Applications for the 2025 Season Opening Soon

Lambert House is excited for our second year offering a Winter Sports Program for LGBTQ+ youth between the ages of 12 & 18! There are very few programs like this for LGBTQ+ youth anywhere in the country. This program is meant to increase accessibility and belonging for LGBTQ+ youth in skiing and snowboard, which have not always been welcoming to our community, and which are also very expensive sports to participate in.

We thank the Share Winter Foundation, and Crystal Mountain Resort for their generous support of this program.

Please see the F.A.Q. below, and reach out to brandon@lamberthouse.org to sign up or with any questions.

 
 

F.A.Q.

What are the requirements to apply for this program?

  • Youth must have participated in any combination Lambert House programs, groups, events at least six (6) times to apply for this program. This is to create additional safety in the program, particularly on the 4-hour round trip bus ride.

  • Low-income LGBTQ+ youth will receive priority.

  • Youth must be in good disciplinary standing with Lambert House, and agree to follow all Lambert House rules while on these trips.

What are the trip dates?

Note: All four dates are required.

  • Sunday, March 16th - Crystal Mountain Pride!

  • Sunday, March 23rd

  • Sunday, March 2nd

  • Sunday, March 9th

In case there are dangerous weather issues that keep us from getting to Crystal Mountain on one of our dates, we have a designated make-up day: Sunday, April 6th

What is the age range for this program?

Youth ages 12-18 may participate in this program.

Where do we meet for the program?

We are offering two pick-up and drop-off locations (please see the daily schedule below for departure and return times):

  • Capitol Hill Seattle (exact location TBD)

  • Factoria Square Mall, Bellevue, WA 98006

Why is there a fee?

This program has many expenses, some of which are covered by our partners: Share Winter Foundation & Crystal Mountain Resort. Lambert House commits significant staff time to planning and coordinating the program as well.

Our sliding scale fee is both a great value compared to what it would cost to go up to the mountain on your own, and helps us cover the costs of this program. Lambert House only breaks even at $580 per youth.

Partial scholarships are available for youth whose parents can't or won't pay, and for self-supporting youth who cannot afford the sliding scale. Email brandon@lamberthouse.org with questions about the fee and scholarships.

Parents who want to make it possible for another LGBTQ+ youth to go whose parents are unsupportive are warmly invited to contribute beyond the package cost for your child.

What is included?

  • All four trips to Crystal Mountain are included, and required.

  • Transportation from Capitol Hill Seattle or Factoria Mall to Crystal Mountain Resort and back.

  • Youth will have access to borrow snow clothing from our Snow Sports Clothing Library at Lambert House

    • Every effort will be made to have/obtain clothing that works for youth who do not have their own. This will be greatly aided by accurate sizing information provided during program registration.

    • Youth may keep some clothing such as base layers, but goggles, gloves, jackets, and pants must be returned, cleaned and dry, for use by other youth in future years. We will advise on what can be kept, and what must be returned.

  • On mountain:

    • Lift tickets

    • Rental equipment (skis or boards, boots, bindings, and helmets)

      • Youth who have their own skis/board, binding, boots, and helmets are permitted to bring their own.

    • Lessons.

      • Lessons for youth who have never participated in the sport, or who are at a Beginner level, are required for all four sessions. The instructors at Crystal Mountain are skilled at helping youth build their confidence and master techniques.

      • Youth at a moderate or advanced level will not be required to participate in a lesson.

  • Lunches

  • Chaperoning and mentoring by Lambert House adults

What is the daily itinerary?

  • 8:15am: Bus departs Capitol Hill

  • 8:35am: Bus arrives at Factoria Mall

  • 9:00am: Bus departs Factoria Mall

  • 11:00am: Arrival at Crystal Mountain/Obtain rental equipment

  • 12:00pm: Lunch

  • 1:00pm: Lessons (required for beginners, optional for others)

  • 3:00pm: Skiing/Boarding free time

  • 4-4:30pm: Return rental equipment

  • 5:00pm: Bus departs Crystal Mountain

  • 7:00pm: Bus arrives at Factoria Mall

  • 7:30pm: Bus returns to Capitol Hill

Are lessons required?

Lessons are required on all four trips for youth who have never participated in their chosen sport before, or who are at a Beginner level. Youth who are ranked Intermediate or Advanced may request optional lessons one week ahead. Participating in lessons will help build skills, increase safety, and enjoyment in the sport.

Application Steps

Email brandon@lamberthouse.org to express interest and to get started on the steps below:

  1. New Youth Only: Complete Lambert House New Youth Orientation (email brandon@lamberthouse.org to get started)

  2. Participate in Lambert House programs at least six (6) times (any combination of drop-in, online groups, or other in-person events) if they have not already

  3. Email brandon@lamberthouse.org to express interest in this program

  4. Complete the Winter Sports Program Application Form, link provided by Brandon

  5. Once admitted to the program, pay the sliding scale fee to secure participation, or email brandon@lamberthouse.org about a scholarship if the fee is a barrier

  6. Complete Liability Release and Photo Release forms (18 year old youth may sign their own; forms must be signed by a parent or guardian for youth who are 17 or younger)

What else should I know about this program?

  • Be prepared by eating breakfast before you arrive, and bringing water and snacks.

  • Lunch is provided, but youth may wish to have money to purchase additional food or snacks at Crystal Mountain.