Alta Ski Area and SheJumps - creating connections to each other and the outdoors for over a decade.
Nestled between the mountain peaks at the end of Little Cottonwood Canyon is Alta Ski Area, known for its blower powder, steep runs, and a unique community of skiers that call the mountain home. Since 2008, Alta and SheJumps have partnered for the annual Into the Canyon programming, a four-week series that brings local teenagers from Hartland Community 4 Youth and Family into the mountains for ski lessons of all skill levels.
“This organization works with immigrant and refugee families [in Salt Lake City],” said Claire Smallwood, SheJumps Co-Founder who spearheaded the Into the Canyon program back in 2008. When the program started, they originally worked with local Boys & Girls clubs. “Many of the girls in the program said they wanted to try other activities…So we started organizing more events with them in the summer of 2015.”
Not long after, in March 2016, twenty-eight girls plus eight moms came skiing at Alta through the Into the Canyon program. Thanks to a $25,000 REI grant from their “Force of Nature” program, SheJumps was able to cement a lasting relationship with Hartland in 2017 by offering 12 year-round activities ranging from hiking to even camping in Moab.
“We had to build trust first. Showing up consistently that year helped Hartland see that SheJumps is deeply committed to offering these outdoor opportunities,” Smallwood added.
Since the very beginning, Alta Ski Area has been the partnership that has enabled the program to succeed year after year by generously providing lift tickets for the participants. In 2023, Alta also began donating professional lessons for the participants. Previously, SheJumps relied on volunteers to teach the ‘never-ever’ beginner skiers. These lessons have helped cement the experience by learning from a professional- Alta’s Ski School is one of the best in the nation.
Now, year after year, volunteers and donors are not only making this program possible, but they are helping it grow. In 2024, SheJumps received grant funding from the National Recreation Foundation and Frog Crossing Foundation to help underwrite the event and add additional events such as indoor climbing. Other partners include evo Salt Lake, Wild Rye, Kari Traa, and of course, Alta Ski Area. Talented photographers Re Wikstrom, Chloe Jiminez, and Miranda Galbraith volunteered their time to take professional photographs of the event as well.
“We worked with many of the same teens year after year…Many maintained their love for skiing and the outdoors,” said SheJumps Co-Founder Vanessa Pierce, who was lead instructor until 2017. “Some came back to volunteer at the very program they enjoyed as participants, some continued to spend time in person with their coaches, and others remained connected via social media.”
Dioné Rodriguez, a Snowpack Scholarship Recipient in 2020/2021, is now the paid Program Coordinator of the Into the Canyon series. From 2008 - 2021 the program functioned with only volunteers leading it.
“The program has become so important for the participants and for our organization, I can’t think of a better person to help steward it into the future than Dioné,” Smallwood said. “It was clear that we needed this to be a paid position in order to honor the partnership with Alta and also ensure consistency for the participants. We are extremely fortunate to work with Dioné in a program that is so meaningful for everyone.”
For the last two years, Dioné’s efforts have led to the continued success of the program as the main point person for program sponsors, participants, and volunteers. Dioné herself was born and raised in Mexicó until she was twelve, and recognizes a kinship with the participants, all of whom are immigrants as well.
“I can't believe I'm doing something like this in my life—it's just so great,” she explained. “Seeing the girls evolve through the weeks is really something magical to see…I'm just really thankful to be able to have this opportunity to lead this group of girls in a sport that's so not built for us.”
Dioné noted that while the snow industry has become more diverse in recent years, there is still much progress that needs to be made to create a more equitable space in the outdoors for underrepresented communities. She’s excited to continue working with SheJumps and Alta to contribute to that momentum. “There's still so many years ahead of creating community with them, it's really great,” she added.
With the aid of Alta instructors and volunteers, Into the Canyon participants went from riding the tow-rope to the chairlifts and learning the basics of how to wedge to making full turns down bumps. In total, 100% of participants surveyed that they not only developed a new skill, but also improved the skill.
Photos: Photo: Re Wikstrom
By the end of the series, many were skiing in the trees and hitting small jumps. 79% of participants felt more confident because of the program, 85% said the program improved their ability to face challenges, and 85% said they’d continue skiing if given the opportunity.
Alta is SheJumps’ longest-standing partnership for any program or event. Together, the organizations have created friendships, mentorships, and a way for local Salt Lake City youth to experience the mountains right in their backyard. Next winter, SheJumps is excited to continue the ongoing partnership with Alta Ski Area and Hartland Community 4 Youth and Family to bring the joy of skiing and other outdoor activities to the participants.
SheJumps increases the participation of women and girls in outdoor activities. Partnering with nature, SheJumps creates educational outdoor experiences for girls and women that nurture growth and transformation. SheJumps is an inclusive organization. We welcome all women and girls—transgender and cisgender, as well as non-binary people.