Roots and Wings: Rise and Ride

This season, Common Thread partnered with Chill Foundation to bring teens an unforgettable experience on the mountain—one that went far beyond learning how to snowboard.

Over the course of eight sessions, teens showed up ready to try something new, challenge themselves, and support one another along the way. For most, it was their very first time on a snowboard. What started as uncertainty quickly turned into determination, growth, and a whole lot of unforgettable moments.

Snowboarding isn’t easy—it comes with plenty of falls. And there were countless falls. But alongside those falls came laughter, encouragement, and real breakthroughs. What stood out most wasn’t just the progress on the slopes, but the resilience each teen demonstrated. They kept getting back up, pushed through discomfort, and refused to give up on themselves or each other.

Through shared rides up the canyon, time spent learning on the mountain, and evenings gathered over dinner, something even more meaningful began to take shape. Confidence grew. Friendships formed. Teens began to recognize their own strength and courage—not just in their ability to ride, but in their willingness to keep trying.

By the end of the program, every single teen who participated had worked their way up to riding the bigger slopes—an incredible accomplishment that reflects their perseverance and growth.

We are so proud of these teens for stepping outside their comfort zones, embracing the challenge, and showing what’s possible when they commit to something new. Programs like this are about more than just learning a skill—they’re about building confidence, resilience, and connection.

We’re grateful to Chill Foundation for their partnership and for helping make this experience possible. We can’t wait to continue creating opportunities like this for our teens in the future.