Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club Opens Registration for ASK Program

Aspen —A $300,00 scholarship pool for roughly 500 participants. That’s the financial reality of Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club’s (AVSC) recreational program, known as Aspen Supports Kids (ASK).

Registration opens Sunday, Aug. 23, at 5 p.m. It’s not just a sign-up date; it’s a deadline for value. Spots fill within the first 24 hours, often before parents have even finished their morning coffee. The program serves kids from preschool through 12th grade, offering three, six, seven, eight, and 12-day options across 13 categories. Lessons happen on all four Aspen Snowmass mountains, taught by pros who likely know your kids better than you do.

On paper, ASK is the gateway to elite performance. The press release notes that AVSC produces national and international athletes who started in this very valley. Many of them first discovered skiing or snowboarding through ASK before moving into competitive tracks.

In practice, it’s also a standalone service for families who just want their kids to learn how to stay upright on snow.

“We’re so excited to welcome families back for another incredible winter with Aspen Supports Kids,” ASK Program Director Meredith Elwell said in a press release. “ASK has an option for everyone, and we’re here to help families find the right fit.”

Elwell’s team emphasizes that every athlete’s journey looks different. Some kids stay in ASK until high school graduation, building skills and friendships without the pressure of race times. Others use it as a springboard.

The cost isn’t fixed in the announcement, but the scholarship data is specific. In previous years, approximately 500 participants received more than $300,000 in assistance. That averages out to roughly $600 per recipient. If you’re a local family with two kids, that scholarship coverage could offset a significant chunk of your winter budget. Applications for these scholarships remain open until Oct. 1.

Registration logistics are straightforward but require attention to detail. You can register online or in person. In-person options are available at the AVSC Clubhouse in Aspen from 5 to 7 p.m. and at the Crown Mountain Park Clubhouse in El Jebel from 5 to 8 p.m. Spanish-speaking support is available at the El Jebel location, which matters for our growing community in the Roaring Fork Valley.

AVSC is also handling Bill Koch Youth Ski League registrations simultaneously for ages 5 through 10. This program focuses on Nordic skiing, with locations in Aspen and Carbondale, plus a new Basalt location. It’s distinct from the alpine ASK program but runs on the same schedule, aiming to foster a love for Nordic classic skiing.

Competitive team programs are still accepting registrations, but the scholarship and early pricing windows closed on Aug. 1. If you missed that window, you’re paying full price for the privilege of waiting.

For context, AVSC recommends families review options on teamavsc.org before Sunday’s 5 p.m. launch. Questions can be directed to [email protected] or 970-205-5161.

The bottom line is logistical urgency and financial accessibility. You have 24 hours to secure a spot in a program that has historically subsidized half the participants by nearly $300,000. If you wait until October to apply for the scholarship, you might get the money, but you’ll likely have already paid full rate for a spot that vanished on Sunday afternoon.