2024

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports

Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is a nationally recognized organization and a place where youth and adults with disabilities gain a measure of self-confidence and independence by participating in adaptive sports programs and activities.

By offering the largest variety of program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment,  Vermont Adaptive promotes independence and furthers equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational opportunities including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports; kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, tennis, horseback riding, environmental programs, CORE Connections wellness retreats, and more.

They serve clients of all abilities with physical, cognitive and emotional/behavioral disabilities from all over the world in three locations in Vermont during the winter – Killington Resort and Pico Mountain; Sugarbush Resort; and Bolton Valley Ski Area.

It empowers people of all abilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming; made available regardless of one’s ability to pay. In addition to sports, year-round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional disabilities.

With nearly 400 active volunteers, plus generous partners and sponsors, and an amazing base of clients and friends, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports has been at the forefront of sports and recreation for those with disabilities for more than 30 years.

2022

Catamount Trail Association

This year the Bill McCollom Community Award is being awarded to the Catamount Trail Association. The 300+ mile Catamount Trail began with a dream three adventurous young Vermont men, Steve Bushey, Paul Jarris, and Ben Rose had in 1982 of skiing the length of Vermont. In 1984 Steve, Ben, Paul, and sometimes Jim Painter and some others, strapped on their skis and skied from one end of Vermont to the other establishing the preliminary route that would birth the Catamount Trail Association. Thanks to the tireless work of countless volunteers and supporters, the Catamount Trail was completed in 2002, and is the longest backcountry ski trail in North America.  

Today the CTA untiringly works to maintain 300+ miles of backcountry ski trails while continuing their ongoing efforts to permanently protect the entire trail and provide access to mountain lands that support backcountry recreation. This work is done through conservation easements and the acquisition of public land. They partner with other organizations on broader conservation projects, like the Bolton Backcountry conservation project, and efforts to conserve lands that contain managed backcountry zones.  

They've expanded and increased access to Vermont’s backcountry and pioneered programs to expand equitable access to skiing, regardless of skier’s income or background. Launched in 2011, the Ski Cubs program provides over 500 youth the opportunity to experience outdoor winter recreation via cross-country ski each season.  

We're sure the founders are pleased that their vision has led to so many people being able to enjoy backcountry skiing.

2021

Cochran’s Ski Area

Cochran’s Ski Area will receive the Bill McCollom Community Award. They are the first recipient to receive the renamed award honoring beloved VTSSM board member and ski community legend, Bill McCollom.

Sixty years ago Mickey and Ginny Cochran operated their backyard rope tow in Richmond, VT with the support of the local community. Their devotion introduced countless kids to skiing. Their mission from the beginning, and made official with their 501(c)3 status in 1998, is “to provide area youth and families with affordable skiing and snowboarding, lessons, and race training, in the Cochran tradition.” Cochran’s is the nation’s first IRS 501(c)3 ski area.

In a time when the cost of skiing and riding continues to rise, Cochran’s ensures that no child is denied the opportunity to learn, experience, and enjoy the sport so many of us love.

2018

Killington Resort

Killington Resort will receive the first VTSSM Community Award created in Commemeration of the Museum’s 30th anniversary.

The Museum celebrates Killington for bringing world class skiing competition to Vermont by hosting the F.I.S. Alpine Women’s World Cup in 2016, 2017, and 2018.  Mike Solimano, President and General Manager, will accept the award on behalf of the world class team at Killington that made this possible.

Killington’s bid for the World Cup, their excellent race management, and their ability to draw a crowd of 30,000 to Vermont for the weekend (one of the largest crowds ever to attend a women’s World Cup!) - and to keep them entertained and happy - helped raise the profile of racing in the United States and drew worldwide recognition of our state.

Putting on a World Cup is a daunting task and Killington set an example for how to do so that few places on the World Cup circuit can match. With excellent snowmaking, a challenging course, and many nods to Vermont’s local specialties, groups and products, Killington also signaled to the world what Vermont skiing and riding is, has been, and will be.