For Laurie Best Silva, skiing has always been about more than making turns down a mountain. It’s about family, connection, and sharing the joy of the outdoors with others. Now heading into her 27th year of ski instructing at Stowe Mountain Resort (SMR), Laurie has spent the past seven years bringing that passion to Green Mountain Adaptive Sports (GMAS), helping athletes with disabilities experience the freedom, challenge, and happiness of skiing.
Originally an elementary school teacher in Stowe, Laurie began teaching skiing as her family grew, allowing her to bring her children to the mountain. Today, skiing remains a family tradition: her husband, Tom, is a race coach, two of their daughters are race coaches, and their son, Joseph, is a ski instructor.
Through GMAS, Laurie has found another meaningful way to share her love of the sport. She appreciates the program’s supportive community, where coaches collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. Inspired by her fellow supervisor Skizzi, and instructor Tom Hall, Laurie continues to build her adaptive skiing knowledge through clinics and hands-on experience.
Building Trust, One Turn at a Time
Some of Laurie’s most rewarding experiences come from the relationships she has built with athletes over multiple seasons.
She has been skiing with Annie for two years, developing a partnership filled with trust, hard work, and humor. Annie, Laurie says, is funny and usually “tells me like it is.” She trusts Laurie and is willing to try what Laurie believes she can do.
One of their favorite traditions is a final victory lap with another coach and athlete, riding the Adventure Triple lift using a slider before skiing down Inspiration. It’s a special way to celebrate their time together and the progress they’ve made.
Laurie has also spent two years skiing with Mike, whose enjoyment of the snow and fresh mountain air brings her great happiness. She is deeply inspired by his family’s love and devotion and their commitment to ensuring he has a joyful experience.
For Laurie, success isn’t measured only in technical skills. It’s found in growing confidence, building trust, trying something new, and hearing an athlete proudly exclaim, “I did it!”
Instructor Laurie with Annie (left), and instructor Sydney with Suzannah (right) enjoy skiing together at Stowe.
Celebrating Every Success
Ski Instructor Rosie has been skiing with Jenna for many years and the pair has a very special bond.
One of Laurie’s favorite memories is an athlete who tipped over during a lesson and then said, “You taught me how to get up—I can do it (now leave me alone..).”
That moment captures what makes adaptive skiing so rewarding: helping athletes develop skills and confidence to take on challenges in their own way.
Of course, progress sometimes requires patience and creativity. When an athlete struggles to communicate or encounters a challenge, Laurie and her fellow coaches slow down, adapt their approach, and work together to find solutions. They also learn from families, whose knowledge and experience can offer valuable new perspectives.
Laurie loves hearing an athlete ask, “That was good, right?” Her response is enthusiastic: “Yes it was good, very good.”
Every accomplishment matters, whether it’s mastering a new skill, overcoming an obstacle, or simply enjoying another day on the mountain.
Making the Mountain Accessible to Everyone
Fellow SMR ski instructors Weezie and Tracy create lasting memories for little Vivi.
Laurie believes everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy Vermont’s mountains and the outdoors. When teaching children in her other ski lessons, she often introduces them to GMAS athletes and explains how adaptive equipment and specialized instruction make skiing possible for people with different abilities.
These conversations help children understand that there are many ways to experience the mountain and that everyone deserves the chance to participate.
Through GMAS, athletes can access the equipment, instruction, and support they need to discover the joy of skiing, spend time with family, and challenge themselves in new ways. The benefits extend beyond the slopes, building confidence, creating lasting memories, and fostering a more inclusive mountain community.
A Privilege That Enriches Her Life
Instructor Sydney knows how to make the lessons fun for the little ones.
After all these years, what keeps Laurie coming back?
“Lots of hugs and happy athletes!” she says, along with the camaraderie and support of her fellow coaches, supervisors, the resort, and GMAS.
Laurie considers it a privilege to work with adaptive athletes, describing them as “precious people—each one is unique and amazing to me.” She is equally moved by the dedication of their families and grateful to everyone who helps the program succeed.
“The whole experience absolutely enhances my life,” she shares.
Laurie’s story is a reminder that meaningful progress often begins with showing up, building trust, and believing in what an athlete can accomplish. Through her patience, creativity, and years of dedication, she helps athletes discover new possibilities and develop a love for skiing that goes far beyond a single lesson.
We are grateful for instructors like Laurie, who make the mountain more welcoming and help athletes go beyond expectations—one turn, one breakthrough, and one joyful run at a time.
October 27, 2026
Pascale Savard