Mike & Keith discuss the success and impact of Ski Utah's Discover Winter program with Raelene Davis, VP of Marketing and Operations at Ski Utah. The program aims to introduce ethnically diverse adults to skiing and snowboarding by breaking down barriers such as cost and accessibility. Since its inception, it has seen an 87% retention rate with over 850 participants. Raelene shares insights on how this initiative could be scaled nationally to grow the skiing community and highlights the need for manufacturers to create gear that fits diverse body types. The episode underscores the importance of inclusivity in the ski industry and calls for industry-wide collaboration to sustain and grow the sport.

Topics

00:30 Reflecting on a Snowy Month and Industry Challenges

01:19 Excitement Over Youth Enrichment Services

08:06 Interview with Raelene Davis from Ski Utah

08:57 Ski Utah's Mission and Global Outreach

13:45 The Discover Winter Program

17:15 Challenges and Successes of the Discover Winter Program

24:27 Inclusivity in Ski Gear and Industry Support

26:53 Expanding the Ski Program Nationwide

27:40 Partnerships and Community Involvement

29:16 Challenges and Opportunities in Diversity

30:56 The Role of Community in Winter Sports

31:51 Concerns About DEI Initiatives

33:46 The Impact of Immigration on Ski Resorts

35:06 Sundance Festival and Its Influence

36:28 Anticipating the 2030 Winter Olympics

40:58 The Need for Industry-Wide Collaboration

48:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts