Fresh snow and clear skies set the stage for a memorable day of skiing during the annual Goshute Ski Day event on Saturday. This event is a key part of the Christian Center of Park City’s Indigenous Youth Outreach Program.
The Christian Center has partnered with the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation for over 15 years, a collaboration that continues to provide unique experiences for local youth, according to Wes Hedgecock, the program’s director.
Hedgecock highlighted how significant the ski day is, especially in a town like Park City, where skiing is such a large part of life. “This is everyday life for us here, but a lot of Utah, especially outside of Park City, doesn’t have these opportunities because skiing can be difficult to access,” he explained.
One of the main challenges for kids interested in skiing is the cost, as well as the need for proper equipment and clothing.
However, thanks to a partnership with S.O.S. Outreach, a nonprofit organization that helps underserved communities access snow sports, the event was a success. Participants were provided with all the necessary gear and lift access for a seamless experience.
Hedgecock shared that while last year saw 18 kids attend, the turnout this year was a bit smaller. Despite the smaller crowd, he emphasized that the focus was on providing a quality experience for those who could attend. “It’s about quality over quantity,” he said.
The long three-and-a-half hour drive to the resort, combined with the kids’ various commitments and unexpected obstacles, can sometimes limit attendance. However, the excitement was evident as the kids arrived at the resort and quickly met with S.O.S. Outreach staff, preparing for a day on the slopes.
Lorenzo, a parent attending with his four children, mentioned that this was their fourth year participating in the event. This year, the children had the option to either ski or snowboard, and two of them decided to try snowboarding for the first time.
Each child was paired with an instructor from Park City Mountain. While some beginners started on the bunny hill to master the basics, others with more experience went straight to the lift.
“My kids have been looking forward to this all week,” said one of the parents, reflecting the excitement shared by the children as they learned and gained confidence on the slopes. As the morning progressed, the kids picked up speed and skills, moving from the “french fries” position to the “pizza” position, a progression that helped them feel more confident and capable as they navigated the mountain.