Almost 100 students from around the Northwest flocked to Mount Ellis Academy (MEA) for their annual Ski the Summit youth ministry Feb. 20–23.

Students spent their days skiing or snowboarding through the spectacular Montana terrain. At the end of each skiing day, students worshiped together and then went to the local hot springs and swim center to relax their sore muscles in preparation for the next day’s adventure.

“It’s such a blessing to mix fun and recreation with spiritual sharing between schools,” said Darren Wilkins, MEA principal. “This was the biggest turnout we’ve had in 10 years.”

Most of the students attending are from elementary schools and churches around the Montana conference. This year, however, they were joined by Cascade Christian Academy (CCA) in Wenatchee, Wash., and Harris Junior Academy (HJA) in Pendleton, Ore. CCA not only participated in the activities but performed drama as part of the evening worships.

“Mount Ellis’ location couldn’t be in a better place for this [event] and it’s really great that we can share it,” said Erik Christiansen, MEA boys’ assistant dean.

MEA is nestled along the Gallatin Mountain Range and within 40 miles of Big Sky Resort, 20 miles of Bridger Bowl, and three miles from MEA’s own ski hill. Students normally spend their first evening on campus night skiing at MEA, but due to the abnormal lack of snowfall this winter, the MEA ski hill was not open. Fortunately, the next two days were spent at Bridger Bowl and Big Sky, which both received over six inches of fresh powder the prior weekend, answering a lot of prayers from staff and students.

Students may choose to participate in the skiing or can enroll in mini-courses offered by MEA staff. “Rock climbing is something I would never get to do normally. It was awesome,” said Korine Rea, MEA junior.

Some of the courses offered have been: bowling, ice-skating, rock wall climbing, photography, scrapbooking, and community service events.

Ski the Summit began in the mid-90s and is coordinated by the Montana Conference under the direction of Larry Unterseher, education superintendent. If you’d like to find out more about attending or participating in next year’s Ski the Summit, contact the Montana Conference youth department at (406) 587-3101 or Mount Ellis Academy, (406) 587-5178.