Pico Mountain Secures $25,000 Grant To Expand Junior Explorer School Program

Vermont’s Pico Mountain, part of the POWDR adventure lifestyle company, secured a grant from the National Winter Sports Education Foundation (NWSEF) for $25,000 to bring affordable skiing and riding to local children.

The Pico School Program is a 6-week ski/snowboard lesson program offered to students in grades first through twelfth in local Vermont schools. During the 2016/17 season more than 400 students from 12 schools participated in the program. Lessons are 90 minutes long, held once a week, and available on Mondays, Thursdays or Fridays.   

“Pico Mountain is committed to sharing our passion for an adventurous lifestyle through skiing and riding with our local students,” says Katherine MacLauchlan, manager of Pico Snowsports, Competitions and Child Care. “This is an opportunity many students may not get otherwise, and through this program we are developing a passion for winter sports and love of the outdoors.”

Students graduating from the program, due to aging out or changing schools receive a learner’s permit which includes 50% off lift tickets, rentals and lessons for the current and next season. The program kicks off for the 2017/18 season on January 18, 2018. Schools that are interested can still sign up for the Pico School Program by emailing katherine@picomountain.com.

The Vermont Student Pass is also available, exclusively to all Vermont students in grades K-12 for just $89 through December 17, 2017 and $109 after. This pass offers unlimited access to Pico Mountain all season long. Proof of eligibility is required. Vermont Student Pass perks include $20 1-day rentals and additional family perks. The Vermont Student Pass is available for purchase at picomountain.com.