IMS students wait for a tow rope at the Innisfail Ski Hill. (Supplied/Chinook's Edge)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

NOW INCLUDES GRADES SIX-EIGHT

Innisfail Middle School ski program expands to other grades thanks to volunteer levels

Jan 21, 2025 | 3:20 PM

Chinook’s Edge is excited to share that its Innisfail Middle School (IMS) ski program is growing thanks to volunteer support.

The IMS ski program began three years ago and offers Grade 5 students an opportunity to learn to ski at the Innisfail Ski Hill. Students visit the hill three times during school days in January as a part of their physical education classes.

“I thought skiing would be scary, but actually it’s pretty fun,” says Lucas, a Grade 5 student.

While on the hill, students learn basic skills and receive coaching from volunteer instructors, which includes IMS staff and community members.

“I want to sincerely thank each parent, staff member, our volunteer ski instructors, and the individual people who open the Innisfail Ski Hill for us and support each student who arrives there,” says Erin Holt, IMS teacher and ski program organizer. “Without these individuals we could not do what we do. Our program has grown because of the combined efforts of so many.”

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In the 2024-25 school year, the program expanded to include Grade 6-8 students as well. These students receive a single session at the hill each year, with the goal of helping students continue to develop their skills and confidence.

Altogether, IMS students will be on the hill 17 times during the month of January, with almost 250 students participating.

Volunteers include four instructors (three of which are IMS staff members), four community volunteers and 35 parent volunteers. Holt adds, these volunteers also help keep program costs down.

Tim Jackson, a facility operator who was part of the group that helped open the ski hill in the 1980’s, says ““The program is a great idea. Anytime you can turn kids on to skiing it’s so good. It is a great sport that they can enjoy for a lifetime.”

Jackson’s niece Melanie Melnyk-Robin also helps run the facility when IMS students visit and enjoys getting to interact with them, especially when they return with their family on an evening or weekend after their lesson.

“This is getting whole families out, and giving students a way to interact with adults, and giving the students a break from their phones,” Melnyk-Robin says.

Deb Penner, an IMS educational assistant and volunteer ski instructor, says she appreciates seeing the students push themselves out of their comfort zones and gain confidence in a new challenge.

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