SAM Magazine—Southington, Conn., May 1, 2025—Mount Southington partnered with local schools to introduce students to both winter sports and sustainability through On Board, a youth-focused program developed in partnership with Snowball Effect. Rolled out this past winter, the initiative blends environmental education with physical activity to engage kids in and out of the classroom.

The On Board program centers on Snowball Park, a mobile, kid-friendly setup that allows children to develop fundamental snowboarding skills and learn about composting, recycling, and climate action before they hit the slopes. Mount Southington brings Snowball Park to local schools where it’s integrated into physical education classes, offering a gym-to-slopes progression that introduces students to snowboarding and environmental stewardship through play.

“We’re using the joy of movement and the power of play to help kids build climate awareness, connect with their communities and gain confidence,” said Jeff Boliba, founder of Snowball Effect, an organization that specializes in uniting ski areas, brands, and enthusiasts through community-driven programs. 

On Board has helped Mount Southington divert nearly 3,000 pounds of food waste, avoid more than 600 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, and generate over 380 kilowatt-hours of clean energy, according to a press release. 

“On Board has helped us strengthen our commitment to the community in new and exciting ways,” said Mount Southington general manager Jay Dougherty. “We brought the mountain to local schools—introducing kids to winter sports through interactive activities, while weaving in fun, hands-on lessons about composting, clean energy and recycling. It’s opened up a whole new way to connect with families, inspire young athletes and take real environmental action. And this is just the beginning.”

The initiative is a finalist for the National Ski Areas Association’s 2025 Golden Eagle Award for Community & Partnerships. Mount Southington plans to expand the program to additional elementary schools and add a new on-site educational installation in the year ahead, in partnership with Snowball Effect, Blue Earth Compost, and Quantum Organics.