Getting youngsters excited about skiing for the first time can be a challenge. It’s cold, and for some, intimidating. Morgan Schaening and his wife, Natalie, are opening Shredder Bend, an indoor, year-round ski and snowboard school for children ages one to 10.
“We get them in real skis, real boots, real snowboards and we help them progress really gradually in a very welcoming and play-based environment,” Schaening explains.
Shredders is a national franchise with nine locations. The Bend school, in the new Midway industrial complex off SE 8th and Wilson, is the first Shredders in Oregon. The space has two indoor slopes — the tallest one is 12-feet high with a 65-foot run.
The school, which opens March 18, will offer classes in small groups of three to five children which begin on a flat surface, focusing on strength, balance and coordination, before moving to the smaller slope, then graduating to the tallest one. Students will also learn practical skills such as how to put on and take off equipment as well as how to carry skis safely. “Getting kids to the chair lift is almost more than half the battle of being with them on the snow,” Schaening chuckles. “It’s not just getting in skis and snowboarding down the hill, it’s teaching the kids independence and confidence.”
There are three types of classes: Yeti, which is a parent-child class for toddlers ages one to three; Little Shredders, for ages four and five; and Ski/Snowboard School for more advanced skill building for ages five to 10.
Classes are 40 minutes long. “Our program focuses on a multi-week progression,” Schaening explains. “Our curriculum is based on PSIA and AASI, which is the Professional Ski Instructor Association and American Association of Snowboard Instructor curriculum, which is a national body that really sets the standard for on-mountain ski lessons.” Schaening says, typically, after 10-weeks, a student is ready to try a green run on the mountain.
Prices vary but generally cost $50 a class, which includes all equipment needed. To kick off its grand opening, Shredder Bend will offer two weeks of special showcase classes at a reduced rate of $30 with space limited to five children per class.
Shredder Bend will also offer a summer camp with three-hour morning or afternoon sessions, as well as private lessons, community events and the ability to host birthday parties.
Schaening has a background in leading high school students on international expeditions to develop life skills and participate in community projects. Natalie has a background in gymnastics. They have a 2 ½-year-old daughter. “I’m very excited to introduce her to Shredder and get her through our program so that I can go up and have some fun with her on the mountain,” Schaening says.
Shredder Bend
Introductory showcase: March 18-20 & 27-29
575 SE 9th St, Unit 130, Bend
shredderski.com/bend-register/
Prices vary
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