Chill Foundation wins 2026 U.S. Ski & Snowboard inclusion award

By AI, Created 1:55 PM UTC, May 19, 2026, /AGP/ – Chill Foundation has received U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s 2026 Inclusion & Opportunity Award for work expanding access and equity in snowsports. The honor, presented May 12 in Park City, spotlights the nonprofit’s three decades of youth programs across boardsports and its broader push to make outdoor spaces more inclusive.

Why it matters: - The award spotlights organizations helping widen access to skiing and snowboarding for young people who have faced barriers to participation. - Chill Foundation’s work sits at the intersection of youth development, outdoor recreation and DEI in snowsports. - The recognition from U.S. Ski & Snowboard can amplify attention to inclusive programming across the broader winter sports community.

What happened: - U.S. Ski & Snowboard named Chill Foundation the recipient of the 2026 Inclusion & Opportunity Award. - The award was presented at the annual U.S. Ski & Snowboard Awards Dinner on May 12, 2026, in Park City. - The honor goes to a person, group, organization or program that has made a significant and sustainable contribution to diversity, equity and inclusion in skiing and snowboarding.

The details: - Chill Foundation has spent more than 30 years making boardsports more accessible and inclusive for young people. - The organization runs programs in snowboarding, skateboarding, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. - Chill partners with youth-serving community agencies and schools around the world. - The foundation says those programs are designed to build confidence, resilience and belonging. - Chill has served more than 30,000 youth across 20 locations in 9 countries since 1995. - The nonprofit was founded by Jake and Donna Carpenter of Burton Snowboards. - U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the national governing body for Olympic skiing and snowboarding in the United States. - The organization supports athletes and works to improve accessibility and inclusivity in winter sports nationwide. - Ben Clark, CEO of Chill Foundation, said the recognition reflects the commitment of staff, volunteers, partners and supporters. - Clark said the foundation is focused on creating spaces where young people feel they belong.

Between the lines: - The award suggests the snowsports world is placing more emphasis on participation gaps, not just competition results. - Chill’s broader boardsports model may stand out because it reaches youth through multiple disciplines, not only snowboarding. - The recognition also reinforces the role of community partners and schools in making inclusion efforts sustainable.

What’s next: - Chill Foundation is likely to use the award to strengthen visibility for its youth programming and inclusion mission. - U.S. Ski & Snowboard is expected to keep highlighting efforts that expand access and representation in winter sports. - Chill said it will continue working to break down barriers to participation and create inclusive outdoor spaces where youth can thrive.

The bottom line: - Chill Foundation’s award from U.S. Ski & Snowboard signals growing recognition that equity work is central to the future of snowsports.