Windham Mountain Resort Sponsors Paralympics Team Member Staci Mannella in Peoyong Chang

Paraolympic skiing competitor Staci Mannella (left), and her guide, Sadie Debaun in PyeongChang.

WINDHAM MOUNTAIN RESORT, NY – Windham Mountain Resort, renowned for its adaptive skiing program, is honored to have sponsored U.S. Paralympics Alpine National Team member, Staci Mannella, s she made her way to the 2018 Peoyong Chang Paralympic Games.

Staci first discovered skiing with the Adaptive Sports Foundation at Windham Mountain when she was just four years old. Legally blind due to achromatopsia, a genetic eye condition she was born with, she started skiing because it was an activity that her family could all do together. She quickly progressed from skiing with a bamboo pole between two sighted skiers, to out skiing her instructors, to competing in her first national championship at just eleven years old.

A limitless dreamer, Staci’s career thus far has included four national championship titles, a world cup gold medal, and representing the United States in the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Games. Staci and her current guide, Sadie Debaun, have been skiing together since December of 2015. They’ve secured four world cup gold medals, three world cup silver medals, and a bronze medal at the 2017 World Championships. The two have high hopes for Peoyong Chang.

Windham’s support of Staci is a testament to the Resort’s long-standing relationship with the Adaptive Sports Foundation. The non-profit organization provides life changing experiences for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities and chronic illnesses through outdoor physical activity, education, support and community. The slope side Adaptive Sports Center at Windham Mountain provides athletes like Staci with a fully equipped, easily accessible, cozy place to enjoy a day on the mountain with their families.

Staci Mannella is a Randolph, New Jersey native, and at 20 years old, a full-time student at Dartmouth College where she competes on the Dartmouth equestrian team. She aspires to attend veterinarian school after Dartmouth. While her skiing career has brought Staci all over the world, she always makes her way back home to Windham. Windham Mountain Resort looks forward to having Staci on the slopes this season, and to sending her off to the 2018 Peoyong Chang Paralympic Games in March.

Windham Mountain Resort, 19 Resort Drive, Windham NY, 12496, 800-754-9463, info@windhammountain.com, www.windhammountain.com.

 

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

instagram.com/krubin0830/

instagram.com/famtravltr/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Feel Good Fridays at Pico Mountain Benefit Vermont Adaptive and High Fives Foundation

Skiing at Pico Mountain. Pico is one of the resorts participating in Feel Good Fridays, a collaboration between Powdr Resorts, the High Fives Foundation and local nonprofits to raise money and awareness for organizations involved in the winter sports community © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

KILLINGTON, Vt. – Pico Mountain is participating in Feel Good Fridays, a collaboration between Powdr Resorts, the High Fives Foundation and local nonprofits to raise money and awareness for organizations involved in the winter sports community.

High Fives Foundation has partnered with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports to host these special Fridays at Pico Mountain, January 5 & 26, February 9, March 9 & 23, when lift tickets are discounted at $49, with $5 donated to High Fives and $5 to Vermont Adaptive.

In addition, there is an apres-ski party with raffle prizes and more.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is a nationally recognized organization that empowers people of all disabilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming regardless of 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 behavioral disabilities. In the winter, skiing and winter sports are offered at Killington/Pico Resorts in Killington, Sugarbush Resort in Warren and Bolton Valley Ski Area in Bolton. In the summer, participants can enjoy sailing, canoeing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, camping, horseback riding and more at various locations throughout the state.

 

For more travel features, visit:

goingplacesfarandnear.com

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin

goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com

moralcompasstravel.info

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/

instagram.com/krubin0830/

instagram.com/famtravltr/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

5K Trail Run at Bolton Valley Ski Area Aug 31 to Benefit Vermont Adaptive Sports

The Nordic Trails at Bolton Valley Ski Area will be filled with trail runners on Saturday, Aug. 31, as the 1st Annual Bolton Valley 5K to Benefit Vermont Adaptive kicks off the Labor Day Weekend festivities at the ski area. Held last year as Run Strong Vermont, a fundraiser to benefit those rebuilding from Tropical Storm Irene destruction in the Waterbury area, the event will now benefit the state’s largest volunteer-based nonprofit that provides sports and recreation to people of all disabilities, with many program locations in the state including Bolton Valley. Monies raised will be used toward skiing and snowboarding programs with Vermont Adaptive.

