How Can I Afford my Child’s Winter Sports Program?

Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Show

This episode is about money. Plain and simple - winter sports are not cheap. There's coaching, gear (so much gear!), ski passes, travel, snacks (so many snacks!) and more. When you add it all up, sometimes the finances just don't fit your family's budget.

Don't walk away yet! Today you hear from Jon Nolting, the Associate Executive Director, about a program the club created to help all families participate in these sports that can change their kids' lives.

It's called the EZ Scholarship Program. You can find details here. As Jon says, if your kids can't participate in our programs because you can't afford it, then we're doing something wrong!

Today we learn about:

• The actual EZ scholarship program
• How the club uses the information you give them (hint: it's private and not shared outside the organization)
• How you can get help above and beyond the EZ scholarship program
• How to maintain a frugal mindset and still participate in expensive sports
• Why sports are an investment worthy of a high level of family prioritization
• Our objective to create more inclusion in predominantly white, upper class sports
• What's really important to be successful in sports...
• Side effect of participating in winter sports: You just may stumble upon the greatest relationship of your life on the ski hill (Spoiler: Jon did!)
• Some resources for discounted and used gear (Note: don't buy a used helmet - everything else is fair game!)

Jon's greatest lesson learned through sport - Persistence will take you far in life!

More about Jon Nolting (center):

Jon joined the SSWSC in 2015 as its Athletic Director and took on the position of Associate Executive Director in conjunction with Athletic Director in 2018. Jon brings 23 years of experience in club and athletic leadership, coaching and education, 9 years with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. He has spearheaded national club and coach education and certification systems in the sports of Alpine, Cross Country and Freestyle skiing, Nordic Combined, and Snowboarding. He has also led significant efforts at the national level implementing best practices in athlete and coach development. Nolting holds a bachelor of science degree in applied mathematics from the University of Colorado, School of Engineering, and a minor in economics. Jon and his wife Darlene have two children who are athletes in the SSWSC.

As always, please share your questions, comments, feedback and requests. Go to sswsc.org! Now get out there and support, lead or be a champion on and off the mountain!