Dear Friends,

After four months of winter programs it's almost time for our big transition to spring break programming and our busy summer season. As the valley warms and we chase the last of the melting snow, we're reflecting back on our days on the mountain surrounded by Coombs friends. This winter brought many new opportunities and experiences for participants, families, volunteers, and even myself. We enrolled more participants in ski and snowboard programs than ever before, a record number of parents joined their families in learning to ski, Skiing with the Stars broke previous event fundraising records, and we just celebrated the season together at CoombsFest on the top of Snow King mountain.

We hosted events to bring our community together, and we were reminded just how strong that community is. We were joined by Rob Cocuzzo, author of Tracking the Wild Coomba, who met us on the slopes and helped us connect even more deeply with our founding legacy.

Reflecting on the success of this past winter season, I want to take a moment to thank you for your part in making it possible. Our team is so grateful to everyone who joined us at Skiing with the Stars, attended the book reading with Rob Cocuzzo, came to see our Clubhouse building, donated, volunteered, provided partner programming, or were there for us in some other way - our community is strong because of you!

Whether you're packing up ski gear in preparation for spring break travel or heading out of town for the offseason, know that your support this winter provided hundreds of participants with joy, community, and confidence-boosting outdoor opportunities that will have a long-lasting impact.

Happy spring,

Jenny Wolfrom Holladay

2026 Winter Program Recap

As we look back on the last 10 weeks of programs we wanted to take this time to share our gratitude and some of the moments and milestones that have made this one of our best winters yet. From Nordic skiing at Trail Creek to backcountry days on 25 Short in Grand Teton National Park, there were Coombs participants skiing and snowboarding almost every single day this winter. Winter programs are a chance for kids to grow, build confidence, and connect with Jackson's spirited outdoor culture. Kids spend time outside of school socializing, laughing, and discovering new skills, all while being active in the outdoors.

Winter programs by the numbers

163 elementary schoolers in ski or snowboard lessons at Snow King

52 new winter participants in Snow King lessons
15 Rockchuck Racers - Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club (JHSC) introductory alpine ski program at Snow King
6 days of Snow King ski and snowboard programs every week
36 3rd-5th graders in Ositos Nordic ski lessons in partnership with JHSC
17 Ositos competed in the annual Moose Chase Nordic race at Trail Creek
24 middle and high schoolers in Snow King ski and snowboard lessons
47 parents learned to ski or joined weekly ski groups. More than ever before!
191 middle and high schoolers in Coombs Club ski and snowboard membership program at Snow King and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
70 volunteers mentored participants in Coombs Club
12 volunteers were former Coombs participants
15 high schoolers in backcountry club
5 backcountry participants completed their Rec Level 1 Avalanche Course
2 backcountry participants completed their Rec Level 2 Avalanche Course
8 students raced on the high school alpine ski team
9 high school interns took on roles in the outdoor industry
3 professional development workshops for high schoolers
4 Coombs interns served as junior ski instructors at Snow King and JHMR
50+ attendees at the second annual Spanish-language Avalanche Awareness Night in collaboration with Camina Conmigo and TCSAR

Participant Highlights

This year has been full of growth for both our winter participants and Coombs alumni taking on new roles as coaches and volunteers. One of our favorite things about programs is that they don't always end once you graduate. This winter we had 12 former participants take roles as volunteer mentors in Coombs Club and backcountry club. These volunteers excelled as role models and advocates, inspiring younger participants to find belonging and seek out adventure on the slopes.

After graduating high school last year, Saul, a former participant and new volunteer, took on the responsibility of leading a group of beginner skiers at Snow King Coombs Club. Although the group started the season on the magic carpet, feeling intimidated by the steeper runs, Saul built a meaningful connection with the new skiers. He shared his passion for the sport, helping grow their confidence and eventually leading them down some more challenging terrain. The students came to enjoy skiing so much throughout the season that they would stay after the program to continue skiing together. Great job, Saul!

With leadership from our wonderful volunteers, the majority of our participants skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort have become strong and fearless skiers. One of these participants, Mauricio, has been skiing for 3 years now. Mauricio has really stepped out of his shell and become a role model for the rest of his group. After showing up every weekend eager for a challenge, Mauricio has become a regular on the Thunder lift! Mauricio inspires us all to greet each challenge with enthusiasm and grace.

Winter 2026 Program Newsletter

2026 Winter Program Recap

Winter programs by the numbers

Participant Highlights

Thank you to all of our winter partners!

Winter programs would not be possible without our incredible volunteers!

Thanks for skiing with us this winter! Now on to spring break!