The 5K trail run takes place on Bolton’s Nordic Trails and is a scenic run that proceeds primarily through wooded trails with moderate up and down grades. Trails will range from groomed to muddy and semi-rocky terrain. The overall winner (male and female) will receive awards. All top finishers will receive awards in each age category: Teens (13-18), Young Adults (19-35), Mid-Lifer (36-49) and Seniors (50+).

The cost is $25/person regardless of age category and racers will receive an event tee shirt. All proceeds will be donated to Vermont Adaptive. The race begins at 10 a.m. rain or shine. Race day check in is required before 9 a.m. Runners should preregister through Active.com (online registration closes August 30). Race day registration is from 8-9 a.m. at the Bolton Valley Sports Center. Register by August 19th to guarantee yourself a Bolton Valley 5K race t-shirt. A raffle and the Awards Ceremony will occur immediately post race.

Bolton also will play host to the Labor of Love Rail Jam on Friday, Aug. 30 and is the stage for Vermont’s Largest Ski and Snowboard Sale Aug. 29-Sept. 2 and Sept. 6-8. For more details on Labor Day at Bolton visit www.boltonvalley.com.

For more information about the Bolton Valley 5K to Benefit Vermont Adaptive, contact Kim at pr@vermontadaptive.org or visit www.active.com.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse programs on a daily basis, statewide, with specialized equipment. The organization promotes independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational opportunities including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports; kayaking, canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. More than 400 volunteers serve clients from all over the world in three locations in Vermont during the winter- Pico Mountain at Killington; Sugarbush Resort in Warren; and Bolton Valley Resort in Bolton. During warmer months, participants enjoy waterways, hiking trails, bike paths and more throughout the state. For more information, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

http://www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

3rd Annual Long Trail Century Ride to Benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports Set for June 22

The third annual Long Trail Century Ride to benefit Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports returns to Vermont again this spring, where cyclists of all abilities can ride a century, 50- or 20-mile course to raise funds and awareness for disabled sports programming. Adaptive athletes are sponsored and ride for free.

After what came together in less than six weeks in 2011 for its inaugural ride, thanks to the inspiration of Lookout Tavern owner Phil Black, the third annual Long Trail Century Ride to benefit Vermont Adaptive will be held on Saturday, June 22. Nearly three hundred riders from around New England and up and down the East Coast participated in 2012. Up to 500 riders are expected to participate in this year’s fundraising event. An après-ride party, featuring live music and entertainment plus kid and family activities, will be held after the ride at the brewery for all to enjoy – riders, spectators and visitors alike.

The century ride, plus 50- and 20-mile routes, will start and end at the Long Trail Brewery in Bridgewater Corners. The routes will travel through Killington and surrounding communities including Irene-survived Pittsfield, Stockbridge, Bethel, Woodstock, and Ludlow.

“We believe sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director of Vermont Adaptive. “We extend an enormous thanks to Phil for starting this ride for us and to Long Trail and also to Killington Resort, who help us to provide an event of this caliber. Everyone in the community has been very supportive of our efforts, and the ride will help us to underwrite some of the costs of our adaptive programs and allow more people with disabilities to participate.”

The recreational rides loop through the towns of Killington, Pittsfield, Bethel, Barnard, Woodstock, Ludlow, Bridgewater, and Plymouth, Vermont. Quaint villages, the scenery of Route 100 and U.S. Route 4, the Crossroad of Vermont Byway, the seventh of its kind recently designated by the Vermont Transportation Board, are incorporated into the routes.

All riders and volunteers receive entry to the “Après-Ride” party, and additional party tickets are available for $15/adults and $10/kids.

Cyclists will check-in Friday night at a pre-ride party at the Umbrella Bar at Killington Resort, and rides begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday from the brewery on Route 4. All registrants will receive a lift ticket voucher to ski or ride Killington Resort during the 2013-2014 season, and those who raise an additional $300 or more will receive a special Long Trail Brewing cycling jersey.

Rider registration includes a Century Ride wicking t-shirt, food and support at aid stations during the ride, entry to the après-ride party complete with food and entertainment, plus a commemorative pint glass. There is no day of registration for the ride, and registration is limited to a total of 500 riders. Everyone is welcome to attend the “Après-Ride Party” and advance tickets are available for the party. Registration, pricing, information, and advance-ticket purchase to the party can be found at www.longtrailcenturyride.com.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment. The organization promotes independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational opportunities including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports; kayaking, canoeing, sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding, and more. More than 400 volunteers serve clients from all over the world in three locations in Vermont – Pico Mountain at Killington; Sugarbush Resort in Warren; and Bolton Valley Resort in Bolton. For more information, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.

