SKI WITH US

CHARLES N. ROMERO
SKI PROGRAM

Program Overview

The Charles N. Romero (CNR) Winter Program offers Native youth from Taos Pueblo a life-changing opportunity to connect with the mountains, their peers, and their potential. Here’s what participants can expect:

Learn to Ski or Snowboard

Youth receive professional lessons at Taos Ski Valley, progressing from basic skills to confident riding. All equipment, lift tickets, and meals are provided at no cost.

Build Confidence & Overcome Challenges

For many, skiing or snowboarding is brand new. Participants experience the joy of trying something difficult, learning resilience, and gaining confidence with every run.

Make New Friends

Cohorts are grouped by age, creating space for shared experiences, fun, and friendships. Youth build community with peers and mentors in a supportive environment.

Participate in a Safe, Supportive Environment

WOW ensures safety through trained instructors, behavioral health support from DHCS, and caring, background-checked chaperones.

Beyond the slopes, youth learn responsibility, teamwork, and communication, with opportunities to grow into peer mentor or internship roles in future seasons.

Develop Life & Leadership Skills

Be Mentored by Native Leaders

Interns and staff guide participants—many of whom are Native and past participants themselves—who provide encouragement, guidance, and cultural connection.

The CNR Winter Program helps Native youth explore the mountain, discover their strength, and realize they belong, on skis, on the land, and in leadership.

Honoring the legacy of Charles N. Romero

1984 — March 13th, 2021

The Charles N. Romero (CNR) Program was created to honor the legacy of Charles N. Romero, a Taos Pueblo tribal member and role model who broke barriers for Indigenous youth in the outdoor industry. Charles began working at Taos Ski Valley (TSV) in an entry-level position and, through dedication and persistence, rose to become the manager of the ski rental shop—an exceptional achievement for a Native youth from a rural and underserved community.

Charles’ journey symbolized the possibility of growth, leadership, and belonging in spaces that historically excluded Indigenous people. His early passing left a profound impact on the community and inspired the launch of this program in his name. The CNR Program was founded to ensure that Taos Pueblo youth have not only access to skiing and snowboarding but also to mentorship, workforce pathways, and self-confidence—opening the same doors that Charles once walked through.

The program aims to reduce financial and cultural barriers to outdoor recreation while fostering life skills, wellness, and living-wage career opportunities in the outdoor industry. Youth benefit from paid internships, ski and bike certifications, and meaningful mentorship, both from peers and TSV professionals.

By carrying forward Charles’ memory and legacy, WOW helps Native youth see themselves in leadership roles on the mountain and in their communities—building identity, pride, and long-term opportunity through culturally grounded outdoor access.

Winter Schedule

The program runs for five ski days each winter season, focused on youth from Taos Pueblo, including grades 4 through 12. These days include lift tickets, gear, meals, and instruction at Taos Ski Valley.

Littles Program

Ages 6-12

Nov 29 & 30 • Dec 6 & 7 • Dec 20

Teen Program

Ages 13-17

Feb 21 & 22 • Feb 28 & Mar 1 • Mar 7

Have questions?

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Jr. Apprenticeship Program

Nurturing confidence and responsibility through mentorship.

The CNR Apprenticeship Program is a key workforce development component of WOW’s winter programming. It provides Taos Pueblo youth, ages 14–18, with hands-on experience and exposure to career pathways in the outdoor industry—starting right at Taos Ski Valley (TSV), one of our core partners.

Each season, WOW offers youth apprentices, many of whom are past program participants. These apprentices assist with program logistics and mentor younger participants. WOW partners with Taos Ski Valley (TSV) and provides opportunities to shadow professionals in areas such as ski rentals, lift operations, guest services, and instruction. Some are offered paid holiday-season employment at TSV, gaining valuable work experience in a professional setting. Through structured mentorship, team leadership, and exposure to various resort roles, participants build transferable life skills like communication, time management, and accountability.

Beyond TSV, WOW is working on expanding partnerships with local outdoor businesses to provide additional pathways in biking, guiding, and environmental stewardship.