Loveland Ski Area Hosts Slide Thru Sessions to Celebrate Access and Community on the Mountain

Featured Image: Courtesy of Anthony Martinez

It's no secret that skiing is expensive, and when you live in Denver, it's not always easy to access, which are two of the biggest barriers to entry for the sport. Aptly timed with the start of Black History Month, Loveland Ski Area recently hosted the Denver-based Slide Thru Sessions to help foster access and representation in the mountains.

A collaborative initiative between Ski Noir 5280, accredited by the National Brotherhood of Snowsports, and I-70 Things, Slide Thru Sessions is a group based in Denver, Colorado, with the intent to introduce more people to skiing and snowboarding while fostering connection and belonging in the outdoors. This is the third consecutive year of the event at Loveland Ski Area and this past Saturday, Slide Thru Sessions hosted more than 80 attendees.

Participants' skill levels ranged from first-timers to seasoned veterans who regularly get out to ski. Loveland provided lift tickets for everyone and beginners were also given the opportunity for a free lesson from the Loveland Ski and Ride School. Slide Thru Sessions also has a gear locker in Denver, full of donated rental fleets, including ski pants and jackets for participants to use.

Beyond the gear and the lift tickets, one of the biggest barriers to entry to Colorado's mountains from Denver is transportation. As part of Slide Thru Sessions' mission, the group has partnered with Colorado Department of Transportation to provide participants a Bustang ride to and from the mountains to make Loveland that much more accessible for Front Range communities.

Following a full day of skiing and riding, Slide Thru Sessions culminated the community event with a proper aprés in the Loveland Rathskeller complete good food, great music and even better company.