SnowSchool
Interested in bringing your students to SnowSchool?
Program Overview
During SnowSchool, students explore Alaska’s winter landscapes and build the skills to enjoy it safely.
As a provider of Winter Wildlands Alliance’s SnowSchool program, Alaska Living Lands brings hands-on winter learning to students across Southcentral Alaska. Whether we visit a classroom or lead a field trip, students investigate the snowpack, learn how it feeds local waterways, and discover ways to enjoy and care for the winter landscape. Depending on the class and location, they might dig a snow pit, go snowshoeing, or toast marshmallows over a fire in the snow.
Our SnowSchool Impact to Date
154
Program Days
1,840
Participating Students
382
Teachers, Volunteers & Partner Staff Engaged
3,649
Student Hours Spent In The Snow
50%
Of Kids Go Snowshoeing For The First Time
Program Goals
Provide students with knowledge of basic snow science and hydrology using an experiential, inquiry-based teaching model.
Expose students to the winter environments and recreation opportunities in the KMTA NHA.
Provide opportunities to practice their science, social, and outdoor skills.
Model and cultivate stewardship behaviors and an appreciation for the natural world.
Classroom Visits
During a classroom visit, Alaska Living Lands education staff will lead an hour-long, hands-on educational program aligned with school curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to learn in a classroom setting as well as explore the winter landscape surrounding your school.
Classroom visits are available for K – 12th students, and programs will be tailored to fit the educational needs of the age group served.
Field Trips
For a field trip program, Alaska Living Lands education staff will lead a full-day snowshoe adventure within the Kenai Mountains – Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area (KMTA NHA). Topics include winter ecology, snow science, recreation, and winter survival. Before embarking on your field trip, our education team will come to the classroom for a pre-trip visit; they’ll also return after the field trip for a post-trip visit.
Program Availability & Pricing
Alaska Living Lands SnowSchool programs are available to schools in Southcentral Alaska. It is a core value of our organization to keep these programs accessible, as we believe that all students have a right to experiential education opportunities. Pricing and availability varies depending on program location and format. Please contact us at education@alaskalivinglands.org to learn more and find the SnowSchool program that is right for your school.
If you are an educator or youth organizer from outside of our current program area and are interested in receiving information about how you can participate in SnowSchool, please send an email to our Program Director, Sarah, at sarah.schuh@alaskalivinglands.org.