MAMMOTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - SKI PE
December 2025
by Lora Wehsener
Getting all of the youths of the Eastern Sierra into the mountains with the experience of skiing and/or snowboarding is a priority for MMCF. We give grants to over 16 programs so that local youths in Mono and Inyo Counties can get on the snow and experience the magic of the mountains that they see everyday. For some, they are on the snow at an early age, for others they never have the opportunity to experience first hand what it is like to fly down a mountain covered with snow, embracing the environment in which they live in. We believe that being a part of the environment one lives in is paramount to life successes especially if someone grows up in the Eastern Sierra. Ski PE provides benefits to the youths of the Eastern Sierra not only by gaining physical fitness (including strength, aerobics and flexibility) but by expanding confidence, independence, responsibility, and an appreciation of nature and environmental awareness. For some youth, participating in Ski PE is a draw to pursue careers in our local workforce. Winter sports are also greatly connected to boosting student grades all the way to promoting mental health.
At Mammoth Elementary school, there are two Ski PE coordinators: Marci Jefferson and Leigh Ann Turner. As “snow angels and advocates” they coordinate the Ski PE program at Mammoth Elementary School and make sure as many youths as possible participate in weekly Ski PE. Here are some of the responses and stories they have to tell about the amazing benefits the program provides.
1. What is Ski PE?
Ski PE is a physical-education program in which students in grades K-5 go skiing or snowboarding one day a week at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. On average, the MES Ski & Snowboard PE program accommodates around 250 students. On Wednesday, grades K-2 go to the mountain for their lessons from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. Grades 3-5 participate in their lesson on Thursdays. In addition, for those more advanced/interested, there’s a school ski & snowboard team option that practices two days per week. There is also a cross-country ski program for grades 3-5. It typically runs from January through March (peak snow season) at Main Lodge at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Students are provided professional ski instruction through the MMSA Ski and Ride department.
2. Tell us about a Ski PE day and what is provided for a Mammoth Elementary School student with this program.
Mammoth Elementary School offers a Ski and Snowboard Physical Education (PE) program that allows students to engage in skiing or snowboarding as part of their physical education curriculum. This program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop skiing or snowboarding skills, promote physical fitness, and enjoy the unique winter-sports experience in the Eastern Sierra. Students board a Mammoth Elementary bus with all of their gear and head to Main Lodge where they meet their ski and snowboard instructors. There are several groups from beginner to advanced. Class sizes are small to accommodate all students and their diverse learning needs. Their lesson runs from 1:30-3:30. Families have the option to pick up their student at the mountain or back at school when the bus returns around 4:00. This is an extended day for students and teachers who volunteer because students in K-2 are typically dismissed at 1:50, and students in 3rd-5th usually are dismissed at 2:40.
3. Can you describe the Ski PE experience from the viewpoint of one of your students?
As seen through the eyes of a 3rd grader….First day of Ski and Snowboard PE.
Today was the best day ever because we got to go skiing and riding! In the morning, my teacher asked if I was going up today. I shouted, “Yes!! I have everything I need—my boots, helmet, gloves, and I am wearing my ski clothes!”
After lunch, we began putting on our boots with the help of friends, teachers, and parents. It was total chaos! My teacher looked like she was on the verge of passing out. It was incredibly loud and chaotic, but we were too excited to care.
Finally, we heard the announcement that it was time to go to the bus. I carried all my stuff—my backpack and my gear bag—and waddled down the hall to where my skis were. I was nervous my skis wouldn’t be there, but phew! I found them.
I threw my bags into the locker, grabbed my skis, and lined up to put them under the bus. It wasn’t easy, there were so many skis and snowboards! I was sweating so much, and I really wanted to take off my helmet and gloves, but I knew I’d cool down soon. Everyone was talking and laughing on the bus. I think the bus driver was getting annoyed! Uh oh, the bus stopped!
I thought we’d never get there!
Yay—we finally made it! It felt like forever. Our teachers came on the bus and asked for volunteers to help unload. I waved my hand like crazy because I couldn’t wait to start skiing! I grabbed my skis and began the long walk to our instructors. I kept saying to myself, “My flag color is blue, my flag color is blue.” The skis were heavy, and the hill was steep, but I could do it! A teacher told me to dig my toes in. I got this!
My instructor helped me click into my skis. She told me to bang my boots on the bindings to get the snow off. She was really lovely and said I was doing great and that I would be on the chairlift soon. I was so excited!
