It’s no secret that Sugarbush is proud support a number of organizations every year, to help get folks onto the mountain. And while we’re not hiding the charitable work our team does by any means, it’s not something we talk about very often. Today, I’m here to show off some of the incredible organizations we work with time and time again. We understand the importance of community. That’s why we partner with local academic institutions as well as other organizational partners, like the Vermont Women’s Fund, the Mad River Valley Rotary and so many more. To help others get out and enjoy everything that Vermont and the ski and ride industry as a whole have to offer.
Each year our philanthropic partnerships grow because of our commitment to maintaining a welcoming, and inclusive outdoors space for all. Through the Be Better Here Fund, the support we give to a partners comes in a number of ways. Donations can include cash for fundraisers, lift tickets and passes, opening our spaces to host events, and even providing food for those events. Each year our donation list grows to widen our DEI initiative to include more organizations like the Pride Center of Vermont, Mad River Valley Bear Initiative, and local schools. Check out some of our featured partners below and how they are helping our community thrive.
VERMONT ADAPTIVE SKI AND SPORTS
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is a nationally recognized organization that empowers people of all abilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of the ability to pay. They offer the largest variety of program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment. Vermont Adaptive operates a facility out of Sugarbush’s Mt. Ellen, providing adaptive skiing for its clients. Learn more about how it will improve the quality of their programs and events for all participants and family members.
KELLY BRUSH FOUNDATION
The Kelly Brush Foundation was established to ensure those who have experienced a spinal cord injury can still live an active lifestyle. Kelly, after being injured herself in 2006 at an NCAA alpine ski race, founded KBF to advocate and provide resources for those similarly affected. They are dedicated to giving grants to provide resources and equipment so these athletes can get back out there. Since its founding, they are focused on continuously guaranteeing ski racers are training and competing in the safest possible venues. Sugarbush remains an active partner of the organization, sponsoring various events and hosting “Ski Days with Kelly” at the resort.
HIGH FIVES FOUNDATION
High Fives was formed to create a universal shift in adventure sports that expand on what is possible for those who have experienced life-changing injuries. CEO and founder of High Fives, Roy Tuscany, suffered a devastating spinal cord injury in 2006 while training in the terrain park at Mammoth Mountain, California. From that point, he was committed to becoming a leader in the education and recovery of life-altering injuries. Specifically those in outdoor action sports for injured athletes and Veterans, so they can get back to doing what they love. Today Sugarbush hosts several High Fives fundraising events and sponsors them throughout the year.
MAD RIVER RIDERS
Mad River Riders is a founding chapter of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association. They are dedicated to stewarding and growing a 60+ mile network of sustainable multi-use trails. Uses for these trails include hiking, biking, skiing, and snowshoeing throughout the Mad River Valley. Through their collaborations, Mad River Riders are able to build and maintain thoughtful trails that better connect existing systems, while protecting the environment. Sugarbush sponsors the organization to help continue to grow a vibrant trail community in the Valley.
FLYIN’ RYAN FOUNDATION
The Flyin Ryan Hawks Foundation is a non-profit inspired by the life of Ryan Hawks. Their work is based in the core values he held as an extreme skier and a person. The organization was founded after his passing from injuries sustained during a Freeskiing World Tour event in Kirkwood, CA. Their goal is to extend his impact and inspire anyone from students to athletes, to create their own core values. As a foundation, they are committed to making the world a better place. Through individual senses of identity, which leads to higher quality decisions and a greater sense of well-being.
GREEN MOUNTAIN VALLEY SCHOOL
GMVS is a college preparatory high school in Waitsfield, Vermont. The school partners closely with Sugarbush for its alpine race training. With a dedicated race facility located at Mt. Ellen and dedicated race terrain on Inverness and Brambles for their use.
VALLEY ARTS
Mad River Valley Arts is an organization that works to foster and maintain the creative potential of craft and design in Vermont. They understand that art supports the agency to create stories and value the responsibility of linking art and the environment. MRVA facilitates workshops, artist talks, and tours in addition to their year-round exhibition and event programs. They aim to inspire residents and visitors alike to embrace their artistic growth. Pushing those to join the community of creatives in our arts-centric Valley.
MAD RIVER PATH ASSOCIATION
Mad River Path is an organization that maintains a network of paths connecting Warren, Waitsfield, Fayston, and Moretown. It is a community-supported organization that maintains and conserves this system of public pathways. Their goal is to foster community through these paths, connecting people, businesses, and nature – showcasing the special wonders of the Mad River Valley. Sugarbush is a premium business partner, helping to provide funds as well as event support.
FRIENDS OF THE MAD RIVER
Friends of the Mad River is a member-support non-profit organization that works to steward the land and water of the Mad River to ensure the future of a clean and healthy environment. Founded in 1990, they build diverse partnerships to help restore and enhance the watershed’s valued resources. Their work is grounded in science, inclusive education, and thoughtful action while still celebrating what a special place this is. With outreach programs, cleanups, restoration projects, and more, Friends helps safeguard healthy land and clean water.
CATAMOUNT TRAIL
The Catamount Trail Association is an organization focused on expanding access to Vermont’s backcountry by creating North America’s longest backcountry ski trail. Since 1984 they’ve worked to connect people to Vermont’s mountain landscape by managing ski terrain, protecting mountain lands, and expanding equitable access to skiing. To date, just over 70% of the Trail is protected on public lands, privately conserved lands, or via individual trail easements. Their goal is to facilitate the expansion of sustainable access to the backcountry, ensuring it has a statewide impact.
GREEN MOUNTAIN CLUB
The Green Mountain Club is a non-profit organization rooted in the foundation of the Long Trail while continuing to maintain and protect it. The Long Trail is the oldest long-distance walking trail in the United States, officially forming GMC in 1910, and breaking dirt in the Camel’s Hump and Mt. Mansfield areas to begin the trail. Their mission is to continue to provide access to quality outdoor recreation for generations to come by protecting and maintaining the Long Trail System.