SKI + RIDE CLUB - Flowstate

Rifle High School is looking for riders to establish RHS Flowstate. Contact Mr. Kesterson in A 138. Pending district approval.

Because You Asked.

We are so excited to announce that Rifle High School is in the process of starting the ski club this season. They are looking for 15 students to sign up in order to establish our club. We have many more adventures in store for you and we hope to connect with old and new riders. Whether you are a beginner, or you have been shredding for a while, we hope you join. Flowstate is about progression, connection, and those moments you don’t forget: early bus rides, chairlift laughs, shared snacks, hot springs relaxation, wiped-out runs, and the feeling of getting better—together. We ride with those who share the same love of winter, we support each other, and build confidence on snow and in ourselves. We are looking to build more than just a club. But a community you’ll remember long after the season ends. If you want winter days that matter and people who have your back, this club is for you. Reach out to Mr. Kesterson in A138 or email him at tkesterson@garfieldre2.net.

Who We Are.

We want all kids to go outdoors. We provide pretty much everything so that all kids can ski, ride, and bike. We have two clubs operating at Rifle Middle, one starting at Rifle Highschool (pending district approval), and partnering with Coal Ridge High school.

Come Join Us. Spots fill up fast.

Who We Serve.

We are a group of educators and parent volunteers, as well as community business owners who are fighting for equity and access to all sports. Our mission is to see all kids in Garfield Re-2 school district on skis, snowboards, or mountain bikes. We know these are sports reserved for the more affluent kids. And we take pride in being able to include boys and girls, white and hispanic kids, and shredders of any type. Each season we serve more than 6o+ kids in the ski club from all socio-economic backgrounds. Our ski club continues with mountain biking where we tend to attract more and more kids as a club that continues to grow in popularity in our district.

Boys

Girls

Hispanic

White

Snowboarders

Skiers

At Flowstate we want to | kids outdoors.

Our Story.

It all started with a vision to see all kids on skis, regardless of their socio economic status. I am Mr. Teo and I am a 7th grade science teacher at Rifle Middle School in Rifle, Co. My goal is to inspire students to love science and the outdoors. My hope is that they will become contributing citizens who will solve real world problems, love nature, and love and respect others. I work hard to bring kids outside and to allow them to find joy shredding on the most beautful mountains in Colorado, from our local Sunlight Resort, to Buttermilk, to the famous Aspen Snowmass.We began with zero money, zero skis or boards, zero bikes and a whole lot of passion. We started by taking 25 teens from Rifle Middle School to the famous Snowmass bike park. Our kids received high end bikes for the day, comp tickets and world class instruction.

Our Community.

Months later, it only took a phone call and two ladies with a heart of gold and passion for equity, to invite our club to ski and ride Aspen Snowmass. Since then, 59+ teens, accompanied by 15 parent and teacher volunteers, on every Friday of the season, rode in the most beautiful places on the planet. Our Rifle community saw our vision, and lots of businesses stepped up and helped us financially big time. When I asked many of them what drove them to step up financially, they said ” We love our kids here, we do anything for the kids…“. A born and raised Rifle business man, Michael, said to me ” I wish I had these clubs when I was a student here.” We love what we do and we love doing it with our awesome community. And we continue to need your support to treat all kids right whether it is through proper gear, or a hot springs trip apres ski.

COTACT US

For all Kids.

We know that our kids deserve the best experience on the mountain. Our staff is represented by three talented sponsors and teachers at Rifle Middle and Rifle High School. These sponsors focus on safety first, and on giving all kids the same experience any other kid would get regardless of their zip code. They are fun, energetic, and visionary. Here are some of our accomplishments and why you should consider supporting our mission. For the kids. For all of our kids.

YEARS OF SHREDDING WITH KIDS

FRIDAYS PROGRAMMING

KIDS EACH SEASON

INSPIRED KIDS

HOURS OF SHREDDING

Mr. Teo

Leader, Founder, Rifle Middle School

Thank you for entrusting me with the safety and well- being of your child. I am Mr. Teo, the Flowstate Club Sponsor here at Rifle Middle School, and your child’s 7th grade Science teacher. I grew up in Romania for my first 20 years and Colorado has been our home for the last 25 years. I love teaching science, and I am a level 1 PSIA ski instructor. I love spending time with my kids, Estes and Teia, and my wife Ricci, skiing, mountain biking, paddle boarding or canoing, and travelling the world. I have travelled and worked in the Gapalagos Islands, Ecuador, Alaska, and Romania and I love small town Silt and teaching in the Garfield district. I started both the mtb club as well as the ski club because I wanted to offer ALL kids the same opportunities I had growing up in the outdoors. I know that kids that love these sports will make better and contributing citizens that will solve real problems, be more kind and make great stewards of our natural resources and our very own communities.

