The National Ski Areas Association has entered into a partnership with WinterKids, a non-profit organization that encourages winter recreation among children, to
promote and distribute the WinterKids National Outdoor Learning Curriculum.
The guide is a detailed skier development tool used by teachers in local schools to integrate skiing and winter activities with academics.
NSAA will be marketing and distributing WinterKids to resorts starting in October. Ski areas will then work at a grassroots level with local schools to integrate the curriculum into classrooms. SkiTops, a ski tour operator, has signed on to help resorts implement the guide in
classrooms in support of introducing more kids to snowsports.
“WinterKids and NSAAs Model for Growth coincide. Both are tools that increase awareness of snowsports among a young audience,” said NSAA President Michael Berry. “Teaching children the value of physical fitness will broaden their interests in winter activities.”
Aligned with the National Education Standards, the WinterKids National
Outdoor Learning Curriculum lends itself to all areas of school lesson
plans, with an emphasis on outdoor activities. The program addresses
principles of fitness, flexibility and strength exercises, dressing for
cold weather, nutrition and more. Students will study the science
behind
sledding, orienteering, the history of skiing, and will even apply
mathematics to the use of snow. The guide promotes a lifestyle of
health
and physical fitness.
