Dozens of young newcomers to Canada took advantage of Friday's warm weather to hit to the slopes at a city-run ski hill, part of a program designed to make sports accessible to all Torontonians.

The Sharing Sports initiative allows new Canadians to try out city-run activities free of charge. Friday's ski and snowboard program was offered at Earl Bales Park, and was the first time many of the teens had been on skis.

"Part of our mission is to promote exercise, extra-curricular activities and getting people away from the computer, off the couch and outside," said York-Centre Coun. James Pasternak, who attended the event.

Many were from warmer climates where such activities aren't among the usual athletic offerings.

"It's kind of scary because the hill is high," one participant told CTV News at he prepared for his first descent.

"I'm scared I'm going to fall and break my bones," another said, a look of excitement and nervousness on her face as she looked down from the top of the hill.

The program is in its second year, and City of Toronto diversity manager Ken Jeffers said it is exciting to think that it might inspire new Canadians to take up new sports.

"Perhaps we can see some of the newcomers on the champion teams in Canada," he told CTV News.