Phillips students Jackie Plog and Shyan Frye are fitted for skiing equipment by Scott Dolan, the new manager of the Outdoor Center. Sugarloaf personnel visited all local MSAD #58 schools recently in anticipation of this year’s winter recreation season and fitted equipment for Ski/Skate Program. CARRABASSETT VALLEY -– There are benefits to wherever you live and raise your children. However, schools may not capitalize on the resources available like they do here at MSAD #58.

Now in its 35th year, the Ski/Skate Program offered to MSAD #58 students may have new meaning for some schools in the district.

In Phillips and Kingfield schools this season, the program will double in size increasing from four to five sessions to nearly 10.

Ski/Skate is a program where students sign up for snowshoeing, skating, Nordic skiing, and attend these professionally instructed sessions at the C.V. Touring Center. Students can also choose to enjoy snowboarding and alpine skiing at one of the east coast’s most spectacular resorts. Students learn the fundamentals of their choice and apply their learning later that day in a chaperoned period after the lesson. This “free ski” time is managed by school staff and by many volunteers.

“I have chaperoned for the past 10 years and thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to spend time outside of school with my students,” said Kingfield principal Marco Aliberti in a letter to the Sugarloaf Ski Club.

Much of this is brought on as a result of their physical education instructor who is now voluntarily working part-time. Long-term gym teacher Dennis Olsen has taken the winter off this season. Rather then replacing his services where he instructs at the Phillips and Kingfield schools, Sugarloaf may be an outlet where students can get winter outdoor physical activity. This activity provides long term benefits that can lead to a mutually beneficial relationship.

“It is a collaborative effort that benefits both parties involved,” Aliberti said. “Students are able to learn and enjoy the winter activities that the area has to offer in a fun and safe environment. Sugarloaf’s benefits run for years after the students move through the program,” by planting the seed for potential employment and as a life-long place of outdoor recreation, Aliberti said.

“Because of Boyne’s, Sugarloaf’s and now the Sugarloaf Ski Club’s commitment to youth outdoor recreation,” said Ski/Skate Coordinator Scott Hoisington, “the Ski/Skate Program is now thriving with more participation than ever.”

Over 300 area kids are able to participate and learn about winter snow sports at a minimal cost, Hoisington explained. “This allows them to gain experience in winter recreation with a goal for the students to continue the sports as a life-long commitment.”

The cost for the program is just $4 per session if you own your own equipment and $1 more if you need rentals.

In Kingfield and Phillips, now with 10 sessions ahead, students can get 10 days on the snow this season for $50. A true bargain for some, this may be a struggle for others. The administration staff as well as the Sugarloaf Ski Club has stepped up to this challenge so that everyone can participate, worry free in these troubled and challenging times.

“The ski club has made a five-year commitment up to $2,000 per year to be used to scholarship kids who could not afford to participate,” said ski club president Bruce Miles.

He said that he and his club has always wanted the Ski/Skate program to expand and would love to see a much larger MSAD #58 physical education winter program.

The club’s generous contributions as well as its intention for future fundraising for the cause will certainly help. The financial contribution is to support all four elementary schools in the district.

Miles said that the contribution was made possible in part due to funds that were set aside in memory of Norton Luce, a former ski club president.

“Of course I am happy that the mountain stepped up and we are able to find a solution to Denny being out,” said MSAD #58 superintendent Quenten Clark. “We are trying to find other creative ways to keep the students active and move forward.”

Many such as Miles and Hoisington feel that the situation at hand, with a need for physical education during a time of cutbacks may be met by our local outdoor recreational opportunities.

“The ski-skate program has been a great benefit to Sugarloaf and the local community for many years, and we’re excited to see the new energy in the program this year,” said Sugarloaf Communications Manager Ethan Austin. “The program is truly a win-win for everyone involved. It helps local kids stay active during the long winter months, and helps them develop a life-long love for winter sports, which will benefit Sugarloaf and the ski industry in the long run.”

Austin said he’s seen tremendous levels of participation growth in the program over the past several years. “And they only expect that to grow this year and in future years, thanks to the commitment of dedicated volunteers and staff members, as well as the new contribution from the Sugarloaf Ski Club.”