Beyond the Turkey: How to Give Back to the Mountains You Love
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Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the TGR community!
For many of us, the mountains and wild spaces are where we feel most alive, pulling off those incredible moments that make for the days we live for. Therefore, it’s essential to be good stewards of the places we play. Thanksgiving offers a natural pause to express gratitude by actively helping the outdoor community and environment. True stoke also comes from leaving the places we love better than we found them. Here's just a few ways you can give back to the mountain we all call home.
Volunteering: Trading a Day on the Hill for Hands-On Help
If you have a day off, consider trading it for hands-on volunteering. Many organizations need help, even during the holidays. This is where your mountain-fitness comes in handy!
- Become a Mountain Host: Many ski resorts rely on volunteer hosts to assist guests and patrol the mountain. As a skilled skier or rider, you could help with safety and guest services once the season starts in December.
- Support Adaptive Sports: Groups like Wasatch Adaptive Sports and Outdoors for All offer incredible programs for people with disabilities, including skiing and snowboarding. They constantly need volunteers to assist students and instructors. This is a powerful way to share the thrill of the ride.
Donating Gear and Goods
You've probably got some old gear that's still got life left. Instead of letting it gather dust, turn it into someone else’s unforgettable day on the snow or trail.
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- Give the Gift of Adventure: Many non-profits focus on getting underprivileged youth or adaptive athletes into the outdoors. Organizations like Share Winter Foundation fund programs that get thousands of youth on the snow each year. A gently-used pair of powder skis or a youth-sized snowboard could be life-changing.
- Consign for a Cause: Some gear shops partner with non-profits, allowing you to consign gently-used winter gear, with the proceeds going directly to the organization. This is an easy way to help fund programs without opening your wallet.
- Host a Donation Drive: You can rally your friends and family to host a donation drive for items needed by local shelters or food banks. A little effort can quickly multiply the impact.
Advocacy and Awareness: Protecting the Playground
The future of freeriding depends on healthy winters and protected wild spaces. Therefore, use your voice and influence to create a difference.
- Support Conservation: Consider donating or becoming a member of an organization like Protect Our Winters (POW), which focuses on turning outdoor passion into climate action. Your contribution helps safeguard the snow we chase.
- Educate and Advocate: Share the importance of proper outdoor etiquette, such as Leave No Trace principles, with your crew. Educating others is a high-value form of giving back.
This Thanksgiving, let's bring the stoke and commitment we show on the mountain to our community. Whether you're helping out a local food bank or giving an old board a new life, every act of kindness makes the world a better place to ride.