Mr. Kesterson

Leader, Sponsor, Rifle High School

Hi, I m Mr. Kesterson (Todd), the second Flowstate Ski Club sponsor and the science teacher here at Rifle High School. I grew up on the front range of Colorado and I love anything outdoors from mountain biking, to paddle boarding, and skiing. My girlfriend and I have a dog and we love our community. I have recently joined the Flowstate mountain biking club and I want to develop high school clubs for both mountain biking and skiing. I used to race mountain biking iat the Fort Collins highschool and I can see how this passion changed my life. I believe I can inspire high school students to love the outdoors and race mountain bikes. I can not think of a better place to do it than in Western Colorado where I wake up refreshed and happy to start my day with kids that are developing theri passion for the outdoors. Thank you for trusting me with your child in our ski and snowboard club as as well as the mountain biking adventures. Cheers to a fun and safe season of shredding.

Our Volunteers.

These volunteers and 7 more( not pictured yet) are the backbone to our program. They keep our riders safe, and provide valuable instruction. They come from all walks of life- sone are teachers, parents, or simply community members. Some are PSIA- AASI certified, have ridden for a while, while others enjoy the cruisers. All volunteers are district- approved and have been background checked. All volunteers must be able to ski blues at a minimum, all terrain preferrable. Come join us and you will get much more in return. Become a district approved volunteer- the process is easy and it takes only a few days.

BECOME A VOLUNTEER

Don’t Break Your Bank.

Shredding can seem often times reserved for the affuent kids. Ski passes and even daily tickets are very costly and the cost of equipment has gone up tremendoulsy. At Flowstate, we hope to give all students this awesome opportunity that we know can put all kids on a trajectory of success.

There Are Options.

Over and over, research shows that students who spend a lot of time outdoors are better physically, emotionally, socially, academically, and cognitively. We believe that all students deserve a good life, one that contributes to a better, safer, more giving and more meaningful society. Skiing is just a tool and we want ALL kids to have access to it. So here’s how you can ski and ride without breaking the bank.

K-6 Ski Free

K-6 students get to ski or snowboard for for only $69 in 19 resorts ( 4 days at Sunlight and 4 at each of the Aspen resorts). Only 2 day rentals included. Parents can get discounted tickets.

Free lessons

The Bob Beverly Program at Powderhorn offers those who never boarded or skied 3 FREE half day lessons, rentals and tickets. Then, you can get a $99 pass.

Ski swap

Sunlight Ski and Bike shop has a ski swap on Sat. Oct. 25, 25. Swap your gear or buy some new used great gear.

Gear Closet

Our community has donated skis, snowboards, and even brand new jackets for all that need it. Contact the club leaders.

Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has often times cheap options for all your gear needs. make sure the boots fit snuggly and the skis are around your chin.

Did You Get Your Rentals?

So…should you buy or rent your gear? Or should I just get the free rentals our club is offered each time we visit Snowmass or Buttermilk? We believe the best way to go is to get a season rental packet at the beginning of the season. Buying your own gear is always good if you can afford it and you know you are locked in and wonna trully shred. The best way to advance and have fun is to get your own gear. One hundred percent! Our local Sunlight downtown shop is offering Flowstate members $150 season packets. And if you are strapped for cash, ask your parents for chores to do and remember Chrismas is just around the corner. Scholraships are available. Please contact Mr. Teo if you can not afford the season rental.

get coupon

Is This Your First Time?

For those students who have never ever tried skiing or snowboarding before, we recommend the Bob Beverly program at Powderhorn Resort. They offer 3 half days of instruction and rentals for free. We recommend you sign up right away and and reserve the first spots at the very beginning of the season. Our club is not affiliated with this program and we do not provide transportation. Students who participated in the Bob Beverly program can then join us at Snowmass for another full day lesson in early January, followed by the rest of the 4 or 5 days of club skiing. Please make sure you take the Bob Beverly lessons ONLY IF you never skied or snowboarded before, and prior to our first day of skiing with the beginner group.

reserve lessons

Get A Free Pass.

