Team AVSC News

This past Saturday a line crept around the corner of Gondola plaza. It wasn’t a powder day but the next best thing: Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club’s annual Aspen Supports Kids Equipment Day. Between the Gorsuch location for skis and the Four Mountain Sports Buttermilk location for snowboards, AVSC and its partners served up equipment to hundreds of youth, some of whom traveled from as far away as Silt. 

“This is the core of what we’re all about,” said Executive Director August Teague. “We want every single youth in the greater Roaring Fork Valley to experience our mountains and the joy and passion they offer. We couldn't make this day possible without the tremendous longtime support of Gorsuch and Four Mountain Sports, who provided all the gear.” 

With snow guns blasting in the background, youth at Gorsuch climbed up onto boot-fitting platforms, unaware that they were being outfitted by Olympians, World Cup champions, members of the Gorsuch family and some of the best competitive coaches in the nation.  

At Four Mountain Sports’ Buttermilk location, Aspen’s Snowmass’ rental retail team and AVSC’s Snowboard team helped youth find the perfect fit, ensuring families felt confident and prepared for the season ahead.  

According to Aspen Supports Kids Director Meredith Elwell, the ASK Equipment Day provided over 210 sets of skis and poles and over 140 snowboard and boot sets. To receive this gear scholarship, eligible families submitted applications for assistance in August when they applied for programming. On average, AVSC annually offers over $800,000 in financial aid to qualifying applicants. Assistance ranges from scholarships for programming costs to free bus transportation for weekend programs to providing gear for the season to qualifying applicants.  

“With the generosity of our partners, nearly 400 young athletes now will be able to participate in the foundational activities of our mountain community,” said Elwell. “A lot of hard work and genuine care by so many people goes into making a day like this possible. These efforts are a true reflection of our community’s strength, pride, and commitment to our valley youth.” 

Photos of the day can be found here.