Alpine Recreation


Important news regarding Ford Sayre’s Alpine Recreation Program:

Ford Sayre’s Alpine Recreation Program will transition over to the Dartmouth Skiway beginning with the 2022/2023 ski season.

The Alpine Recreation Program has historically offered skiers of all abilities, as young as kindergarten age, the opportunity to discover the excitement of downhill skiing & snowboarding in a fun and safe environment. The program has been recreational in nature, designed to develop competent, safe, and happy lifelong skiers and riders. The program has historically relied on volunteer instructors who receive training from Dartmouth Skiway’s Snowsports School staff. The youngest participants, and “Never Evers” those with no experience on skis or a snowboard, receive their instruction directly from  Dartmouth Skiway’s Snowsports School Staff. The Dartmouth Skiway Staff has been involved in the operation of our Alpine Recreation Program for many years.

Ford Sayre is comfortable in our decision; however, it was not an easy one to make. The Alpine Recreation Program is an important part of Ford Sayre’s history. There are many skiers and boarders in the Upper Valley, and beyond, who credit their lifelong snowsports’ passion to their participation in this program. At the same time, we continually evaluate what is best for our organization and more importantly, what is best for our participants. We believe that the Skiway has the training resources and expertise to grow this important program.

What does this mean?

Ford Sayre will no longer operate or have ownership of the Alpine Recreation Program. The Program will be taken over by Dartmouth Skiway and managed by Dartmouth Skiway’s Snowsports School.

Will there still be volunteer opportunities for parents, and interested community members?

Yes, not only will the program still welcome volunteers, the program’s very success is reliant on having a core group of volunteers to assist with training and administration. The Skiway is committed to maintaining the affordability of the program for families, therefore the program’s success and affordability is reliant on having engaged volunteers. Dartmouth Skiway will also be offering certain benefits to those who volunteer for the program. Volunteer opportunities and benefits will be sent out after Dartmouth Skiway’s “Early Bird Registration” period, which is described in a last part of this message.

Are High School Student Instructors still needed offered?

Yes, the Skiway would love to have High Schoolers join our team of professional instructors. The interview process will be conducted through the Snowsports School Director, trained and vetted for the position thereafter. Please inquire with skiwayjobs@dartmouth.edu for further details.

If the program is now owned and operated by the Skiway, will a participant be able to consider other Ford Sayre programs?

We welcome contacts to Ford Sayre to discuss any of our programs. Additionally, our racing programs also have close ties with Dartmouth Skiway staff. Dartmouth Skiway instructors will continue to answerquestions that families and participants may have about Ford Sayre’s entry level racing program  DEVO), and our regular racing programs. They will connect families with the appropriate Ford Sayre program directors as requested. Additionally, they will continue to evaluate individual participants to make sure  they are appropriately challenged and have opportunities to grow, even if that means considering a move to a Ford Sayre racing program.

Will the program continue to be on Wednesday afternoons?

Yes, however, in addition to Wednesday afternoons, participants will have the option of choosing to ski or ride on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays. Additionally, the program will allow options for skiing or riding one, two or three days each week. Skiing is available for kids 5-12 years old, and Snowboarding for kids 6-12.

How do I register and learn the details of the program for the 2022/2023 ski & snowboard season?

The link below will connect you with the Dartmouth Skiway website. Details for the program, volunteer opportunities, and registration information is found on their website under the Program name “After School Special”. Registration is now open. There is a price benefit for registering prior to November 1,  2022, the Early Bird Registration period.

https://sites.dartmouth.edu/skiway/snowsportsschool/