Snow Vibes and High Fives: Skier and Rider Education Movies for Local Youth
This December Four Valleys Community School and High Fives Foundation are partnering to bring a series of skier and rider safety education movies to be shown to Girdwood youth and their families. Each movie night is sponsored by a Girdwood-based ski industry business, helping to reinforce the outreach effort and safety message.
The High Fives Foundation is a non-profit based in Truckee, California whose mission is to prevent lifechanging injuries and provide resources and hope if they do happen. Their video series and B.A.S.I.C.S (Being Aware Safe In Critical Situations) program was created to reach young athletes in order to promote smart decision making in the mountains and prevent injuries of any kind.
Each movie features famous skiers and snowboarders telling their own stories while promoting injury awareness. The videos also interview athletes who have suffered an injury from a skiing or snowboarding accident and are on the path to recovery. “What interested me about the videos is that they are filmed and presented just like a Warren Miller type of ski movie, but they are designed with safety messages in mind,” said Catherine McDermott, organizer and director of FVCS. “We are hoping to inspire and educate our local kids to make great decisions while out skiing and riding this winter”.
Chugach Powder Guides, Alyeska Resort, and Powder Hound Ski Shop are sponsoring the video series. “I think it is important to have local businesses that are part of the ski industry involved to reinforce the idea that promoting safety is paramount in all aspects of the sport whether in the backcountry, or pushing the benefit of wearing a helmet, talking about what to do in a collision, or how to stay safe in the terrain park.”, said McDermott. In addition to helping present the movies, Sponsors are providing door prizes and a grand prize for a drawing on the final night.
Girdwood Middle School teacher and Alyeska Ski Patrol member Scott Hickox will be the MC of the events. “Our target audience is skiers and riders in 4th grade and up. But really, the idea that being safe and smart on the ski hill is good one for everyone to hear, no matter your age”, said McDermott “Bring your family, bring your friends, and let’s hope it snows soon”.
Movie showings will take place on Tuesday evenings December 3, 10 and 17 from 7-8:15p in the commons of the Girdwood K-8 School. There is no charge for the events.
