Support Kids' Winter Activities

Youth Development Program: A Partnership of Chisholm Ski Club, Black Mountain of Maine and Western Foothills Kids Association

This past winter’s pilot Youth Development Program (YDP) has kindled great excitement in the River Valley and surrounding communities. With Alpine and Nordic skiing as cornerstones of the Program, support from the community and a matching donor, the funding organizations will provide trail access and equipment needs as well as coaching, mentoring and friendship. The next YDP is open to any Maine youth aged 4-14, will run for 10 weeks, and will have after school and weekend offerings.


Goal=$25,000. Support getting kids outdoors! Thank you.


Chisholm Ski Club (CSC)—in partnership with Black Mountain of Maine (BMOM) and Western Foothills Kids Association (WFKA)—is excited to announce its Youth Development Program.

CSC, founded in 1917, is one of the oldest ski clubs in the United States. For more than 100 years, CSC has produced and nurtured numerous Olympic and National athletes. CSC has a rich history of hosting national and international skiing events.

A ‘soft program launch’ with elementary youth during this past winter season has kindled the flame of excitement in the River Valley and surrounding communities. Forty plus youth, ages 4-14 (many of whom had never Nordic skied before), experienced a fun-filled winter under the direction of Dan Warner, Erin Haynes, and Miki Skehan.

CSC's Youth Development Program includes both Nordic and Alpine tracks. The Youth Nordic Development Program fees will be very minimal with significant financial assistance to youth that qualify and includes needed equipment and outfitting.
The Youth Alpine Program is fee-based with financial assistance for qualified youth.

Based on this season’s success, CSC’s Youth Nordic Program will be expanded and modeled after the Bill Koch League—the largest Youth Nordic Program in the United States.

CSC’s Youth Development Program will have after school and weekend offerings for youths aged 4-14. The program will run for 10 weeks.

Age-appropriate skills development will be taught while special activities, events and races will be held for participants to engage in.

Any Maine youth may participate. Participation may be restricted due to funding considerations.

Technical skills clinics will be offered for adults and youth alike and will be free to program participants and open to the public for a fee. Most activities will be held at Black Mountain of Maine or at participating schools nearby. Other ski locations will be visited during the winter to engage in a program outing and for competitions. Additionally, CSC will provide financial assistance to promising competitive Alpine and Nordic athletes of all ages.

The goal of this kick starter is to raise $25,000. An anonymous donor has agreed to match-fund a portion of the proceeds. Funds will be used to acquire equipment, clothing, and help offset coaching, trail grooming, and transportation expenses directly incurred by the Program.

Additional funding option:

You can also donate my mail:

Chisholm Ski Club
Youth Development Program
P.O. Box 616
Rumford, Maine 04276

More detailed information will be forthcoming in the fall of 2021.