Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project Supports Kids Across Colorado
Transforming educational experiences for 95,000 Colorado kids, opening doors to outdoor adventures and life-changing lessons
Photos courtesy of Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project | Chris Anthony joins students on a ski trip to Loveland Ski Area
Dozens of wide-eyed fifth-graders spilled out of a chartered bus at Loveland Ski Area, their laughter mingling with the crisp mountain air. Clad in ski gear and bubbling with excitement, they high-fived professional skier Chris Anthony, whose Youth Initiative Project made the day possible. For most, it was not just their first time skiing—it also was their first time visiting the mountains.
Amid the buzz, the bus driver (now 22) from Vanguard School in Aurora approached Anthony. “Are you the skier who visited my fifth-grade class years ago? Aren’t you the one in those ski movies?” Anthony smiled and nodded. As they reminisced, both credited the teacher who recognized how Anthony’s global skiing adventures could spark educational opportunities for students.
A Colorado Snow Sports Hall of Fame member, Anthony has competed in nearly every skiing discipline, from alpine ski racing to extreme competitions. His talent eventually landed him in Warren Miller films, propelling him to global recognition as a fearless skier and, later, a filmmaker.
But it’s his role as the founder of the Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project that defines his life today. For more than 20 years, Anthony’s nonprofit has provided transformative educational experiences for 95,000 underserved Colorado kids, opening doors to outdoor adventures and life-changing lessons in and out of the classroom.
Growing up in Denver, Anthony didn’t have a clear path to success. “I was a terrible student,” he admits. “But my parents worked at a ski area on weekends and brought me along. Skiing became my escape and taught me goal-setting. It gave me direction and hope.”
That sense of direction is what Anthony now strives to share with students. The Youth Initiative Project offers a blend of mentorship, experiential learning and financial aid, ensuring all students—regardless of background—can access its programs. “I understand the challenges these kids face,” Anthony says. “If I can give them a moment of inspiration or help them feel they belong, it’s worth it.”
Anthony’s commitment to Colorado youths began in 1996 when he became the spokesperson for Colorado Ski Country’s 5th Grade Passport Program, now for grades 3 through 6. Visiting schools across the state, he captivated students by sharing stories from his skiing adventures around the globe. “I’d connect my travels to places like Ecuador, Kazakhstan and Norway with geography and cultural lessons,” Anthony recalls. “As a pro athlete, I had their attention, and I made learning identifiable in a different way.”
Realizing many schools lacked the resources for out-of-classroom learning, Anthony took action. Partnering with the Anschutz Foundation and Colorado Nonprofit Development Center, he officially launched the Chris Anthony Youth Initiative Project in 2013. Since then, it has expanded to include field trips, mentorship and financial support, ensuring that no student is excluded due to cost.
One of the most impactful components of the project is its ability to offer unique, hands-on experiences. Ski trips, like the one to Loveland, allow students to learn resilience, teamwork and confidence.
But the Youth Initiative Project isn’t limited to the slopes. Anthony has brought virtual guest speakers like Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch (a Colorado native) to classrooms. After the Gorsuch event on Nov. 6, 2022, at Vail Christian High School, one student decided to pursue constitutional law. “Moments like that make it all worthwhile,” Anthony says.
Anthony also uses his filmmaking talents to enhance the nonprofit’s educational impact. His 2021 documentary, Mission Mt. Mangart, tells the story of a ski race organized by the 10th Mountain Division after World War II. Through screenings and discussions, Anthony connects students with history in an engaging, relatable way.
“When I was a kid, history was just dates and names—it was boring,” he says. “But through storytelling, I can show students how life was different and inspire them with lessons from the past. Adding a skiing element makes it even more fun.”
Anthony’s commitment to inclusivity drives his work. By offering financial aid, he wants to ensure that no student misses out due to economic barriers. “The work is never done,” he says. “We’re always evolving, finding new ways to help kids experience the world outside their neighborhoods. Money should never be a barrier.”
As the Youth Initiative Project grows, Anthony is eager to connect with more teachers who share his vision. He hopes to inspire future generations to pursue their passions and make a difference, just as skiing once did for him.
“Every experience we provide is a chance to change a life,” Anthony says. “That’s what keeps me going.”
Through his initiative, Anthony has proven that skiing isn’t just a sport—it’s also a tool for empowerment, education and transformation. For the thousands of kids whose lives he’s touched, the mountains are more than a destination; they’re a symbol of possibility.
