Recreational

One of the most favorite activities at LWS is recreational skiing and riding.  For students who are not involved in competitive winter sports, it takes the place of gym class twice a week.

The shuttle departs after lunch and drops students at Steamboat Ski Area around 1:40 p.m.  They ski or ride in groups with faculty and staff leaders who help improve technique and skill.

Combined with the fall outdoor activities, “LWS Gym class” isn’t what you would find in a traditional high school.  The emphasis is on having fun as well as getting exercise in the beautiful Colorado mountains and building skill in a sport.

A shuttle also goes to the mountain both days of the weekend after breakfast and picks up in the late afternoon.  Our campus is near a world class ski resort with the freshest powder in the world -  the famous Steamboat “champagne.”

Prior ski or ride experience is not necessary. Lots of students have learned to ski or ride at LWS.  Margi Missling-Root, Director of Experiential Education, explains the program.  “When you learn to ski or ride and you’ve never done anything like that before, it gives you confidence to try other things.  Our students typically graduate from LWS with a love for all things active: climbing, hut ski trips, horseback riding, backpacking and hiking.  They lead healthier, happier lives.”

Many students have also converted from alpine skiing or riding to telemark skiing.  Some of our teachers like to “free the heel,” and their enthusiasm is catching!  Backcountry ski trips are part of our outdoor curriculum.  Some of our students learn to love the back country, skiing from hut to hut on extended trips with their teachers.