Fundraising for our club and meeting your $150 goal guarantees you a ski pass at Sunlight this season. We know that going every weekend with your friends will help you get better and enjoy the slopes way more. So go ahead, spread the story about your club, sell some coffee, and or ask for donations.

1. Sell Wild Coffee.

Wild Coffee in Silt handcrafted an organic single origin coffee from Peru specially for our club fundraiser. You will be enjoying a coffee with notes of dark chocolate, banana nut bread, brown sugar and baking spices. It’s delicious on it’s own and works great with cream and sugar.Buy one or more of these 12 oz. bags and support our students this winter. Cash or checks written for Wild Coffee Roasters. The coffee will be delivered to the kids before Christmas.

download papers

2. Ask For Donations.

Don’t care for coffee? Or do you want to help our club even more? Donate directly to Rifle Middle School Flowstate club. We have served over 200 students in our district so far. We have offered free lessons, rentals, and free tickets at Buttermilk and Snowmass with the help of our partners. We know this sport can be very costly and we want all kids shredding in the snow, regardless of their socio-economic status. Checks should be written to “ Rifle Middle School Ski Club”.

DOWNLOAD PAPERS

3. Get A Free Pass.

Flowstate offers the opportunity to ski for free at the Aspen resorts for 5 Fridays. We know that if kids want to be good at this sport, they need to hit the slopes every weekend. Every kid’s goal is to raise at least $150 in profit. When they achieve this goal, Flowstate will cover the remaining amount for the pass and every kid will get to enjoy a healthy life style, learn responsibility, build new skills and confidence, and make great decision in life. Thank you for helping!

DOWNLOAD PAPERS

Fundraiser F.A.Q.

When is the deadline?

The deadline is the last week of school before winter break. Check Parent Square for specific dates.

can i raise more than $150?

For sure. Any extra money will help us pay for the real price of the pass which is higher.

can i do something different?

If for some reason you can not sell coffee, you have 2 options: organize a bake sale, and or ask for donations directly to the club.

can you give me a pitch line?

“Hi! I’m fundraising for my ski club, Flowstate. Help us spend more time on the slopes and less time on our phones—want to donate or buy some coffee?”

what if i don't meet my goal?

People are eager to support students who want to spend time outdoors, develop new skills and want to grow into a healthy well rounded athlete. Show passion and greet and you will meet your goal.

Can I donate online?

Yes. You can do it via our district website . Choose- pay for RMS ski club. Please use this only for direct donations to the club, and not for buying coffee.

Do I have to sell coffee?

No. You can also pay/ donate $150 to the club.

Do I need a pass?

We offer 4-5 days of free skiing at Aspen Snowmass/ Buttermilk. And we hope kids will ski way more this season and will get their own season pass. It’s the only way they can get better. We will offer 4 days of transportation to Sunlight for the kids who have the pass, the gear, and can safely ride on their own. First come, first served. Fundraise or Donate $150 and the pass is yours if you want it.

How To Register.

Follow these steps to Register, sign up for lessons if you are level 1, get your discounted rentals, fundraise for a Sunlight Pass. Let’s help you find your Flow State. We are glad you are here.

1. Information Meeting

Find out when your teacher sponsor will have an information meeting. ( around October).

2. Register

Grab all your forms from the website, sign them, pay the fee, return to office ASAP. Spots fill up fast.

3. Free Lessons

Only for those who are level 1. Sign up ASAP for the Bob Beverly program for 3 free days of instruction. All lessons should be taken before mid january preferably.

4. Get Your Gear

We recommend getting a season rental from the Sunlight Ski and Bike shop downtown location. We have a coupon for a great price.

5.Free Pass

This year middle schoolers fundraised for a free pass by selling Wild Coffee through the club. Reach out to your club leader to find out how you too can do it.

