January Newsletter

Dear Friends,

As the snow continues to fall in Jackson, Coombs participants are learning new skills and spending quality time outside. We are in full swing of our biggest winter ever, with over 400 participants out in the snow every week! ❄️ We are so grateful for the continued opportunity to serve our community and grow along with the needs of our families. We could not do this work alone; we depend on our community partners, volunteers, and supporters like you! Together, we are creating real change.

Read more about what our Activate, Engage, and Empower participants have been up to below.

Jump into Winter with our Activate Participants!

This winter we have an incredible 196 participants in Snow King Ski School! Coombs kids are participating in lessons 6 days of the week.

We have 51 snowboarders and 145 skiers in Snow King Ski School

  • 62 of these participants are trying a brand new winter sport!

  • 28 Coombs parents/high schoolers in our Padres learn-to-ski program.

  • 13 participants in Jackson Hole Ski Club's Rockchuck Racers program

  • 35 Ositos (grades 3-5) in our Nordic ski program, in partnership with the Jackson Hole Ski Club

See what our Engage Participants are up to!

  • We are continuing our Coombs Club ski mentorship program for 153 participants in 6th-12th grade: 106 at JHMR and 47 at Snow King. This program is possible with the help of 60 wonderful volunteers!

  • Based on feedback from our fall middle school participant council meeting, we are hosting 11 weekly workshops for middle school participants. We have 17 participants attending weekly and many more that are interested in participating.

  • We are partnering with the RAD program at the middle school to provide 4 days of after school nordic skiing for 20 middle school participants in February.

  • Coombs supports 4 athletes in more advanced JHSC programs. JHSC deeply discounts the cost of the two freeride athletes. One22 pays the tuition of the two alpine racers. Coombs supports each of the athletes with gear and season passes.

  • 14 High Schoolers enrolled in CBC (Coombs Backcountry Club). Participants join Coombs for 9 Tuesday evening practices skinning up Snow King with 6 volunteer coaches for practices including Exum guides and professional skiers. Each participant has the opportunity to attend 2 backcountry tours. Juniors and seniors have opportunity to complete a Level 1 Avalanche Certification with AAI including 2 full days in the field on Teton Pass. 

"I am excited because the backcountry has always interested me. Exploring locations that I have never seen always excites me. I am always open to try new things and follow plans accordingly.” - CBC Participant

Our Empower Participants have big plans!

  • Our Empower Internship program is off to a great start this winter season, with 8 interns hired and placed

  • All alpine, Nordic, and snowboard instructors were able to go through training and obtain their Jr. PSIA certifications.

  • 4 professional development workshops, including resume and cover letter building, professional development, interview skills, and more.

  • Internship opportunities with Snow King Ski School, Coombs Outdoors/JH Ski Club, Black Tie Ski Rentals, Teton Literacy Center

We could not be more excited to invite you to Skiing with the Stars! Support Coombs Outdoors and join us to ski and snowboard with your favorite stars on March 2nd, 2023 at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Skiing with the Stars Après Cocktail Party will immediately follow skiing from 4-6pm at the Mangy Moose.

Molly Watters