NIMSEF youth scholarships applications open

While it might be hard for some to conjure images of sliding downhill on soft snow as the dog days of summer and smoke fill the air, it’s that time of year for the North Idaho Mountain Sports Education Fund, Inc. 

NIMSEF is now accepting applications for its 2026-27 ski and snowboard scholarships through its website, www.nimsef.com.

NIMSEF provides opportunities for Bonner and Boundary County children ages 7-17 whose families cannot afford the cost of skiing or snowboarding, as well as opportunities for disabled individuals and veterans. With generous support from Schweitzer Mountain, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit has helped more than 1,100 youth and dozens of disabled athletes experience the joy of skiing and snowboarding since its founding in 2009. NIMSEF also helps support an annual Veteran’s Ski Day at Schweitzer.

Founded on the belief that youth scholarships not only introduce participants to a lifelong sport, but also foster belonging, accomplishment and community, NIMSEF is entering its 17th year of helping local families experience the mountains. Each youth scholarship includes a full Schweitzer season pass, equipment rental and eight weeks of lessons through Schweitzer’s Funatics program.

The season pass provides access from opening day through closing day, with no blackout dates, and includes Twilight Skiing and Gear Check. Scholarship recipients are fitted with the ski or snowboard equipment they need for the season. The eight-week Funatics program groups children by age and ability and takes place on Saturdays or Sundays from January through March.

Youth scholarship recipients contribute a small portion of the program’s cost (based on age and years of participation) and assist in NIMSEF fundraising via raffle ticket sales. The goal is not simply to provide a free season of skiing, but to help young people become part of a community and learn the value of contributing to something that benefits others.

NIMSEF founder and former Schweitzer ski instructor Jeff Rouleau launched the program after realizing that many area families — despite working hard — could not afford to ski. “The cost of everyday living has risen so dramatically and in a resort area, we feel that even more. It can be nearly impossible for a lot of local families to find the money to get their kids on the slopes,” Rouleau said.

With the help of generous individuals and corporate donors — and vast support from Schweitzer — NIMSEF delivers meaningful opportunities to those who otherwise might not participate in skiing and snowboarding. NIMSEF also provides opportunities for adaptive skiing and snowboarding and for veterans, with applications for those programs accepted year-round.

Over the years, more than 500 individuals and families have donated to NIMSEF, helping make these opportunities possible. Ninety-six percent of all donations to NIMSEF go directly to scholarships, with only minimal expenses for storage, insurance, and its website.

Youth applications for the 2026-27 season open August 15 and close October 1, 2026. Potential applicants and donors are encouraged to visit www.nimsef.com.