At this time, Flowstate ski and ride club is only open to Garfield Re-2 students from Riffle Middle School. We are in the process of opening at Rifle High School and pending district approval. Homeschool middle/high who reside in the Garfield Re-2 jurisdiction are welcome to apply as well. Registration opens last week of November and is first come, first served. Students may obtain all the documents from the school office in November. Note: You do not need to fill out the RMS/ RHS forms IF you already are enrolled in other sports at these schools. You do have the fill out the registration packet, and the Aspen forms. Please do not submit any forms prior to October 23, 2025. All forms must be returned, fully completed, and the $75 fee attached to be considered. Applications will be time stamped by the RMS office registrar. We hope to be able to offer this opportunity to more and more students in our valley as we continue to work hard to partner with more like-minded organizations who value equity and access to sports regardless of socio-economic status and opportunities for all.

Download Forms. Return To Office.

1. registration form

2. Physical History form

3. RMS /RHS Athletic forms

4. Aspen rental forms

5. Aspen Ski School forms

Our Sponsors.

Flowstate would not exist without the awesome support of our local communities. When we ask for sponsorships, our local businesses rise to the occasion and donate. It is so encouraging to hear sponsors saying things like ” We love our kids here and we want them to spend time outdoors” or ” we will do anything for the kids”. Thank you Garfield County for making this awesome sport accesible to all kids. Please say thank you to these partners and click.

Corporate Benefits.

You will be supporting OUR school. OUR students, OUR community. All donations are tax deductible ( we are an approved school club). Corporate sponsorships start at $250.Local businesses that support us with $500 or more will receive recognition on our website, with a direct link. We continue to need support to make sure all kids get to shred, stay in school, and make lifelong healthy choices.

Where We Ride.

We are working hard to maintain local partnerships with three resorts: Sunlight, Buttermilk and Snowmass. Our students get to experience the best ski resorts in Colorado due to our local closest resort, as well as Aspen Ski Co. and their Charity foundation programs. Students ride almost every Friday and receive instruction from the Ski Pros at Buttermilk or Snomass as well as from our dedicated sponsors and volunteers. And on a good day, who knows, they might be even riding the Breathtaking Alpine Rollercoaster at Snowmass. We try to treat our kids the best we can by offering them the very best opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Watch Drake flying on the alpine coaster without using his breaks ( safe, but exhiliratting..).

The Flow State.

When we find our “flowstate”, time stops. We are focused, in the zone and completely focused on the task at hand. The challenges match our skills and abilities. We feel effortless, may lose self-consciousness, and we have a heightened sense of concentration, enjoyment. THIS is FLOWSTATE.

The Gear Library.

We are happy to be able to provide the essential gear to all of our riders. Whether it is rentals from Snowmass, skis donated by our communty members or a gear drive organized by Backbone Media for their employees, our riders get what they need. We have used ski jackets and pants, as well as brand new donated items with tags on. Brands include Patagonia, Roxy, Eddie Bauer, Mountain Hardwear, and more. It takes a village, and you are invited to contribute to our classroom gear library too.

Donate your gear

What They Say.

Find Your Ski Level.

Please read carefully each description below to find out what level you are. Levels go from 1 to 9, and they are indicative of the terrain difficulty (green is easiest, followed by blue ( beginner- interediate), and finally black ( advanced and experts only).

LEVEL ONE

“I have never skied.” Don’t worry- you are on your way to becoming a Sigma skier. Auras for being here.

LEVEL TWO

I can slide, slightly change direction, and come to a stop.” – Easiest green terrain.

LEVEL THREE

“I can link turns together and stop where I want to on the easiest green terrain. My turns are usually all the same size.” – Green terrain

LEVEL FOUR

“I am linking turns together smoothly on all green terrain. I can make narrow and wide turns” – All green and easiest blue terrain

LEVEL FIVE

“I am skiing mostly parallel in a couple different turn sizes and shapes on most blue terrain. I am beginning to use my poles and can hockey stop in both directions.” -All green terrain and most blue terrain

LEVEL SIX

“I am skiing parallel and confidently on all groomed blue terrain. I am exploring un-groomed trails and the easiest bumps. I usually make the same turn sizes and shapes on un-groomed trails.” –All groomed blues, easy blue bumps, easy groomed blacks

LEVEL SEVEN

“I am able to smoothly link parallel turns together with a pole plant on all blue and black terrain. I am exploring un-groomed black terrain, including bumps. I can connect different turn sizes and shapes seamlessly for the different challenges.” – All blue terrain and most black terrain

LEVEL EIGHT

“I am making different turns sizes and shapes, including rhythmic short turns and large carved turns, on all blue and black terrain (groomed or un-groomed). I feel comfortable exploring harder blacks and easier double black terrain.” – All black and easy double black terrain

LEVEL NINE

“I can ski the entire mountain and am working on skiing faster, smoother, difficult lines, and learning different strategies in the hardest terrain and snow conditions.” – Entire mountain, all conditions

Find Your Ride Level.

