A brand new Monique from Enabling Technologies, and a DynAccess Tensor which was previously owned and used by the Spaulding Sports Rehab Center program have been added to the GMAS Adaptive Ski Equipment fleet and are now being used in lessons at Stowe Mountain Resort.
How we got here
In March of 2022, Stowe Mountain Resort Ski Instructor, and GMAS Board member Tom Hall took it upon himself to run his very own fundraiser to raise money to upgrade some of Green Mountain Adaptive Sports’s aging adaptive ski equipment.
His “Vertical Ski Challenge Fundraiser” turned out to be a tremendous success. Not only did he surpass his goal on the hill by crushing 79,298 vertical feet of skiing in a single day, Tom also managed to raise over $17,000 thanks to the generosity of over eighty individual donors who contributed to his fundraiser.
His efforts paid off in a big way for the GMAS Adaptive Ski and Ride Program and led to the acquisition of two monoskis to replace older ones that needed to be retired.
Joe Zucarello of Waterbury Center, VT uses the new GMAS Slider while Nordic Skiing at Craftsbury Outdoor Center.
An Adult, and a Child’s Slider which is also used in the GMAS Adaptive Nordic Ski Program are other welcomed additions to the GMAS ski equipment fleet. Roy Tuscany of the High Fives Foundation donated the funds to purchase the Adult Slider.
According to the manufacturer, “The Monique has proven itself as the ultimate program monoski, and bridges the gap between novice and upper echelon sit-skis by increasing stability and forgiveness. A low ride height, chairlift loading assist, and unparalleled adjustability all come together in a welcoming skiing experience.”
The DynAccess Tensor is a high performance and a most versatile monoski, offering more customized positions, and shock resistance, and different ride heights based on the height and weight of the monoskier.
GMAS hopes that the two new monoskis will be used both by multiple beginner, and intermediate monoskiers visiting the area and taking lessons at Stowe Mountain Resort.
THE MONIQUE GETS CHRISTENED
Jereme Gilbert was linking turns in the Monique at Spruce Peak, Stowe, VT.
The Monique had its snow baptism over the Christmas Holiday. Jereme Gilbert and his significant other, both from Charlotte, NC came to Stowe for the first time to enjoy a Vermont Christmas vacation. This was only Jereme’s third time monoskiing, but by the end of his lesson with Tom Hall, Jereme was linking turns at Spruce Peak. He had skied at Breckenridge a couple of times prior to Stowe.
When asked about his experience, Jereme commented, “it was excellent! Tom was an outstanding coach and the staff at the mountain was very friendly and supportive. We are definitely coming back, already planning for next January, hopefully for the Stowe Monoski Day.” While in Stowe, in addition to skiing, the couple went snowmobiling and dog sledding, but unfortunately, noted Jereme, “we missed the Ben and Jerry’s tour.”
Jereme added, “I run an adaptive sports non-profit in Charlotte. I understand many of the operational challenges, including funding, programming and athlete/family interactions. I was very impressed with and appreciative of Tom’s skill, approach and passion. He was even giving Jess ski tips on the mountain so she would better enjoy the experience. Finally, the equipment was great. I will definitely send others to Green Mountain Adaptive.”
PARTICIPATE IN THE VERTICAL SKI CHALLENGE
Jereme Gilbert had a great experience with Adaptive Ski Instructors Tom Hall and Kate Theisen.
Many people have asked to be a part of the GMAS Vertical Challenge which will be held on the day of their choice in March 2023.
GMAS has set up a fundraising campaign and welcomes anyone willing to raise money for the cause.
Skiers and riders can ski and ride at Stowe, or at any other resort, and set up their own fundraising page, including their goal, may that be financial, or vertical feet of skiing in one day.
GMAS reminds everyone that safety is the number one priority, so people are expected to ski responsibly and set up achievable goals.
$10,000 Goal for Programming for Veterans
This year, the goal is to raise $10,000 which GMAS plans to use to expand programming for Veterans, mainly through the GMAS Adaptive Ski and Ride program. Additionally, if the fundraising goal is reached, GMAS hopes to organize a new Veteran ski event at Stowe.
If you wish to donate to the new fundraising campaign, you can do so online here, or send a check to GMAS, P.O. Box 483, Hyde Park, VT 05655. Thanks for the generous support!
Questions? Contact us at info@greenmtnadaptive.org.