Mt. La Crosse Launches Free Ski Program
Mt. La Crosse's Learn to Ski for Free program, the first of its kind in Wisconsin, is preparing for the winter season.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Skiing
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Mt. La Crosse General Manager Darcie Briedel and Ski Patrol member Keachen Abing discussed winter preparation on The Rick Solem Show. The mountain also launched a Learn to Ski for Free program for fourth graders, which won La Crosse SOUP last month.
Why it matters
The program aims to get 200 fourth graders outside and on the slopes, giving local children access to skiing at no cost. Its SOUP award and community foundation support reflect local backing for expanding winter recreation.
The Ski Patrol's La Crosse SOUP award totaled $2,378 for the Learn to Ski for Free program. The program targets 200 fourth graders, and it receives additional support from the La Crosse Community Foundation.
The players
Mt. La Crosse
Mt. La Crosse is a ski area in La Crosse, Wisconsin, that prepares its slopes each winter and operates the Learn to Ski for Free program.
Darcie Briedel
Darcie Briedel is the general manager of Mt. La Crosse and discussed winter preparation on The Rick Solem Show.
Keachen Abing
Keachen Abing is a member of the Mt. La Crosse Ski Patrol who discussed winter preparation on The Rick Solem Show.
The details
Mt. La Crosse prepares its mountain for each winter ski season, with snowmaking discussed as part of that work. The Ski Patrol pitched the Learn to Ski for Free idea through La Crosse SOUP, and the program is the first of its kind in Wisconsin.
Timeline
Last month (October 2026): Learn to Ski for Free program won La Crosse SOUP.
November 7-8, 2026: Annual Ski and Snowboard Swap takes place at Mt. La Crosse.
Roadmap
The Ski Patrol's win through La Crosse SOUP shows local crowdfunding-style community voting being used to fund youth winter recreation. The program's first-in-Wisconsin status places Mt. La Crosse among few regional ski areas offering free learn-to-ski access to fourth graders.
Families of fourth graders can take advantage of the no-cost Learn to Ski program to introduce children to the sport. The November 7-8 Ski and Snowboard Swap offers a chance to buy or trade gear before the season opens.
The takeaway
Free youth programs like Learn to Ski for Free can lower the cost barrier to winter sports for local families. Readers interested in participating can watch for registration details from Mt. La Crosse.
What happens next
The Ski and Snowboard Swap takes place November 7-8, 2026, at Mt. La Crosse.
Further reading
Explore more about Skiing in La Crosse and across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WIZM 92.3FM 106.7FM 1410AM.
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