New York, NY – With the closest ski resort to New York City located a two-hour drive away, and facing lift ticket and equipment costs, there are many obstacles to getting the city’s young people to join the East Coast ski community, especially those who face additional social challenges. The Peaks Project is a nonprofit organization that gives underprivileged New York City youth access to skiing and snowboarding, while promoting camaraderie and personal growth. The Peaks Project also aims to educate their program’s participants on environmental stewardship.
“I started The Peaks Project so that I could share my appreciation and love for the sports of skiing and snowboarding with kids who have never had the chance to try them,” said Molly Tarlofsky, who founded the group in 2012. “I think it’s extremely important for kids to be active, happy and genuinely enjoy themselves while learning something new. That’s how I feel when I’m out on the mountain.”
Every Sunday from January through March 2014, The Peaks Project will be coaching a consistent group of twelve students between the ages of 8 and 18 who are members of the Brooklyn-based organization Children of Promise, which seeks to empower the children of incarcerated parents to break the cycle of intergenerational involvement in the criminal justice system. Skiing and snowboarding lessons are provided through Camelback Mountain Resort in eastern Pennsylvania and receiving transportation to and from the Poconos through OvRride.
The Peaks Project has launched a “NYC Youth on the Slopes” Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to raise the program’s capital, having already received sponsor donations and support for this campaign. By contributing to The Peaks Project, donors can purchase Faction skis, a Mervin Manufacturing snowboard, FD Virtika clothing, DPS Skis swag, lift tickets from Mt. Abram in Maine, a day of skiing with a Mountain Rider’s Alliance founder, a weekend of snowshoeing gear from Eastern Mountain Sports and bars of East Coast Wax.
For more information on The Peaks Project or to lend your support, visit the group’s online home at www.thepeaksproject.org.