The Long Trail Brewing Company, a key sponsor of the event, is located in Bridgewater Corners, Vt. and has been producing an exceptional family of fine ales since 1989. Today, as the leading handcrafted beer in Vermont, Long Trail has demonstrated it fills a niche in the market for quality craft beer. Located in the heart of the Green Mountains, Long Trail takes the words “environmentally conscious” seriously and lives that eco-minded philosophy every day at the brewery. Long Trail’s facility is truly unique, as it was designed to minimize the impact on our environment and was recognized in 2009 by receiving the Vermont Governor’s Award in Environmental Excellence for resource conservation. Also, Vermont’s Green Mountain Environment Association has named the water produced by the brewery’s artisan wells as “Vermont’s best drinking water.” For more information, visit www.longtrail.com.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

http://www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Vermont Adaptive Partners with United States Association of Blind Athletes to Host Sixth Annual Winter Ski Festival

The United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) in partnership with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports will host its largest gathering of skiers who are blind and visually impaired at its Sixth Annual Winter Ski Festival in Killington, Saturday, Feb. 9 and Sunday, Feb. 10 at Pico Mountain. Up to 30 athletes with visual impairments will be given the opportunity to learn to ski or race in the sports of Alpine and Nordic skiing, while spending a weekend in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Athletes will be attending from New England states, and as far south as Florida and North Carolina and west to Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The event is open to all ages, all abilities and all ski levels. Trained guides and instructors are provided by Vermont Adaptive, the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont, which is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities.

This year, a group of five Veterans will join the festivities. The USABA Military Sport Program works to enhance the lives of disabled Veterans and Service Members who are blind or visually impaired and to accelerate their rehabilitation process through sport, physical activity, and recreation; as well as assist in the integration of those individuals back into their local community. Mark Lucas, USABA’s executive director said, “USABA is extremely pleased to partner with Vermont Adaptive to provide an opportunity for skiers who are blind and visually impaired. Now in its sixth year, the event has really expanded with meet-and-greet receptions, Alpine and Nordic skiing sessions, a banquet, and a biathlon demonstration using a sonar laser rifle.”

In addition, six athletes from Vermont were awarded scholarships for their winning essays from a contest held by the Vermont Division of the Blind and Visually Impaired and Vermont Adaptive. Applicants had to write about how sports and recreation help other aspects of their lives and how they would help spread the word to other people about the importance of sports through the programs of Vermont Adaptive and USABA.

Grant funding for this program is awarded by U.S. Paralympics, a division of the U.S. Olympic Committee, through funding provided by Veteran Affairs. The grants are provided to facilitate the growth of Paralympic-sport programming for disabled Veterans and disabled members of the Armed Forced.

For more information, visit http://www.usaba.org or contact: Mark Lucas at USABA at: (719) 352-9134 or Tom Alcorn at VASS: (802) 353-7584.

Since its founding in 1976, the United States Association of Blind Athletes, a community-based organization of the United States Olympic Committee, has reached more than 100,000 blind individuals. The organization has emerged as more than just a world-class trainer of blind athletes, it has become a champion of the abilities of Americans who are legally blind.For more information, please visit our Web site: www.usaba.org.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports is the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment. Vermont Adaptive promotes independence and furthers equality through access and instruction to winter and summer sports and recreational opportunities. For more information, visit www.vermontadaptive.org.

For more travel features, visit:

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

http://www.examiner.com/international-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Fundraisers for Vermont Adaptive’s Ski Challenge 2012 at Pico Mountain Can Earn Lift Tickets, Season Passes, Ski/Ride Package

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment, will host its annual Ski Challenge fundraising event on Saturday, March 10 at Pico Mountain. A retro '80s is this year's theme © 2012 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com.

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont offering the most diverse program opportunities and unique, specialized equipment, will host its annual Ski Challenge fundraising event on Saturday, March 10 at Pico Mountain. A retro ’80s is this year’s theme. People do not have to participate in the race to attend the family-friendly gala after the day’s event. Gala-only tickets are available.

