Nazzaro Center Snow Job

Once again, a sizable segment of Nazzaro Center members (and their parents) are enjoying the cold, stormy, snowy winter. It’s all the better to enjoy one or more of the five opportunities the center offers its members to ski or board at a very affordable price. As it has for over 40 years, the youth program has once again hooked up with various agencies and partners to put together a family friendly array of day trips and even one overnighter.

On January 4th, it was a day trip to Waterville Valley for 36 skiers and boarders and on Friday night January 17th, over 50 youth and family members took to the slopes of the Blue Hills. One would imagine that trips such as these two would cost a family hundreds of dollars, but the grand total for one skier/boarder had a maximum price tag of just $25! And that included lift ticket, equipment (if needed), a lesson and transportation. How is this possible?

As mentioned above, the Nazzaro Center partners with a few other groups, such as North End Against Drugs and the Police Activities League for financial support. But the center also has a 40+ year relationship with YES, Youth Enrichment Services, a non-profit agency based right here in Boston whose mission statement is to “inspire and challenge youth with physical and mental activities that foster life-long respect for self, others, and the environment.” The original vehicle, and still the centerpiece of their program, is “Operation Snowsports” where the highly restrictive sport of skiing (and boarding) is made affordable to inner city children.

A more recent partner is the Blue Hills Ski Area where, for the past 6 years, the Nazzaro Center has been enjoying a very generous group discount for its night skiing program. With all this help, the Nazzaro Center is committed to introducing families to a new winter experience, one that might not ordinarily be available to the average city family.

There are still two more trips planned. One is a trip with YES (destination still to be determined) on Saturday February 1st. And the other is a return to the Blue Hills on Friday night, February 14. For more information, call the center (617-635-5166) and ask for Carl.