Background:

As an industry, we need to reach kids and influence them to spend time in the mountains. Mountain Clubs is an initiative to reach out schools, clubs, and any other gathering place for kids aged 6-18 and share the passion of the mountains.

Research has shown that if we don't reach children and get them involved in our sports when they are young, there is a significantly lower chance they will be active in mountain sports as adults and their lifetime value to the industry in financial terms is much reduced.

Everything we know points to the fact that as an industry we need to reach people when they are young, help them to become passionate and proficient at mountain sports.

Mountain Clubs was conceived to address this issue by developing a program that reaches kids in schools, clubs, and other organizations and introduces mountain activities to them in a fun and inspirational manner.

"Share our collective passion for the mountains to encourage the educational, recreational, and personal growth of North America's youth using mountain sports as our vehicle."

5. Involve - youth in mountain sports and activities.

A. Develop a web site listing kids programs, events, and special offers that motivate kids and families to go to the mountains. It is not Mountain Clubs intent to create new programs. Our goal is to identify all of the programs that already exist in mountain resorts for youth, and to put all of that information in one place. (tap them into 5th grade passport, learn to ski/board, and other programs already available)

B. Mobilize athletes and media to go to schools and clubs to share the passion of mountain sports on a regional basis. Develop a curriculum, show a video to get the kids excited and let the athletes introduce the mountains, motivate the kids to go to the web site for special offers and information on programs.

This initiative has received support and interest from the following organizations:

Mountain Sports Media (An AOL Time Warner Company)

SkiTops – Ski Tour Operators Association

NSAA – National Ski Areas Assoc.

SIA – Snowsports Industries of America

Snow Monsters

PSIA – Professional Ski Instructors Assoc.

Ski Area Management Magazine

Mountain Travel Symposium

EM&M Consumer Ski Shows

BEWI Consumer Ski Shows

Ski Maine for Kids

Mountain Clubs Foundation, Inc

Founding Board Member – There will be a minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 Founding Board Members. Industry organizations, associations and corporations are welcome to apply for these limited positions. A minimum contribution of $10,000 cash or $15,000 in services provided to Mountain Clubs is necessary to apply for founding board member status.

Corporate Partner Member – Open to any corporation outside of the outdoor industry that is interested in sponsorship and branding opportunities with Mountain Clubs.

Membership fee - $25,000

Corporate Industry Partner – Open to any organization, association or corporation that is integrally involved in the outdoor industry.

Membership fee - $1000

As a newly formed, volunteer organization, membership benefits are expected to grow as the organization grows.