Please read carefully each description below to finf out what level you are. Levels go from 1 to 9, and they are indicative of the terrain difficulty (green is easiest, followed by blue ( beginner- interediate), and finally black ( advanced and experts only).

LEVEL ONE

“I have never snowboarded.” Don’t worry- you are on your way to becoming a Sigma skier. Auras for being here.

LEVEL TWO

“I have experienced sliding, traversing both directions, and stopping.” – Easiest green terrain

LEVEL THREE

“I can control my speed while moving across the hill, and can stop with confidence. I am starting to turn in both directions.” – Green terrain

LEVEL FOUR

“I can link skidded turns on green terrain.” – All green terrain

LEVEL FIVE

“I am confident and can connect different turn sizes and shapes on all green terrain. I make more or less the same size and shape turn on easy blue terrain.” –All green terrain and easiest blue terrain

LEVEL SIX

“I am riding most blue terrain by connecting various turn sizes and shapes. I am also exploring switch riding, easy bumps, and/or freestyle.” –All blue terrain

LEVEL SEVEN

“I am able to ride all blue terrain in varied conditions and working on easy black terrain, including bumps, trees, and terrain parks.”–All blue terrain and groomed black terrain

LEVEL EIGHT

“I am confident performing dynamic turns on varied terrain and snow conditions, including trees, steeps and powder.” – All black and easy double blacks terrain.

LEVEL NINE

“I am confident riding the entire mountain. I am working on a variety of tactics and techniques that will take me to the next level.”– Entire mountain, all conditions.

Safety First.

We take safety very seriously. All students are required to watch the following safety video and sign the papers. Using the NSAA’s #rideanotherday concept, Ski Patrol and Ski Instructors teach students the basics of mountain safety, to be ready, to stay alert, to plan ahead, to respect the mountain, and to be responsible on the mountain.

KNOW MORE

What To Wear.

You can’t have a great day on the slopes if your clothes aren’t keeping you warm and dry. In this video, Robin Barnes and Amy Gan of PSIA/AASI walk you through the right way to dress for comfort on the mountain. Check it out, then head to your local REI Co-op to find the perfect layers for your next snowy adventure and or stop by our classroom gear library to see what we have.

Ski Instruction.

Here are the videos we recommend all beginner skiers watch prior to heading over to the slopes. We find that these videos, a cooperation between PSIA and REI are easy to watch and they represent the PSIA standards that pro instructors teach. This video is the first one in a series of 5 and you can find the other ones that follow by clicking on the video description below the video. Advanced skier? Check out the link below.

advanced skiers

Ride Instruction.

Here are the videos we recommend all beginner snowboarders watch prior to heading over to the slopes. We find that these videos, a cooperation between PSIA and REI are easy to watch and they represent the PSIA standards that pro instructors teach. This video is the first one in a series of 5 and you can find the other ones that follow by clicking on the video description below the video. Advanced riders, click below.

advanced boarders

F.A.Q.

We are always growing and learning. Please do let us know if you have not found an answer below ir if you feel that something could be made clearer. We appreciate your feedback.

so, what do i get?

For only $75, middle school kids get 3 days of free skiing on Fridays at Snowmass/ Buttermilk. We offer transportation, supervision, and Aspen Pro Instructors. For highschool- please check with Mr. Kesterson.

I Want to ski more

We know that the only way to truly enjoy this sport and do it safely is by riding every weekend. That is why we encourage all riders to get their Sunlight free pass ( after they fundraise $200) and their own season rentals ( see coupon for discount) or buy their gear. Once you have these, we will offer 4 days of free transportation to Sunlight ( Saturdays) along with supervision and a good time ( you must sign up, first come, first served).

Do you offer transportation?

We offer transportation on Fridays going to Aspen from RMS. We also offer 4 days of transportation and supervision to Sunlight for the kids who have a Sunlight pass, their own hear, and can safely ride on their own.

is there supervision?

