Assisting those living in the "shadow" of the mountain
Youth & Disabled Veteran/Adaptive Ski & Ride Scholarships
North Idaho Mountain Sports Education Fund, Inc.
People come from all over to enjoy Schweitzer Mountain. However, while tourists and those involved in the local ski industry clearly understand the joy that snow sports offer, many living in the shadows of the mountain have no idea. And the possibility of skiing even one day a season is not financially attainable for so many local youths.
Our mission
NIMSEF exists to provide kids in Bonner and Boundary counties, whose families can’t afford it, an opportunity to participate in skiing/snowboarding. We believe this not only provides the child with a lifelong activity, but also helps instill a sense of belonging, accomplishment, and community. We also work to help get disabled people and veterans out on the hill.
NIMSEF is a registered a 501c3 charity.
NIMSEF
Youth Scholarship Includes
FULL season Pass
This is not one day on the mountain. Scholarship recipients receive a Full Season pass, good from opening day (typically late November) through closing day (mid-April). This unlimited Schweitzer pass has no black-out dates and includes Twilight Skiing, and Gear Check.
Rental gear
Before the season begins, scholarship recipients will be fitted with all the gear needed to ride:
Skiers: Skis, ski boots, poles
Snowboarders: Board & snowboard boots
We are often able to provide donated accessories like helmets, goggles, and gloves for use on a case-by-case basis.
lessons - 8 weeks
The Funatics program at Schweitzer groups children into similar age and ability, has the same certified coach for the entire program. This 8-week, all-day program takes place on either Saturday or Sunday from January - March.
Alumni
Malia Steffen
NIMSEF helped me find my life in the mountains. After 7 years as a NIMSEF scholarship recipient, I’m now a PSIA Level 2 alpine certified ski instructor. I even coached other NIMSEF kids, and now coach at private clinics across the PNW, in addition to working as a Tail Guide for Schweitzer Back Country Adventures snowcat skiing.
NIMSEF’s encouragement to “Earn Your Own Way” motivated me to start my own small business, Smalltown Kids, and now our products are sold in over 30 retail locations across four states.
Smalltown Kids – fully inspired by NIMSEF – is now an annual NIMSEF corporate sponsor.
Corporate
Sponsors
Copper River Fleece • Gemini • Mountain Fever Productions • SMCA • Angels over Sandpoint • Independence Race Team
Over the years, more than 500 individual people/families have donated to NIMSEF, for which we are truly grateful.
THANK YOU so much to all our sponsors! (And if by some chance, we’ve forgotten someone please let us know.)