For many people, skiing and snowboarding are an essential part of the Colorado experience. However, these activities are not accessible to everyone, especially students who may face financial or logistical barriers. That’s where the Bison Blizzard Club comes in—a program designed to give students the chance to hit the slopes, regardless of their background or financial situation.
Breaking Barriers to the Slopes
Skiing and snowboarding can be expensive, with costs adding up quickly for lift tickets, gear rentals, and transportation. Sam Haven, a teacher at Vista PEAK Preparatory in Aurora and an instructor with the Bison Blizzard Club, saw this challenge firsthand. He and other educators wanted to create opportunities for students who had never been on the slopes before.
“In today’s world, being able to afford ski gear, lift tickets, and transportation is a major barrier for many students,” Haven said. “That’s why our partnership with Echo Mountain has been a game-changer. It’s close to the Denver metro area and offers one of the most affordable options for skiers and snowboarders.”
Echo Mountain provides some of the lowest-cost tickets in Colorado, ranging from $50 to $83 for adults and $30 to $50 for kids. The Bison Blizzard Club is funded through donations and student-led fundraising, covering the $400 cost per student for four trips each season, including gear and transportation.
Giving Students a New Experience
For many students, skiing or snowboarding is something they never imagined they would get to try. Isabella Sanchez, a club member, said financial barriers had kept many of her classmates from even considering winter sports.
“This club gives underprivileged kids a chance to experience the mountains in a way they never thought possible,” Sanchez said.
On a recent trip, Sanchez and her fellow club members enjoyed a day of snowboarding, gaining skills and confidence along the way. Dakota Hill Gadd, another student, explained that learning to snowboard has helped him in more ways than one.
“Snowboarding teaches you to push through challenges,” Gadd said. “If I can tackle a tough run on the mountain, I can handle other challenges in life too.”
More Than Just a Club—A Life Lesson
For Haven, the club is about more than just learning a sport. It’s about teaching resilience, courage, and perseverance.
“It takes courage to try something new, and skiing or snowboarding can be intimidating,” Haven said. “At the end of the day, we talk about what they learned—not just about snowboarding, but about life. We remind them that fear exists in many areas—school, tests, sports—and overcoming it is what matters.”
Haven says watching students have these breakthrough moments makes all the hard work worth it.
“This is something that truly fills my cup,” he said with a smile.
Building Friendships and Lasting Bonds
Beyond the skills and personal growth, the club has helped students build strong friendships. Gradi Lanongo, a second-year member, says the shared experience of learning and improving together has brought students closer.
“We see each other at school and joke about the times we fell on the slopes,” Lanongo said with a laugh. “It’s something special that connects us, something others don’t always understand.”
Lanongo started as a beginner but is now confident on steep blue runs. He’s eager to tackle Echo Mountain’s black diamond trail once it opens, proving just how far he’s come.
He encourages anyone who gets the chance to join a program like Bison Blizzard Club.
“If you’ve never been skiing or snowboarding, take the chance,” Lanongo said. “It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.”
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