Kids are supervised on the trips organized by the club. We have 2 teacher leaders, and other district approved volunteers, along with the Snow Pros at Aspen Ski Co. Only the kids that sign up to go on the school bus at Sunlight will be supervised by our staff at Sunlight.

do i need a pass?

It depends.We hope to offer 3 days at Snowmass/ Buttermilk. The kids will receive instruction and complimentary tickets for the day and they do not need a Snowmass pass. We do not offer rentals at Snowmass anymore. The other days we go to Sunlight, riders must have a Sunlight pass and their own gear.

aren't the rentals free?

We are unable to offer rentals anymore. The best option is a season rental from Sunlight Ski shop. You can ski all season with your friends at Sunlight ( get your pass!) and also enjoy an extra 4 days when the club goes to Sunlight. See coupon in Parent Square. Please reach out if you are unable to pay for rentals, we do offer a limited amount of working scholraships.

I never skied before.

If you have never skied or snowboarded, we highly encourage you to sign up ASAP for the Bob Beverly program. You will get 3 free days of instruction at Powderhorn and will be much better riding with your friends in the club. Do it as early as possible and before our first ride with the club.

when do we ride?

Middle Schoolers ride every Friday except for the teacher work days. We have 2 groups- beginner ( levels 1-4) and advanced ( levels 5-9). Every group will ride 4 or 5 times at Snowmass or Buttermilk. We will also offer 4 other days of transportation/ supervision at Sunlight for kids who have their own pass, gear, and can ride safley on their own. Highschoolers schedule will be different- check with your sponsor, Mr. Todd.

do you run student eligibility?

For middle schoolers-Yes. Every Monday we run eligibility as we do with the other sports at RMS. If your child does not have passing grades, he or she can not ride that Friday. Sometimes they will have to wait 2 or more weeks till they can ride again.

What if I need personal gear?

We have started a gear closet in Mr. Teo’s class. We have ski jackets and base layers, some ski pants as well as ski socks. Students can borrow them for the season. Most items are brand new with tags on.

Should i ski or snowboard?

If you have never skied or snowboarded, we recommend kids start with skiing. We have noticed that among first timers on the first day of instruction, riders on skis are far more ready on average, to ski a green easy run by themselves. It usually takes far longer for snowboarders to feel confident on theri own on a green run. You can also change your mind later.

Do you need volunteers?

We always need parent volunteers who are approved by the district ( see volunteer section for paperwork needed). However, we mostly need parents who can ride safely on blue and black runs and have teaching experience preferably. At this point we ask that all volunteers have their own gear and pass.

who is liable for any accidents?

Garfield re-2 school district is not liable for any accidents. We ask that all participants sign up at their own risk, and provide personal health insurance. We also recommend all families have homeowners’ insurance that could cover any accidents caused to another rider in the resort. Additional accidental insurance is also available for purchase- contact our District.

Do riders receive instruction?

Yes. All riders will receive instruction from the Snow Pros Instructors at Buttermilk or Snowmass for 3 days only. We do not offer instruction at Sunlight as of now. The leaders and volunteers in our club are not providing instruction as this competes with the Snow Pros at Aspen, but they will do their best to help with tips and promote safe skiing and riding etiquette. If you never rode before sign up for these free lessons, outside the club.

how can i best prepare?

Are you a level One? Sign up for lessons at Powderhorn. You can also Watch the instructional videos on our site.

WHAT DATE I CAN'T MISS?

The first ride for your group, especially when we have a lesson paid for already at Snowmass or Buttermilk ( most likely only for group 1 beginners). Keep your grades up- you don’t wonna miss these lessons. We make no exceptions for ineligible students.

WHAT IS a good CHRISTMAS GIFT?

Ski googles and helmet ( together) is a great personal first item to buy. Amazon offers affordable options- pay attention to sizing. Goggles are Not included in the rental packet. Also ski jacket, ski pants and ski gloves are not included in the rentals.

I need financial help.

We know this could be pricey. And we want all kids to enjoy this amazing sport. Please reach out to Mr. Teo and we will do our best to help every kid. We have had kids who participated in an an extended fundraiser to raise more funds ( for both rentals and a Sunlight pass) and or kids who have worked in exchange for gear (personal or ski equipment).