

Please join us for #GivingTuesday to raise $10,000 and sponsor a new cohort of Higher Level Humans
Leisel's Story: A Passionate Athlete on the Path to Success
Leisel joined the Sundance Ski Team, now the Arrowhead Ski Team in 2012. When she first joined the team, Leisel was quiet and timid. Over the years, she has grown into a strong, happy young adult with the confidence to pursue her dreams and lead from the front.
"Being on the Arrowhead Ski Team has changed my life. I have learned so much on top of becoming an amazing skier. For example, my mental game is on a stronger level than it was pre-ski team. I have been consistently encouraged to do hard things and get out of my comfort zone and this has already helped me succeed in school! We regularly practice meditation and are encouraged to journal. I wouldn’t have gotten these skills elsewhere. School does not teach you everything. Aside from my mental game, ski team has taught me how to be disciplined, work hard, and work with others. The dynamic on our team is so unique in comparison to other teams, like that the older kids have the opportunity to be mentors to the younger kids! I have been taught so many life skills that I would not have received outside of this ski team and that has changed my life.

"Leisel is such an amazing human being and athlete. She has worked so hard to improve her craft and feed her passion of skiing and ski racing, all while balancing life, school, and friends. One of the most gratifying feelings as a coach is when a previously timid athlete learns how to ski aggressive and send it! I'm so proud of her and what she has accomplished."
-Tyson Henrie | Program Director

We develop higher level humans by building character and leadership in our youth through mountain sports and education.
Utah Mountain Sports Academy was founded in 2020. We are carrying on the tradition that Sundance Mountain Sports Education Foundation (SMSEF) created over 7 years ago; to support youth in our community to enjoy more nature time, make new friends, develop character pursuing excellence, and learn life-long skills. We have a new name, but retain the same mission and passion of helping our community.
So, what does it mean to be a higher level human? Here's Dillon Flinders, alumni and current coach for Arrowhead Ski Team explaining what it means to him to be a Higher Level Human.
2020 has been a lifetime in a year. Now more than ever, our youth need our support. They need time outdoors, challenging themselves to do hard things, and to be surrounded by their peers that desire the same things. They need a focus. They need happy, positive mentors to keep them focused on the good things in life.
2020 has been hard for everyone. Let's make a difference in as many kids' lives as possible by providing scholarship funds for athletes in need so they can find some normalcy in their lives and do what makes them happy!
Thank you so much for your generous donation this season!