Let’s take a moment to shine the spotlight on the awesome humans working their magic behind the scenes of our Adaptive Ski Programs. This year, Green Mountain Adaptive Sports teamed up with Stowe Mountain Resort (aka SAP – Stowe Adaptive Program) AND Smugglers’ Notch (SNAP – Smugglers’ Notch Adaptive Program) to bring the joy of skiing and riding to adaptive athletes.
You may have emailed them, waved at them, or seen them zoom by on the slopes—but here’s your chance to really meet!
Meet “Skizzi” – The Zig-Zagging Legend of SAP
First up: Emma Huffman… but honestly, no one calls her that. Around here, she’s “Skizzi.”
Why Skizzi? It comes from a German word meaning “to scribble,” which feels very appropriate—because if skiing had a doodle mode, she’d be using it. Think zigging, zagging, and maybe a little artistic chaos on snow.
Skizzi has been running the adaptive and private lesson scene at Stowe for 2 years, proudly leading SAP—which she lovingly calls: “The Team That Sticks Together.” (Ski pun? Emotional truth? Both? Definitely both.)
Originally from Fredericksburg, Virginia, Skizzi also spent time living in Germany, where she was part homeschooler, part organic farming enthusiast (thanks to her family’s involvement in WWOOF—basically the global “get your hands dirty” club.)
Her love of farming led her to Vermont’s Sterling College, where—yes, this is real—she was gifted an axe at freshman orientation. Casual.
When she’s not on the mountain, Skizzi is:
- Brewing herbal tinctures and salves
- Writing a novel (Dad, get ready to edit!)
- Dancing anything and everything—hip hop, robotic, contra… you name it
She grew up wrestling and running track, has dabbled in skateboarding and cross-country skiing, and now—plot twist—she’s also a certified adaptive ski instructor.
Her life philosophy?
“Self-sufficiency within a community.”
No pets yet… but she’s fully aware she’s one step away from becoming a legendary cat lady.
Oh—and this summer? No big deal. She’s casually biking across Europe from Germany to Romania… while fundraising for adaptive athletes. Because apparently relaxing summers are overrated.
Meet Rachel Bender – The Heart Behind SNAP
Next up: Rachel Bender, the powerhouse behind SNAP at Smuggler’s Notch. She’s been running the show for 2 years, and before that, she was already deep in the adaptive world at the Bart Center at Bromley.
Basically, she didn’t just find adaptive sports—it found her, and never let go.
Rachel’s origin story begins in college at SUNY Cortland, where she started in Occupational Therapy. Then one adaptive rock-climbing night changed everything (as these things tend to do). With a little nudge from a mentor, she switched to Recreational Therapy—and hasn’t looked back since.
Originally from New York’s Hudson Valley, Rachel moved to Vermont for more opportunities in adaptive sports… and let’s be honest, also for those dreamy mountain vibes
She now works year-round at Smuggs, swapping skis for summer camp mode when the snow melts.
When she’s off-duty, Rachel is all about:
- Skiing (obviously)
- Rock climbing, hiking, kayaking
- Reading and relaxing
- Bonfires with friends and family
She doesn’t have a dog right now—but it’s only a matter of time.
Her go-to philosophy?
“Focus on what someone CAN do, not what they can’t.”
Which, honestly, makes her basically perfect for this role.
Final Thought
Between Skizzi’s zig-zagging, tincture-making, Europe-biking energy and Rachel’s calm, capable, bonfire-loving leadership, SAP and SNAP are in very good hands.
So next time you’re on the mountain, give a wave—you’re witnessing some seriously awesome humans doing seriously meaningful work.
by Maryanne Lewis, GMAS Ski & Ride Program Coordinator Extraordinaire and ChatGPT