Young people are expected to flock to the slopes this winter thanks to a new Ontario Snow Resorts Association (OSRA) and Canadian Ski Council (CSC) initiative that aims to get kids out of the classroom and into the great outdoors.
Known as Schools On Snow Ontario, it’s a win all around for educators, students, ski areas and facilities.
The program provides teachers with the tools and resources to take students in all grade levels on snow sports field trips, where they can incorporate curriculum goals with lessons about nature, while enhancing their mental and physical well-being, and developing valuable life skills.
Ski areas, still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, are bound to see more traffic on their chairlifts and at concessions thanks to Schools on Snow.
“The program expands access to Ontario’s snow resort activities to all students so they can have fun while building healthy bodies and minds,” says Kevin Nichol, President of OSRA. “And it makes life simpler for teachers. When they plan school trips we will provide Ontario curriculum-aligned lesson plans, links to education initiatives, key tips, and strategies/resources for removing barriers to access.”
While sliding down slopes on skis, boards, and tubes, or exploring trails on Nordic skis and snowshoes, students will learn to appreciate the natural environment and will experience hands-on learning with regards to weather and skiing or boarding equipment. At the same time, lesson plans utilized by teachers will impress upon them essential and valuable lifelong skills, like team building, getting organized, public speaking, writing, critical thinking, and overcoming challenges.
Experienced staff and instructors at participating ski areas will ensure students explore the winter season safely, while having fun, says Nichol.
“Once these kids get outdoors and onto the snow, they will share new experiences and learn all kinds of useful skills. And hopefully some will develop a love for the sport and become lifelong participants.”
Educators wanting to incorporate snow sports into their lesson plans can visit the Schools on Snow website. Here they’ll find lesson plans designed specifically for the age group they teach, relating to a variety of curriculum-based subjects: language, health and physical education, social studies/geography, and science and technology. The website also offers resources to help students, parents and teachers overcome barriers that for years have been a barrier to accessing outdoor sports. For parents, these include a shortage of funds, and for educators who sometimes need ideas to teach outdoors and are short on time – resources, and support.
To help families and teachers plan their excursion, OSRA encourages educators to speak with their local ski area prior to booking a school trip. OSRA staff are happy to help facilitate the perfect experience for teachers and students.
The OSRA website provides links to many outdoor learning resources, including the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association, the Ontario Association for the Support of Physical and Health Educators, the Ontario Children’s Outdoor Charter, and the Ontario Track3 Adaptive Sports Association, which helps children with disabilities take part in snow sports.
