NORTH LAKE TAHOE/TRUCKEE — For many young people in North Tahoe and Truckee, the towering mountains surrounding their hometowns can feel more like barriers than gateways to adventure. High costs, lack of equipment, and limited opportunities often prevent local youth from engaging in the outdoor experiences that define the region. SOS Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to youth development through outdoor-based mentorship, is working to change that dynamic.

SOS Outreach introduces local youth to skiing and snowboarding—activities that are geographically accessible but financially out of reach for many families. “We really start with skiing or snowboarding in our intro program to get a lot of our local kids out on the hill and engaged in an activity that’s right in their own backyard yet has a lot of barriers to access,” said Heather Schwartz, SOS Outreach Program Manager for North Tahoe and Truckee.

The organization partners with local ski resorts, including Northstar, Palisades Tahoe, Diamond Peak, and Mt. Rose, to offer both introductory and multi-year mentorship programs. While Palisades, Diamond Peak, and Mt. Rose host introductory programs, students progress to Northstar’s full mentorship program for continued development.

SOS Outreach serves more than 300 students in grades 3-12 through a structured curriculum focused on social-emotional learning, leadership skills, and community service. By working with local schools and youth organizations, the program identifies students who would benefit most, prioritizing those facing financial, social, academic, or mental health challenges.

The impact of SOS Outreach extends far beyond skiing and snowboarding. Many alumni return as mentors, volunteers, and even staff members. One standout is Mitzi, a graduate of the program who remains engaged while pursuing a graduate degree in social work at Humboldt State University.

“We have alumni who are still active in the program, either as volunteers, as staff, or just staying in touch,” Schwartz said. “Mitzi’s younger sister also graduated from SOS, and her younger brother attended Industry Day this year. It really speaks to the power of the program.”

One of SOS Outreach’s signature initiatives is Industry Day, a behind-the-scenes experience at Northstar California designed to expose students to career opportunities within the ski industry. Aimed at middle and high school students in their fourth year of the mentorship program, Industry Day provides first-hand insights into resort operations.

“For a few years now, these teens have been skiing and snowboarding and have developed a passion for the sport,” Schwartz said. “Industry Day allows them to see firsthand what goes into running a ski resort and also shows them a variety of ways to turn their passion into a career. Some of them are just starting to think about their first job and are excited by the idea of working in the ski industry.”

Students tour departments such as snowmaking, ski patrol, lift operations, and food and beverage while engaging in discussions with resort professionals about the skills required for each role. Vice President and General Manager of Northstar, Tara Schoedinger, welcomed students and shared insights from her career, including her experience leading Jamestown, Colorado’s $30 million flood recovery efforts as mayor.

When asked what leadership quality is most crucial in her role, Schoedinger emphasized “compassion”—one of SOS Outreach’s core values. “I have the best job in the world,” she said. “I get to do something different every day, no two days are the same.”

In addition to Industry Day, SOS Outreach collaborates with Northstar and Vail Resort’s EpicPromise to offer a Career Development Program for participants aged 16 and older. This paid summer initiative includes job skills training and an apprenticeship at the resort, equipping young people with professional mentorship and real-world experience.

Beyond resort-based career exploration, SOS Outreach has expanded its hands-on learning opportunities. Recently, in partnership with Palisades Tahoe, students participated in a cooking workshop and received day passes, allowing them to ski at the resort for the first time.

At its core, SOS Outreach is about more than just teaching kids to ski—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging. “We want them to feel like they belong in their group, within SOS, in the mountains, and in their community,” Schwartz said.

By combining outdoor adventure, mentorship, and career readiness, SOS Outreach is shaping the future of Tahoe’s youth—one turn on the mountain at a time.

To learn more about SOS Outreach’s programs, visit sosoutreach.org. The program continually seeks volunteers to help provide youth with the mentorship they need.