Winter Feels Good

Recently, organizers launched a new product intended to introduce elementary school-level children to snow sports in a way that enables them to become more proficient faster. A series of Learning Modules, produced by SIA in partnership with Snow Monsters and the Professional Ski Instructors of America/American Association of Snowboard Instructors, is distributed via the award-winning www.winterfeelsgood.com website and via a CD format to general consumers and schools.

The Winter Feels Good initiative has exposed thousands of children to snow sports through "adult influencers" such as teachers, scout leaders, recreation directors, community organizations and parents. SIA research indicates that snow sports participants who start with snow sports at the age of 10 can potentially spend more than $52,000 on products and activity during their lifetimes while those who start at age 24 spend around $14,000.

The Learning Modules use the popular Snow Monsters characters to teach children. “best practices” about getting ready for snow sports, including how to dress, and the products needed for a good experience. The modules show children, in a fun way, what they need to know before they even get to a resort for an on-snow experience. Lesson plans, posters, take home flyers and many other items are included for use in schools and other recreation programs that encourage activity among children.

The www.winterfeelsgood.com website also includes a plethora of information for those new to snow sports and how they can become involved in a “user-friendly” way.

All national snow sports organizations, including the National Ski Areas Association, the Cross Country Ski Areas Association, the United States Ski/Snowboard Association, the National Ski Patrol, and state and regional resort associations are involved. The new product is based on the school outreach program developed by Ski Utah.