Congratulations to our September 2025 grantee. kids who otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience skiing this winter will have that opportunity this year.

According to their application, “There is a beloved winter tradition for the students at Capitol Hill Middle School magnet. It involves bundling up and spending FOUR hours outside. In the dead of winter. Anight! What kids would endure such torture? About 60-70 middle schoolers from all over St. Paul. You won’t even hear any complaining from this group, you’ll hear nothing but shrieks of delight as kids soar down the slopes at Afton Alps, many of them for the first time in their lives. This is the Capitol Hill Ski & Snowboard Club and it is a highlight of the middle school experience for many. The Club transports kids to and from Afton Alps five Friday nights each season. Through a discounted partnership with Afton, and with the help of parent volunteers, Kids are provided bus transportation, equipment, a lift pass and instruction. The program is designed to get kids who have limited or no exposure to the sport, up-and-skiing safely and confidently. For many kids, this will be the start of a life-long love of skiing. For others, it may be their only exposure to the sport–but they’ll walk away with the best memories and a little extra pride. For everyone, it’s a way to get outside in the winter, meet new friends and enjoy the gifts we have in MN that should be available and accessible to all.”