Operation Snowsports

Ready to ski or snowboard? YES is waiting for you!

Operation SnowSports is YES’s flagship program that provides youth with the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snowshoe and cross country ski during the winter months. Each year, YES takes more than 1,000 youth downhill skiing and snowboarding from December through April. The young people are enrolled as YES Kids or from collaborating agencies.

Through donations, fundraising events, and partnerships, YES keeps expenses to a minimum and provides programming that is affordable and accessible to everyone. A first time skier/snowboarder pays a rate of $50; then, each succeeding trip costs only $15/person. 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.

Youth are encouraged to join at any stage in their skill development, from beginners to competitive ski racers.

Ready to say YES? Please complete our Permission Slip here:

Operation SnowSports 2011-2012 Permission Slip

How YES trips work:

All participants attend a required pre-trip clothing orientation that explains how to stay warm, dry and safe on the slopes. At the YES rental shop at YES headquarters in Boston, YES volunteers outfit participants with skis or snowboards, boots, poles, and other necessary winter equipment.

Upon arrival at the ski mountains, YES volunteer instructors provide ski lessons on the slopes. Each trip is led by a YES Group Leader and has a 5:1 ratio of children to adults. YES takes a maximum of 65 young people for each trip. In no time at all, YES Kids are skiing, snowboarding, riding, and having fun.

Seasonal Pass Program

YES’s goal is to have a greater impact on youth, i.e. serve more youth, more frequently. The Seasonal Pass Program allows youth to sign up for 5 ski/snowboard trips for $110. Participating youth also are able to take their equipment home for the season allowing them to enjoy winter sports outside of YES’s programming.

Race Development Program

For more experienced skiers and riders, or those who which to accelerate their development, the YES Ski and Snowboard Team introduces downhill skiers and snowboarders to the excitement of competitive racing. The 12-week program – created in partnership with Boston Ski Party and Pat’s Peak Ski Area in Henniker, N.H. — begins in the summer and fall with “dry land” training that builds strength, agility and camaraderie for the slopes. Once the snow begins to fall, team members hit the trails. They train at Pat’s Peak Ski Area and compete in fun races at Pat’s Peak and other New England areas culminating in the Finals at the Mass Snow Challenge at Wachusett Mtn. In 2010, 50+ athletes participated in this program.

Race coaches are YES and Boston Ski Party Volunteers, many of whom have prior high school or collegiate racing experience to share with the team members, who work in conjunction with Pat’s Peak Ski School. The program continues to grow each year and YES looks forward to incorporating other ski areas in the future.