Ski club helps local youth make the most of winter

A nonprofit winter sports club is in its third decade of helping youth develop and deepen their passion for outdoor recreation.

From its humble beginnings as a small group of friends, the Mat-Su Ski and Snowboard Club has grown to a large and active state-licensed 501(c)(3) organization. Designed for youth ages 10 to 18, the club helps all skill levels enjoy the slopes.

Hundreds of Mat-Su youth currently benefit from the club. Jason Ortiz, who is president of the organization’s board of directors, said the group is structured to maximize access, value, and flexibility for families, while being true to its purpose.

“Our mission is to get kids on the slopes and connected with their peers,” he said. “It helps build relationships, learn responsibility, and develop confidence, while fostering a lifelong interest in skiing and snowboarding.”

Members prepay for the season, which consists of two sessions that include round-trip transportation to Alyeska, six all-mountain lift passes, two complimentary lessons, and two lift tickets to Skeetawk. A “one-timer program” allows families to request single-day participation on a prorated basis.

Ortiz said community interest in participating remains strong. Following a high-demand season last year, when 330 available spots sold out in eight minutes, the club added an additional bus this year.

He also noted the all-volunteer effort that fuels the organization and helps it create meaningful experiences for young people. A recent encounter with a young professional who shared how much the club meant to him growing up underscored the lasting value of the program.

“One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing the long-term impact on participants,” Ortiz said. “Moments like that demonstrate the ability of the club to shape positive outcomes for our youth.”

A scholarship program is available to help offset expenses, and a recent $95,000 grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation does the same.

“Historically, skiing and snowboarding have been cost-prohibitive for many families. Without the support of the MatSu Health Foundation, the club’s continued operation would be at serious risk,” Ortiz said. “Their assistance has been critical to maintaining program stability and ensuring access for families who might otherwise be unable to participate.”

The Health Foundation has been making investments in community health and wellness since its inception in 2007, when it became part owner of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center. Since then, more than $160 million of its share of hospital profits have been returned to the community through scholarships, sponsorships, and grants to nonprofit organizations across the Valley.

“The support of the Mat-Su Health Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring that all kids can engage in healthy, active, outdoor recreation and experience the long-term physical, social, and emotional benefits,” Ortiz said. “We are so grateful to be among the many secular and faith-based organizations they support. Their continued investment strengthens programs that directly contribute to the health, vitality, and overall well-being of the Mat-Su.”

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https://matsusnow.org