The long awaited time is finally here! We are opening up our Operation SnowSports Application! Take a look below to learn more about the 2021 season and all the changes that are taking place to make this season possible.
The Operation SnowSports program is again available to youth who were aged 7-12 as of October 15th. If your child turned 13 before October 15th, head over to our Leadership Corps website and apply for our teen program.
Operation SnowSports is YES’s flagship program. Each year, YES takes more than 800 youth downhill skiing, downhill snowboarding, and cross-country skiing from December through April. All Operation SnowSports trips include an equipment rental, a lift ticket, a bus ride to one of New England’s best skiing locations, and a ski/snowboard lesson.
This Operation Snowsports season will look different than other years due to COVID-19. YES is still finalizing our program offerings. However, we are happy to know a few local venues will be partnering with us. Here is what we can expect for programming this winter:
- Repeat engagement programs that meet weekly for 4-8 trips.
- Transportation provided from YES (busses at 30% capacity) with self-transportation as an option.
- Participants will only be accepted into one program track.
- Approximately 1.5 to 3 hours on the snow each programming day.
- Smaller groups and program size.
- Programming will start no earlier than January 10th and end no later than March 20th.
- Covid-19 policies will be in place (includes maintaining social distance, wearing facemasks, small groups, etc…)
YES will accept applications from December 7th until December 28th. Applications are not on a first come, first serve basis, rather all applications received during this time are reviewed and program acceptance is based on the following criteria: previous Operation Snowsports program participation, Boston residence, household income, neighborhood of residence, and sibling participation.
Due to the different changes we will be making, we will not be able to serve as many youth as previous years. We hope you’re able to stay connected to YES in different ways, and we hope to be back to normal next winter, when we will get to see everyone once again. Please keep all contact about the program, fees, or the application process to email – Eric Geels at [email protected]
The Downhill Ski & Snowboarding Program
Ages 7-12
The Downhill Ski & Snowboarding Program track gives skiers and snowboarders an opportunity to try something new, or continue practicing their skills on the slopes. This program is ideal for youth that have tried skiing/riding before, as well as youth who are new to the sport entirely. Youth will begin their adventure by attending an orientation and equipment fitting at the YES office. On trip day, youth may depart from the YES office on a weekday after school or on a weekend afternoon, or meet at the designated location, have a ski/snowboard lesson, break for snack, and have ski/snowboard unstructured time to practice their skills. Through donations, fundraising events, and partnerships, YES keeps expenses to a minimum and provides programming that is affordable and accessible to everyone. In this way, YES encourages youth to not only learn and experience this new adventure and sport, but also to participate in other YES programs and develop lifelong relationships with mentors and peers.
Pricing: Program fee will be determined on a sliding scale based on household income and number of family dependents. Fees for income-eligible families can range from $40-$175.
The Cross-Country Skiing Program
Ages 7-12
The YES Cross-Country Ski Program partners with Weston Ski Track to offer a cross-country ski program- introducing youth to the sport and building their strength and stamina. Youth do not need any prior skiing experience to participate. On trip day, youth may depart from the YES office on a weekday after school or a weekend afternoon, or meet at Weston, participate in equipment fitting, have a ski lesson, break for snack, and have ski unstructured time to practice their skills.
Pricing: Program fee will be determined on a sliding scale according to income eligibility and number of dependents. Fees for income-eligible families can range from $20-$105.