Support UCLA Snowteam’s Journey to Nationals – Help Us Represent UCLA at the Highest Level!

Snowteam, or as we lovingly call ourselves, "Snowmies," is more than just a club – it’s a community that brings together students with a shared passion for snowsports and the mountains. Many of us grew up skiing or boarding with our families, and these childhood memories have shaped who we are today. Though we’re now based at UCLA in Los Angeles, far from the mountains we hold so dear, we’ve found a way to continue experiencing the thrills of the slopes, thanks to Snowteam.

From seasoned athletes who grew up in ski racing academies to newcomers who are just discovering their love for snowsports, our team embraces members of all backgrounds and skill levels. The beauty of Snowteam is that we don’t let our differences divide us. Instead, we come together over our shared love of adventure and the mountains. Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding, or competing in USCSA racing events, Snowteam gives us all the chance to connect with nature and each other.

Last year, Snowteam made history by fielding the Women’s Freeski National Champion in the USCSA racing league, a testament to the caliber of athletes on our team. This opportunity to compete at the national level is something we hold dear, and it is a unique platform for us to showcase our skills, challenge ourselves, and grow as athletes. But it’s not just about competition. Every trip to the mountains is a chance for us to bond, let loose, and feel at home in a place that is as much a part of us as the snow itself.

We are a diverse, inclusive team that actively works to break down the barriers historically associated with skiing and snowboarding. We are proud to represent a wide range of backgrounds, including Middle Eastern, South Asian, Hispanic, Asian, African American, and Caucasian students, as well as individuals of different gender identities and sexual orientations. Our commitment to diversity is reflected in our recruitment process and our vision of what snowsports should be: welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to everyone.

This year, we are aiming to send more athletes to the USCSA Nationals than ever before, but the financial burden is greater than ever. The cost of flights, lodging, and transportation has increased year over year, and we need your help to make it possible for our athletes to compete at this prestigious event.

The Breakdown of Expenses for Nationals:

• Flights: Approximately $400 per athlete for round-trip flights. With a goal of sending 10 qualifying athletes, this totals around $4,000.
• Rental Vehicles: $100/day per vehicle (two 7-seaters for five days), for a total of $1,000.
• Lodging: $100/night per athlete for five nights in shared accommodations, totaling $5,000.

In total, the cost for Nationals will exceed $10,000, and we need your help to cover these expenses. By contributing to our Spark Campaign, you’ll help ensure that our athletes can compete without financial barriers, allowing them to represent UCLA on the national stage and bring home invaluable experiences and memories.

Your donation will have a lasting impact. Supporting our athletes’ journey to Nationals not only allows us to compete, but it also strengthens our team and the entire UCLA community. It inspires current and future Snowmies, showing them that snowsports are within reach, even in a city like Los Angeles. The pride, camaraderie, and sense of purpose gained from competing at Nationals ripple throughout the team, motivating each of us to strive for our best and continue pushing ourselves in the mountains and beyond.

Why Your Support Matters:

• Breaking Down Financial Barriers: Skiing and snowboarding are expensive sports, and we want to make sure that cost doesn’t prevent anyone from experiencing the joy of being a Snowmie. Your donation will help make this accessible to more students.
• Inclusion and Diversity: By supporting Snowteam, you are contributing to the creation of a more inclusive snowsports community. We actively challenge the stereotypes of who belongs on the slopes and strive to make our team a reflection of the diverse, vibrant community at UCLA.
• National Exposure for UCLA: The USCSA Nationals is not just a competition; it’s a chance for our team to represent UCLA on a national stage, showcasing the spirit, athleticism, and inclusivity of our university.

This grant will allow us to allocate funds toward travel expenses for Nationals, and also help us continue to make Snowteam a more accessible, inclusive, and exciting community for everyone at UCLA. We know that as prices increase year after year, it becomes harder for students to get the same opportunities. Your donation will help us keep Snowteam strong, thriving, and open to all Bruins.

Snowteam is more than just a club; it’s a family that grows stronger with each season. The memories we create, the friendships we build, and the skills we develop are priceless. Your support will help us keep that spirit alive and make the mountains accessible to more students, regardless of background or financial situation.

Thank you for supporting UCLA Snowteam and helping us continue to share our love for the mountains, our commitment to inclusivity, and our vision for the future of snowsports. Together, we can elevate the Snowmie experience and keep the spirit of adventure alive on campus.

Donate Today, and Help Us Make a Difference!

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