in empowering youth by providing season passes to Big White Ski Resort for graduates of our previous winter’s snowboard programs. Since launching this initiative in 2022, we’ve been able to offer up to 40 passes annually, with 15–20 graduates utilizing them each season.
By providing season passes, we’re not just creating an opportunity for our participants to stay active in winter—we’re opening a door to a lifelong passion that builds confidence and strengthens both physical and mental health. These passes ensure that our graduates can continue snowboarding and benefit from the activity long after their time in our programs.
A Program That Changes Lives
For many families, the cost of a season pass is a significant obstacle. By removing that barrier, we ensure that our graduates can sustain their love for snowboarding without financial strain.
We’ve seen incredible stories of transformation: participants who’ve found jobs to support their snowboarding journey, parents who’ve rediscovered their own love of the sport to bond with their children, and one graduate who will return this season as a volunteer to inspire the next generation.
Partners in Progress: The Stober Foundation and Big White
This initiative is possible thanks to the enduring support of our partners.
The Stober Foundation’s financial support is another cornerstone of this program. Their commitment allows us to address the long-term barriers faced by our participants, helping us create meaningful change and provide ongoing access to snowboarding.
Big White Ski Resort has been a proud supporter of Elevation Outdoors since our programs began in 2008. Their generosity, through discounted season passes, has made it feasible for us to extend this opportunity to so many youth. Together, these partnerships are crucial in creating a lasting impact for the youth we serve.
We are committed to ensuring this program continues to grow and thrive. As our snowboard programs expand, so does our ability to impact more lives. It’s only through the long-term, stable support of partners like the Stober Foundation and Big White that we can truly reduce barriers, deepen our impact, and help our graduates maintain their connection to snowboarding.
Equipping Graduates for Success
In addition to passes, we provide graduates with the equipment they need—snowboards, jackets, pants, and more—through our partnership with Play It Again Sports. These resources, made possible by community donations, ensure that participants have everything they need to continue their snowboarding journey.
How You Can Help
The community plays a vital role in sustaining this program. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Donate Gear: Drop off gently used sports equipment at Play It Again Sports under the Elevation Outdoors account, which allows our participants to shop for the gear they need.
- Sponsor a Seat: Fund a spot in our snowboard program, giving youth the chance to participate at no cost. With a donation of $750 it creates an opportunity for someone to take part in the program this year and receive a season pass in a future year!
- Holiday Giving: Contribute to our annual holiday campaign to support programs that reduce barriers to access.
By working together, we’re not just introducing youth to snowboarding—we’re creating opportunities for them to stay active, build confidence, and embrace a lifelong passion. Together, we’re changing lives, one run at a time.
