It Takes a Village:

Small ski towns throughout Vermont rely significantly on the efforts of those in their communities. Key individuals and talented teams pave the way for our society to operate, think, create and grow. Locals inspire innovation by advancing great concepts in art, adventure, business, and education. Most seek minimal recognition and instead operate with the intent of sharing skills, insight, and knowledge for others to succeed. I believe that these individuals deserve a great deal of acknowledgment. While each is on separate paths and at different stages of life, they do their best to serve each of us and our communities.

Who are our Key Players?

When Key Players in your community come to mind, who do you think of? Politicians? Investors? City representatives? Taxpayers? All answers of reason. When I think of a “Key Player” in my community, I think of those with far less recognition. I think of the ski patrollers who work through extreme conditions to keep our mountains safe. The lift mechanics, snow operators, and groomers who work around the clock so we can enjoy these great resorts alongside the seasonal workers who sacrifice stability for our resorts to operate. Tradesmen and women working behind the scenes to make sure the lights stay on and our venues open. Teachers who inspire our youth to push the future generation of Vermonters. And small shop owners/workers, who make just enough to get by, yet open up each day so we have the resources to get by. The list goes on, but I’ll stop here. It is hard to consider each contributor while journeying, but it is important to appreciate the ones who make our experience possible. 

Similar Perspectives:

Views from both perspectives provide a greater appreciation of those that make up our mountain towns. As someone who’s spent time on both fronts, It is interesting to see the two worlds collide. The nuances that connect two opposite, yet similar lifestyles. With our subtle instinct to rally around like-minded people who share common interests, values, and beliefs, demanding the same necessities essential for each area to thrive. One on a micro-scale, the other much larger. Two lifestyles merging, people from different walks of life coming together in the same space, to find common ground.   

Culture:

One notable difference between the two worlds is culture, which can be felt right away. Like our local store owners who believe that quality of life is as crucial as the quality of service. Promoting the importance of “play” as much as the importance of “getting things done”. Adventure-driven individuals who share their ways of life for us to adopt and carry on. The ones who sacrifice personal time, while sharing their fruits of labor. Passionate ski/snowboard instructors who pass along the love they share for the sport to push industry growth, instead of personal gain.

Many cogs in a complex system work together to keep the culture alive. Without local minds dedicated to their crafts, our experiences would be meaningless. It takes a village of like-minded, hard-working individuals, on similar missions for our small towns to prosper.

Local Vermont Hospitality:

While some of us were raised in Vermont through generations, others (like myself) gravitated here to explore the territory. Many of us come and go while others stay for extended periods of time. A revolving door of outdoor enthusiasts and creative minds who look out for each other and crave quality connections. The kind of people who take pride in the work that they do and the missions they are on. Each of us, is on a path, to create experiences of meaning, in hopes of passing them along to someone else. A form of southern hospitality in our little corner of the world. While not as warm in climate, warm in spirit. Come one, come all! We’ll make room for ya.

Mission:

My goal here is to introduce you to some of these people. Create a platform so you can hear the stories of how they work, who they serve, and what it means to them. Providing a greater understanding of the hard work and dedication necessary for us to enjoy these great spaces. A perspective from the inside looking out, rather than outside looking in. One that you can take with you on any of your adventures.

The next time you encounter one of these important members of our community, offer them your support, your gratitude, recognition, shit, and even beer! (off the clock of course). And although many of these “Key Players” don’t seek out affirmation, they sure as hell deserve it!