$3k Scholarship Announced for Female Freeskiers

Originally posted on Powder | By Izzy Lidsky | Last updated Mar 26, 2025 2:32 PM ET

Windells Ski Camp and Surf the Earth MHC have announced a $3,000 scholarship for female freeriders attending the camp this summer.

The Love Like Ali scholarship honors the memory of Ali Patrick, a Windells' camper and the founder of Surf the Earth Mental Health Community, who passed away in October of 2023 after a heartbreaking battle with Bipolar I.

Patrick was a dedicated skier who fell in love with freestyle growing up on Michigan's Upper Peninsula. She attended Windell's Camp on Mt. Hood from 6th grade through the end of high school before moving out west to Park City, UT and Big Sky, MT.

Her enthusiasm and joy on the mountain were infectious to all who experienced it and she was committed to spreading the love she felt for skiing. Patrick was particularly passionate about empowering girls and young women to take pride in their athletic skills and she was known to inspire and uplift many women around her.

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Before her passing, Patrick founded Surf the Earth Mental Health Community, a 501 (c)3 non-profit that raises awareness about mental health illness.

Surf the Earth MHC hosts events like meetups and on-mountain gatherings to celebrate Ali's legacy as well as offers mental health resources as part of their mission to promote understanding of, dismantle the stigma around, and cultivate an inclusive world where mental health is embraced with empathy, support, and resources.

The Love Like Ali scholarship aims to support the next generation of female skiers by giving them access to the training and education opportunities at Windell's Ski Camp.

The individual selected for the scholarship will have the chance to refine their skills on snow while also acquiring life skills to be independent and true to themselves. The $3,000 will be awarded to a skier who 'exemplifies some or all of Ali's unique characteristics and qualities.'

Applicants must be female skiers under 18 years old, demonstrate a passion for freestyle skiing and a desire to gain experience and growth.

Applications also must include a character reference from a coach, teacher, or community leader that highlights the individual's passion for skiing and a personal statement from the applicant outlining their love for freestyle skiing, future aspirations, and how scholarship aid can help their journey. The submission deadline is April 15 and the winner will be announced April 30th.

Windell's Ski Camp operates from the base of Mt. Hood, OR and offers summer ski camps on the Hood glaciers geared towards a variety of skiers and abilities.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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