Local businesses collaborate to reduce barriers to alpine sports.
by Roger Klein
The ski slopes are visible from First Street in Collingwood, but having fun on those slopes remains out of reach for many. Financial barriers can limit opportunities for youth who want to participate in alpine sports.
John Mealey wants to help change that with a new program called Second Tracks. “As of 2020, the child poverty rate in Collingwood was 8.2 percent, which equates to a minimum 150 youth who could benefit from this program,” says Mealey, whose building products company, North Shore Ltd., is a program sponsor.
The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, North Shore Ltd., Blue Mountain Resort, Rossignol Group, Later Pizza, and Collingwood Blues have all joined forces to assemble an after-school program with the essentials to get 100 kids out on the slopes this winter.
There are two four-week sessions planned. Each one will give 50 local youth a chance to try skiing or snowboarding, including a pass, rental equipment and lessons. Transportation between the Collingwood YMCA and Blue Mountain will also be provided along with a meal. Multiple outings will give participants the opportunity to become proficient in the sport. The community initiative is open to anyone, but targeted toward low-income families who are new to alpine sports.
“Even if we can get youth off their phone for a few hours, be outside and get challenged with a new activity. We count this as a major win for mental, physical and social health outcomes,” says Mealey. Second Tracks will be provided under the YMCA’s umbrella for child and youth safety. The program has received endorsements from the Canadian Ski Council and Alpine Ontario.
The first session begins Sunday January 12, 2025.
For more information about how to participate, volunteer, or donate funds or equipment, visit secondtracks.ca.
Veteran skiers, considering hanging up their skis, have extended their careers in the sport with the use of the 5×7 Pass, which provides the promise of “I can ski if I want to.” By picking their moments, these skiers can ski longer, selecting only bluebird days when conditions are perfect, the snow is not too heavy and the hills are wide open—ideal for a few runs with friends, children and grandchildren to show them how it’s done.
“My father’s mission was getting more people out to enjoy the Ontario winter and growing the sport of skiing,” reflects George Weider, son of Jozo Weider, who founded Blue Mountain in the 1940s. At that time, skiing was considered an elite and somewhat dangerous pastime for weekenders from the city. “His original vision was attracting more people to skiing and providing greater access to the sport.” The impact of the 5×7 Pass is a natural continuation of Jozo’s passion.
