Our hearts are full, what an amazing 2023-24 season we had at Stowe Mountain Resort! Thanks to your support, we recently met our fundraising goal for the Winter Challenge, the GMAS adaptive ski program more than doubled in 3 years, we built on partnerships, supported athletes at the Special Olympics of VT Winter Games, and hosted the TetraSki twice. Thanks to all involved in making all of these wonderful, and meaningful things happen for our community.
Over $20,000 Raised in Winter Challenge Fundraiser
We recently concluded our annual GMAS Winter Challenge, and thanks to all who have supported this important fundraiser with a donation, we reached our goal and raised over $20,000. Lead Adaptive Stowe Mountain Resort Ski Instructor and GMAS Board member Tom Hall put it all out there again this year, skiing an impressive 46 runs from the Stowe Four Runner Quad on March 18th, skiing a total of 94,576 feet of elevation. Many thanks to Tom, and to Robby McLaughlin and Mike Gaffney for their participation in this important fundraiser. We truly appreciate everyone who made this such a great success.
GMAS Adaptive SkI Program Grows
GMAS broke all previous records again this year, putting more athletes in ski and ride adaptive lessons than ever – thanks to the generous support of our donors. We recorded an increase of over 100% in scholarship lessons over the past three years, from 62 in 2021-2022, to 107 in 2022-2023, and to 133 in 2023-2024. We are incredibly grateful for all the instructors who have gone above and beyond, supporting, inspiring, at times coaxing, and teaching with all their hearts all season long. You can view our 2023 Annual Impact Report here.
GMAS Supports Five Skier Athletes to Train and Race in the VT Special Olympics Winter Games
This year, GMAS was able to support five Vermont Special Olympics athletes. Through the generosity of our donors, our organization was able to cover the costs associated with training five athletes who call Smuggler’s Notch their home mountain. This partnership with the Smuggler’s Notch Adaptive Program (SNAP) was a first; we look forward to continuing this important relationship. Congrats to all the athletes who concluded a fantastic ski season racing in the Special Olympics Winter Games at Haystack Mountain in Southern Vermont. Read more here.
TetraSki Comes to Stowe
We are grateful for our partnership with Adaptive Sports Partners (ASP) and Northeast Disabled Adaptive Association (NDAA). We had the pleasure of hosting two days of skiing in the TetraSki at Stowe Mountain resort this season. This incredible piece of technology represents technology that has finally caught up with our adaptive skiers’ dreams as it offers independent skiing for people with complex physical disabilities. Electric actuators on the TetraSki provide independent turning and speed variability through the use of a joystick or breath control, allowing the skier with limited strength and dexterity to operate the TetraSki safely and with a high degree of performance and independence. We wish to thank everyone involved in making this experience possible. Read the recap here.
GMAS Grows Partnerships with Yellow House Community
The Friends of the Yellow House Community have enjoyed participating in our adaptive rock climbing scholarship program by attending multiple sessions at Metro Rocks (read the story here.) This winter, we also welcomed the Friends and staff on two occasions at Stowe Mountain Resort to ski and ride. We loved every minute of it, and look forward to more visits from the Yellow House, who join Heartbeet Community members for skiing and riding adventures.
Wounded Warrior Project Returns to Ski and Ride with GMAS
For the second year, GMAS planned and hosted a three-day clinic for a registered group of warriors with life-altering permanent injuries and adaptive needs to come to Stowe for three days of instruction in adaptive skiing, snowboarding, and rock climbing at Stowe Mountain Resort. Thanks to the support from our friends at Spaulding Rehab Sports Centers and Stowe Mountain Resort, warriors were able to explore new skills utilizing adaptive equipment, including bi-skis, mono-skis, sliders, outriggers, and custom rock-climbing harnesses to meet the needs of individuals with a variety of injuries and abilities. The word is out that the WWP hopes to come for an extra day next year, AND bring more participants. Read the recap here.
12th Annual Monoski Camp Draws a Crowd
We once again held our Annual Monoski Camp, thanks to support and collaborations of Stowe Mountain Resort and Epic Promise, Spaulding Adaptive Sports Centers, Adaptive Sports Partners, Eastern Adaptive Sports, Move United, the Kelly Brush Foundation and the High Fives Foundation. This event is the biggest of its kind in the east, and we look forward to continuing to lead the forces needed to regroup so many sit skiers for a day of instruction, skiing, and networking. Read more here.
What to expect in 2024-25
More of the same, and hopefully the chance to create even more opportunities! The funds raised through this year’s Winter Challenge Fundraiser will be used to purchase a TetraSki to be used at Stowe Mountain Resort. Part of the funds will also support the training of instructors including those involved with the TetraSki. Additionally, GMAS plans to boost its current grant program which supports coaches and instructors wishing to add certifications, and attend workshops and trainings to advance their experience and accreditations in skiing, swimming, or rock climbing.
Watch for grants that will soon be available for instructors for the 2024-25 season wishing to get new, or additional certifications to coach at one of our partner organizations. Find out more here, and apply for a grant.
It’s a wrap!
Thanks again to all involved with our programs and events in one way or another! We could never accomplish so much without you, AND all the work from our Board Members. As you know, GMAS is 100% volunteer-run. We are excited for the warmer months ahead, and Adaptive Kayaking at the Waterbury Reservoir. For more information on that program, click here.