EAST STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY — Now that ski season is in full swing a local YMCA in the Poconos is teaming up with a resort to make sure all kids who want to try out the sport can get a chance to at no cost.
Early morning temperatures in the teens Thursday were perfect conditions to make what Shawnee Mountain Ski Area specializes in, snow.
“We’ve learned to adapt the last few seasons making snow when we can and taking advantage of these moments, so for our snowmakers, this is just all smiles for them!” said Rachel Wyckoff, marketing director, Shawnee Mountain Ski Area.
Marketing director Rachel Wyckoff says Mother Nature’s recent snowfall and cold weather has gifted them the chance to fully open all the slopes on the mountain.
Perfect timing, as the mountain partnered with the Pocono Family YMCA for the ‘Share Winter Ski Program’ an opportunity for 8 to 18-year-olds, who qualify for free or reduced school lunches, to get free equipment rentals and ski or snowboarding lessons.
“Our community definitely needed a program like this where we could include more kids who wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity or maybe mom and dad were like, ‘You know sorry, this is just something we can’t afford,’ and they don’t have to worry about it," said Wyckoff.
Starting in the rental shop, snowsports director Rich Sharrett says its instructors help beginners overcome the intimidation factor of the sport.
“Begin to have that comfort level and to make them feel secure and give them as much information as possible and to really start what is going to be a great adventure,” said Sharrett.
Also offering a snowboard camp, mountain officials take pride in making the sport open to anyone of all ages.
“It is never too late to start,” continued Sharrett, “We’ve had 60-year-olds come out to snowboard for the first time, which is amazing and we embrace every second of that.”
The next weekend for its “Share Winter Program” is January 26th, during the mountain's ‘Locals Only’ night. To learn more contact the YMCA or visit Shawnee Mountain Ski Area.