The beginning of something new…
The concept for ‘The Biggest Little Ski Hill’ began in the summer of 2014. At that time, Meghan Ochs, owner and found of BLSH, was introduced to the board of a non-profit ski foundation that was partnering with a major ski resort, and the local division of a national not for profit organization, to give underprivileged children the opportunity to ski and snowboard. As a ski coach and instructor, Meghan already knew how exclusive snow sports can be as both skiing and snowboarding, typically have high economic barriers to entry. The potential of this program, and the partnership which made it all possible, inspired Meghan to find more creative ways to help future skiers and riders gain access to snow sports and fall in love with them for a lifetime. Over time, Meghan also saw a need to have more skiers and riders come from a more diverse backgrounds. She understood that two of the major hurdles facing the snow sports industry are a lack of diversity among participants due to financial factors, and retention. The lack of retention can be both attributed to economic issues as well as other factors that can’t always be controlled in an outdoor mountain setting.
For most, the ongoing costs associated with snow sports is not sustainable long term. This, when combined with variables such as unpredictable weather, crowded slopes, and the inherent risks involved with sliding down snow, many try skiing or snowboarding but never return. Indoor ski slopes and simulators can ease both of these challenges.
Indoor slopes, decks and simulators are a more affordable way to introduce new audiences to the sport while also eliminating some of the external factors that scare away novice skiers and riders. After and five years of living in, “The Biggest Little City in the World,” and trying to research, embrace, and understand these challenges in the snow sports industry, ‘The Biggest Little Ski Hill” was born.