We practiced stopping and turning on the moving carpet. It was easy! I fell a few times, but the snow was soft, so I didn’t mind.
After a while, we got to ride the chair lift. It felt like a roller coaster! The view from the top was amazing. I could see all the snowy trees, and our school looked tiny down below. I felt a little nervous, but once I started skiing, it was awesome!
By the end of the day, my legs were tired, but I didn’t want to stop. I love Ski PE because we get to play in the snow, learn new things, and have fun with our friends. I can’t wait for next week—I’m going to try a bigger hill!
4. Is there a correlation between Ski PE and the academic success of students?
Yes, there is evidence suggesting a positive correlation between physical education (PE), including skiing and snowboarding, and academic success in students. Research indicates that physical activity can enhance cognitive functions, improve mood, and increase blood flow to the brain—all factors that contribute to better academic performance.
Skiing and snowboarding as a form of physical activity offer unique benefits:
Cognitive Engagement: Skiing requires concentration, decision-making, and coordination, which can stimulate brain activity and enhance learning abilities.
Discipline and Goal Setting: The structured nature of skiing and snowboarding fosters discipline and goal-setting skills, which are transferable to academic endeavors.
Stress Reduction: Engaging in outdoor activities like skiing can reduce stress and anxiety, creating a more conducive environment for learning.
5. What is the population that you serve, and how many youth are able to participate in Ski PE?
On average, the MES Ski PE program accommodates around 250 Mammoth Elementary students. We serve students from MES in grades K-5, with approximately 50% of the student body on free and reduced lunch. All 500 students at MES in grades K-5 have the opportunity to participate in the program at no cost. We encourage families to support the program through donations if the financial means are available to them; however, this is not a requirement.
6. How does Ski PE add benefit to the lives of these youth?
Physical Benefits
Improved fitness: Skiing and snowboarding are full-body workouts that build strength, endurance, balance, and coordination.
Cardiovascular health: These activities get the heart rate up, promoting cardiovascular fitness.
Motor skills: Navigating slopes enhances fine motor control and spatial awareness.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Confidence and self-esteem: Mastering skiing or snowboarding challenges can boost students’ confidence.
Stress relief: Engaging in outdoor physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Resilience and perseverance: Learning to ski or snowboard often involves falling and getting back up, teaching persistence.
Social and Educational Benefits
Teamwork and social skills: Group lessons encourage cooperation, communication, and making new friends.
Connection to nature: Spending time in the mountains fosters appreciation for the environment.
Fun and motivation: Offering a unique, enjoyable PE experience can increase overall engagement in school and physical activity.
Long-Term Impact
Healthy lifestyle habits: Early exposure to winter sports can lead to lifelong active habits.
Opportunities: Skiing and snowboarding can open doors to scholarships, competitions, or even careers in sports.
7. Are there any moments in particular that stood out to you this season?
We have moments that stand out to us every season. We are continually inspired and in awe of the MES Ski & Snowboard PE program and what it offers to our youth. It is a very special and unique opportunity for our students. It goes without saying that many of our students would not otherwise participate in these sports or visit the Main Lodge. The level of professionalism provided to our local students from MMSA is top-notch. It’s a PE class, not your typical ski school clientele. The ski instructors and supervisors of Mammoth’s Ski and Ride School absolutely recognize this difference and make the necessary adjustments. They realize this is an extension of recess, simply skiing or riding on a mountain with their friends. They are there to have fun with the students while also providing a safe and professional ski lesson. We, Mammoth Mountain and the MES staff, take pride in giving back to the community. Every season, instructors, school administrators, staff members, school board members, and all MMSA employees frequently express their appreciation for the program's incredible value. As the program's coordinators, we love what we do and are in awe of its power to bring all members of Mammoth together.
8. Is there anything that you would like to convey to the donors of MMCF?
Your generosity and support have made an incredible difference in the lives of the students in our little community. Every contribution you make supports our mission—to provide equitable access to all the beautiful opportunities offered by Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. We are deeply grateful for your commitment, trust, and kindness. Thank you for standing with us and being a vital part of our lovely community. We hope that you find as much pride in the program as we do. Please visit us regularly during the season. You will be amazed at all the smiling faces, laughter, and joy you will witness. Your support is crucial to the program's success. Plainly stated, it would not happen without you.
