oso outdoors

Mountain Dreamers’ Oso Outdoors program is focused on integration, inclusion, and connection within Colorado’s mountain ski communities. The program bridges generational gaps, creating meaningful experiences for both youth and parents, and fosters a sense of belonging for immigrant and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities in the mountains.

Thanks to the generosity of Vail Resorts and the EpicPromise initiative, Oso Outdoors launched its lesson program for the 2024–2025 season, and with ongoing support, we are now serving participants at Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, and Aspen.

breaking barriers:

The program not only teaches participants to ski and ride but also strengthens family and community connections. Some participants are now able to enjoy the mountains with their children, others join friends on the slopes, and many hope to return next season as bilingual, bicultural instructors for a new group of first-timers.

Through these experiences, participants made new friends, built community, and gained confidence and excitement to share these opportunities with others.

In 2024/2025, Oso Outdoors partnered with Arapahoe Basin and Vail Resorts to give 120 local immigrants and BIPOC participants—mostly adults—the opportunity to snowboard or ski for the first time, taught in Spanish and English by bilingual, bicultural instructors, and led by “el Oso,” Javier Pineda.

In 2025/2026, Oso increased to 30 Youth students in the classes and added to new partnership with Aspen.

Each participant received:

  • A series of 4 group lessons

  • Equipment rentals

  • Day passes

  • And at the end of the program, a season pass to Arapahoe Basin and day passes to the local Vail Resort Mountains.

impact:

supporters

We are grateful to Vail Resorts, EpicPromise, the Summit Foundation, Colorado Parks & Wildlife’s Outdoor Equity Grant Program, and the Moniker Foundation for making these experiences possible.

Support Oso Outdoors

You can help us bring the joy of the mountains to more families. Your donation ensures that immigrant and underrepresented youth and adults can access lessons, equipment, lift tickets, and mentorship through Oso Outdoors. Every gift helps create community, build confidence, and break barriers in the mountains.

Donate today and be a part of making the Colorado outdoors truly accessible for everyone.

For questions, collaboration opportunities, or donations, please contact:
Javier Pineda – javier@mountaindreamers.org