First Tracks
Self Esteem, Health, Opportunity,
Mastery, and the Love of the Outdoors
Since its first season, First Tracks has welcomed more than 20,000 young people to
Winter4Kids.
First Tracks supports youth from communities with limited access to financial resources, stable housing, and enrichment opportunities beyond their immediate environments. Many of the students we serve have had little exposure to outdoor activities.
As Winter4Kids’ core program, First Tracks introduces students to skiing and snowboarding through a structured, multi-week experience that builds confidence, independence, and resilience.
Designed for youth ages 6 to 18 with little or no prior exposure to winter sports, First Tracks combines on-snow instruction, mentorship, and community to create a powerful foundation for growth. Through partnerships with over 50 schools and youth-serving organizations, we reach more than 1,800 students annually—77% of whom come from low-income backgrounds.
First Tracks supports youth from communities with limited access to financial resources, stable housing, and enrichment opportunities beyond their immediate environments. Many of the students we serve have had little exposure to outdoor activities.
As Winter4Kids’ core program, First Tracks introduces students to skiing and snowboarding through a structured, multi-week experience that builds confidence, independence, and resilience.
Designed for youth ages 6 to 18 with little or no prior exposure to winter sports, First Tracks combines on-snow instruction, mentorship, and community to create a powerful foundation for growth. Through partnerships with over 50 schools and youth-serving organizations, we reach more than 1,800 students annually—77% of whom come from low-income backgrounds.
What the Experience Looks Like
Each session, students travel to Winter4Kids’ mountain where they participate in a full day of programming that includes:
- Professional ski and snowboard instruction
- Small-group coaching and mentor-ship
- Healthy meals and structured breaks
- Team-building and peer connection
What Students Gain
Short-Term
- 100% progression achievement to ski/snowboard independence
- Increased confidence
- Enhanced sense of belonging
- Strong peer connections
Long-Term
- Transfer of mountain agency to real life agency
- Improved school attendance
- Better relationships
- Healthier lifestyle choices
- Expanded future goals
“Before Winter4Kids, I had never snowboarded and didn’t think it was something I could do. At first, I was nervous, but the coaches supported me every step of the way. Now I have confidence in myself that goes far beyond the slopes.”
1,800
Students participate in First Tracks each year
11,000
On-snow lessons delivered annually
28,000
Hours of mentor-ship provided
11,000
Meals served to support student wellness
Participating Organizations
We Work with the Following Organizations
There is more than 4.0 million school-age youth within a 70-mile radius of our Winter4Kids programs at National Winter Activity Center in Vernon, NJ. All have access to competitive and learning programs through youth-serving organizations such as schools, Boys and Girls Clubs, and YMCAs. If you do not find your organization listed on our current partner list below please reach out to us. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you and discuss how we can work together.