From the City
to the Mountain
Hoods to Woods connects NYC youth to free snowboarding programs, outdoor education, and community experiences that open doors beyond the city.
Want to get involved? Become a Volunteer
Brian Paupaw
Omar Diaz
From the City
to the Mountain
Hoods to Woods connects youth across NYC and the Tri-State area to free snowboarding, overnight camping, outdoor education, and community experiences that open doors beyond their everyday environments.
Want to get involved? Become a Volunteer
Our Programs
We provide free snowboarding trips, outdoor education, and community based youth programs for NYC students and families.
Winter Snowboarding
Free trips to Mountain Creek Resort with transportation, gear, lessons, and lift tickets included.
Indoor Snow at Big SNOW
Year-round snowboarding at Big SNOW American Dream so youth can ride no matter the season.
Outdoor Education
Hands-on workshops that build outdoor skills and connect young people with nature.
Overnight Camping
Multi-day wilderness experiences that build resilience, teamwork, and a deeper connection to nature.
Impact in Action
For 15 years, Hoods to Woods has connected NYC youth to snowboarding and the outdoors, building access and community along the way.
Before Hoods to Woods, I never saw myself on a snowboard or in the mountains. The program opened my eyes to a whole different world and gave me confidence I still carry with me.
Hoods to Woods gave my child more than a trip. It gave them confidence, community, and the chance to experience something truly new.
Meet the Founders
Hoods to Woods was started by two NYC snowboarders who wanted to connect young people from their community to the outdoors.
Brian Paupaw
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Lifelong NYC resident and snowboarder. Brian started HTW to share the outdoors with young people from his community.
I know what it means to grow up without easy access to the outdoors. Hoods to Woods exists so our youth can see that those spaces belong to them too.— Brian
Omar Diaz
Co-Founder & Program Director
Youth development leader with deep roots in outdoor education. Omar shapes HTW’s programs and community partnerships.
When you share what changed your life with young people who need it, that becomes purpose.— Omar
How You Can Help
Your support helps NYC youth experience the outdoors and become part of a community that believes in them.
Donate
Your contribution funds transportation, equipment, and instruction for NYC youth.
GIVE NOWVolunteer
Join us as a trip chaperone, mentor, or event volunteer.
SIGN UPPartner With Us
Corporate and brand partners help us reach more young people.
LEARN MOREShop HTW Merch
Support the mission with official Hoods to Woods gear.
SHOP NOWLife on the Mountain
Real moments from our programs
Join the HTW Community
Follow along for program updates, mountain moments, and stories from youth in the community.
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