In Beaver Creek, Colorado, skiing is more than just a winter pastime; it’s a platform for youth development and community engagement. Two notable programs, the Buddy Werner League and SOS Outreach, are at the forefront of this initiative.
Buddy Werner League: Cultivating Young Skiers
Established over 55 years ago, the Buddy Werner League (BWL) offers 2nd to 8th graders the chance to enhance their skiing skills through recreational alpine racing. Operating out of Beaver Creek for ten weekends each season, BWL focuses on fun, skill-building, and instilling values like teamwork and sportsmanship. The program relies on volunteer coaches and community support to foster a lifelong love of skiing among its 250 participants.
SOS Outreach: Empowering Youth Through Outdoor Experiences
SOS Outreach, a Colorado-based nonprofit, utilizes skiing and snowboarding to promote personal growth and community involvement among youth, particularly those with limited access to outdoor sports. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2023, the organization served 550 students in the Denver metro area, spanning from fourth grade to high school. The program emphasizes mentorship, life skills development, and community service through a five-year curriculum that includes mountain ride days and skill-building activities. Participants, like middle schoolers from Vail Valley, report that the ski days and the opportunity to help their communities are the most enjoyable aspects. Beaver Creek COO Bobby Murphy, a former board member, highlights the program’s mission to break down barriers and stereotypes in outdoor sports. With support from partner Vail Resorts, SOS Outreach is working to expand its reach nationally, aiming to make the transformative power of outdoor experiences more accessible to youth across the country.
Through these programs, Beaver Creek continues to leverage its rich skiing culture to positively impact the lives of young individuals, fostering both athletic skills and personal growth within the community.