Animal tracks sign at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center
In the winter of 2023, Crosscut Mountain Sports Center in Bozeman, MT celebrated the 20th anniversary of the Adventures in Winter Ecology (AWE) program for schools. This unique school program is based on grade-specific Montana science standards combining winter ecology and XC skiing instruction. It began in 2003 as a collaboration between Bohart Ranch and Montana Outdoor Science School.
After arriving at Crosscut, students hop off the bus and head to the Outdoor Education building where they are outfitted with ski gear and given the run-down for the day. Each class starts in the teaching arena, learning and reviewing the basics of XC skiing in order to feel comfortable sliding on skis! Students are then split into smaller groups and spend the rest of the day on Crosscut's trails continuing to practice their skiing while diving into a grade-specific winter ecology curriculum. These XC ski trails are the perfect place to identify animal tracks, learn about snow science, and discuss animal adaptations to winter! Students have an opportunity to overcome challenges, bond with classmates, and learn more about their local ecosystem.
Bohart Ranch, the XC ski area that existed prior to Crosscut, began a half day Nordic Adventure Ski Program in 1983, and then there was a desire to provide even more in-depth ecology instruction and environmental awareness to kids. From its first year with three schools, the AWE program has grown in participation and popularity. Crosscut continues to welcome a new generation of students and carry on this rich legacy of standards-based science programs in the outdoors for local students. During the 2022-23 winter season, the Ski Education program served 33 schools and hosted 2,568 user days.
The support of Crosscut's board and staff have been critical in creating and building this national model of connecting children and nature through winter ecology and XC skiing. There are similar curriculums and many learn-to-ski programs and outdoor-based school programs across the country, the Crosscut staff is not aware of any other program that combines the two into a day in nature on skis.
Watch a fourth-grade class as they learn about winter ecology, Indigenous people's history, and how to cross country ski: Adventures in Winter Ecology.
Adventures in Winter Ecology, which serves 3rd through 12th graders is one of many programs offered through Crosscut’s Ski Education Program. The AWE-some commitment of Crosscut is exemplified by its additional programs including Nordic Adventures (K-2nd grade), a program for homeschoolers (K-6th), an adult program called Naturalists on Skis, and Global Snowsports.
Crosscut’s Global Snowsports Program will enter its fourth year in 2024. Weekly XC ski sessions are offered to students and families that traditionally haven’t had many opportunities to participate in snow sports. This program is for anyone, with an emphasis on serving bilingual and multicultural students and families. Ski gear, lessons, and activities are provided at no cost thanks in part to a grant through the Share Winter Foundation.
To learn more about Crosscut’s Ski Education Program, please visit Crosscut Mountain Sports Center website. This article was submitted by Kelley Jazdzewski.