Fostering a lifelong love of skiing.
Ski Utah and Alta Ski Area are committed to making skiing more inclusive. Through the fourth year of the Discover Winter program, Ski Utah and Alta aim to foster a lifelong love of skiing amongst Utah's ethnically diverse community.
As of 2025, Ski Utah's Discover Winter has introduced more than 850 People of Color to skiing and snowboarding.
Since 2022, Ski Utah has strived to provide better access to skiing and snowboarding for People of Color living in Utah through the Discover Winter program. Alta Ski Area is proud to partner with Ski Utah to share skiing while building a community for those who may not easily find access to the slopes.
The goal of Discover Winter's four-week program is progression—from learning about the gear to exploratory shuffling on skis and on to confidently riding conveyors and chairlifts with the help of Alta's ski instructors. Alta's Discover Winter 2025 participants had an added challenge as the first three lessons saw plenty of snowfall. Nearly 18 inches of snow fell between the first three sessions, providing a wintry backdrop for the participants' initial forays into skiing.
The program's first week focused on getting familiar with ski gear, basic foundational skills and navigating the low-angle slopes along the Transfer Tow. Weeks two and three promoted comfort and confidence while making turns on the slopes near the new Little Griz and Big Griz ski conveyors. A handful of skiers moved on to the Snowpine lift's terrain while polishing up their skiing maneuvers with tips from the Alf Engen Ski School's instructors.
The fourth and final weekend of lessons dawned with sunny skies and many participants enjoyed the beauty and splendor of Alta's scenic views for the very first time. The anticipation of an inaugural ride on the Sunnyside lift was palpable and the bonds the students had formed over the weeks helped more timid skiers face the prospect of steeper, longer ski runs. The camaraderie and community established between Discover Winter students as they learn and progress together is what makes this program impactful.
Discover Winter 2025 | Week 4
Here is a collection of photos from the fourth week of this year's Discover Winter program as these newly minted skiers tested their skills on the Sunnyside lift—which, for the first Saturday in weeks, was actually quite sunny.
Photos: Photo-John
Whether they culminated with a final descent on Big Griz, the Snowpine lift or Sunnyside, each student had experienced fear or doubt, faced it and challenged themselves into forward progression on skis alongside new friends. We hope to see many of these folks return to Alta's slopes with the most challenging chapters of learning the art of skiing behind them.
The Discover Winter program provides a solid foundation and community-oriented introduction to skiing. We hope each Discover Winter participant returns to Alta to continue their skiing journey. Thanks to the Alf Engen Ski School for guiding these first-time skiers from the Transfer Tow and Little Griz conveyor to the top of Sunnyside after just four days on skis.
Discover Winter participants wrapped up their last ski laps at Alta with smiles and high fives.
Upon completing four lessons, Ski Utah awarded each Discover Winter participant with one of their coveted Yeti Passes. The Ski Utah Yeti Pass is valid for one day of skiing at each of Utah's 15 ski areas. Participants will have the opportunity to explore new terrain alongside friends to continue their winter adventures on snow.
Past Discover Winter Recaps
How Ski Utah's Discover Winter Program Works:
Ski Utah, in collaboration with partner resorts, is committed to making skiing and snowboarding more inclusive for Utahns. Through its Discover Winter program, Ski Utah aims to foster a lifelong love of skiing and snowboarding amongst Utah's ethnically diverse community.
What is Discover Winter and who can apply? Any Person of Color is welcome to apply for this program. The program's goal is to have the state of Utah be more inclusive and welcoming through winter snow sports. Program participants receive four ski or snowboard lessons at partner resorts* during the months of January and February. In addition to the four complimentary ski or snowboard lessons, partner resorts will provide ski and snowboard rental equipment and ski Utah will provide proper clothing for participants to stay warm and free transportation to the resorts for lessons.
Ski Utah is partnering with several organizations throughout the state of Utah to bring more diversity to the ski slopes. Thanks to generous funding from Morgan Stanley, the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation, Gregory Mountain Products, World Cup Supply, Delta Air Lines, Utah Office of Tourism and others, the Discover Winter Program has been able to bring Discover Winter to the slopes since 2021.
*Alta Ski Area, Brighton Ski Resort, Deer Valley Resort, Snowbird, Snowbasin, Solitude Mountain Resort, Sundance Mountain Resort and Woodward Park City all participate in Ski Utah's Discover Winter programming.
Learn To Ski At Alta
Sunnyside At 3
Since Alta’s humble beginnings as a ski area in 1938, Alta has worked to introduce the sport and culture of skiing to new skiers. A big part of that commitment is Alta’s Sunnyside At 3 program. For just $20–25 per day, skiers can ride and ski the Sunnyside lift from 3–4:30pm. A Sunnyside At 3 season pass is just $99, providing afternoon skiing from now until Closing Day of the 2024–25 season.
The Sunnyside lift carries skiers into the beautiful and welcoming Albion Basin—offering wide-open beginner trails, groomed intermediate slopes and the steeps of Vail Ridge. It's the perfect place to build on progression, practice skills and commit to becoming a stronger skier.
Learn To Ski With the Alf Engen Ski School
It’s a great time to learn how to ski and have the most fun ever! Alta Ski Area has world-famous snow conditions, a beautiful mountain setting and a professionally certified ski school staff with the desire to share their skiing expertise with you. Over the progression of four lessons, you will learn to glide, turn and control speed on green slopes. These skills will allow you to explore and enjoy the beautiful Albion Basin at Alta. If you really want to experience the amazing sensations of alpine skiing, then a series of four lessons is the right way to get started.
Spring is a great time to learn how to ski. and Alta Ski Area has world-famous snow conditions, a beautiful mountain setting and a professionally certified ski school staff with the desire to share their skiing expertise with you. These skills will allow you to explore and enjoy the beautiful Albion Basin at Alta. Class Lessons are available daily from 1:30–4pm.
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