Before Eagle County SOS Outreach students graduate the program, they are offered an experience of a lifetime: to shadow a ski patroller for a day at Beaver Creek. This day was made possible by a various team of employees who guided the students with enthusiasm throughout their experience. The students started their shadow day at ski patrol’s morning meeting where they paired up with one or two patrollers, each at a different outpost. They then shadowed morning missions before retreating to Talons for a free lunch. In the afternoon, the kids changed outposts and patrollers to get a new view on the mountain. Students spent the day running injury calls, pulling sleds, skiing and sweeping the mountain at the end of the day.
The second shadow day occurred this March and more departments jumped on board. A group of 10 SOS students were able to shadow HR, Ski School, Guest Services, Ski Ambassadors, Lift Maintenance, Mountain Dining, Ski Patrol, Vehicle Maintenance, Snowcat Crew and Lift Maintenance. Beaver Creek Staff and SOS Outreach participants both benefitted from this experience. Our staff got to learn about the obstacles each student overcame and the students learned about the extensive list of potential careers in the outdoor industry.
Beyond the shadow day, younger SOS kids also had an experience of a lifetime with some behind-the-scenes opportunities at Beaver Creek. A group of students helped groom the mountain with Beaver Creek snowcat drivers on February 8 to prepare for Thursday Night Lights. This proceeded a private pizza dinner at the top of the mountain then they skied down, covered in glow sticks, with other guests during Thursday Night Lights.
Thanks to Beaver Creek Ski Patrol, the Talons and Toscanini teams, and other Beaver Creek staff members who made these experiences possible.