In addition, Killington Resort and Pico Mountain are providing lift ticket and season pass fundraising incentives in order for the non-profit to reach its event goal of raising $100,000.

Vermont Adaptive has established a special page on FirstGiving.com, enabling both participants and non-participants in the Ski Challenge to reap the benefits of raising money for Vermont Adaptive. The incentives and fundraising levels include:

$200 in pledges = (1) 2012-13 Pico Mountain Lift Ticket

$300 in pledges = (2) 2012-13 Pico Mountain Lift Tickets

$500 in pledges = (2) 2012-13 Killington Lift Tickets

$750 in pledges = (1) 2012-13 Pico Mountain Season Pass

$1,000 in pledges = (1) 2012-13 Killington Midweek Season Pass

$1,500 in pledges = (1) 2012-13 Killington Unlimited Season Pass

$2,000 in pledges = Complete Rossignol Ski or snowboard Package

Those interested in participating in the fundraising can create an individual fundraising page at http://www.firstgiving.com/sportsforeverybody/ski-challenge-2012

Every $100 in pledges enables Vermont Adaptive to provide a full-day skiing scholarship. The cost of an outing with Vermont Adaptive for the consumer can range from a $15 for a two hour canoeing session to $90 for a full day ski lesson, including instructors, ticket and adaptive equipment. All of the school and advocacy groups that the organization works with are also subsidized by Vermont Adaptive; school groups are charged a reduced rate starting at 50% off, and participants receive the same one on one experience as any individual who participates.

“We believe sports and recreation provide a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director. “This is our largest winter fundraiser and monies raised will help us to underwrite some of the costs of our adaptive programs and allow more people with disabilities to participate. We are so thankful to our resort partners like Killington and Pico, who continually step up and come through with us with amazing support. We couldn’t be who we are without partners like them.”

This year’s Ski Challenge includes a day filled with skiing and fun, timed racing and a night complete with family-friendly grazing stations with a retro-’80s theme and music, awards, and dancing. Saturday begins with check-in for participants from 8 – 9:30 a.m. in the Sunshine Room in the Pico Mountain base lodge. The fun race begins at 10 a.m. The race is open to all ages and abilities of skiers, riders and tele-skiers. Each racer will complete two times runs. Participants are encouraged to create teams of three and compete in costumes as well. Awards will be made in various categories for all participants, from best individual times to fasted teams, best costume, youngest and oldest participants, as well as acknowledging top fundraisers.

Beginning at 4 p.m. the event moves to the Killington Grand Hotel. A cash bar and Silent Auction begin at 4 p.m. Then the night continues with awards, dinner and dancing. The Silent Auction will wrap up around 7:30 p.m. A DJ will be spinning retro ’80s tunes.

Registration includes a special wool IBEX Outdoor Clothing beanie as well as full-day lift ticket for March 10, 2012 to Pico, Ski Challenge festivities, awards, and the après-ski party. Apres-ski party tickets can be purchased in advance as well. Registration is online at www.vermontadaptive.org.

For more travel features, visit:

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin

 

Summer Activities Begin Mid-June for Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports Participants

For people with disabilities, there are no limitations when it comes to sports and recreation this summer, as Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont, prepares to offer its recreational programming for the summer and fall. For those who have ever wondered what it’s like to paddle on Lake Champlain, to cycle the Burlington bike path on a tandem bike, to hike along the spine of the Green Mountains, or to explore the many lakes and ponds in northern and southern Vermont, Vermont Adaptive’s guides provide the means to enjoy outdoors in Vermont. Programming at all locations begins mid-June.

“Our volunteers use and teach special paddling techniques, assist with lessons, fit people with disabilities to bicycles, and pilot tandem bikes,” said Erin Fernandez, executive director for Vermont Adaptive. “We have found that sports and recreation can be very empowering for people with disabilities and we are lucky to work with partners throughout the state including Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation, Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center, MoonRise Farm, Local Motion and the United States Association for Blind Athletes to offer the extensive statewide programming that we do. Whether it’s paddling on a lake, climbing up a climbing wall or biking along many of Vermont’s paths, our programs become the ultimate equalizer for people with disabilities.”

To the north, Vermont Adaptive partners with The Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center to offer adaptive sailing, Petra Cliffs for its climbing program, and Local Motion, a non-profit cycling organization in Burlington, for the biking program on the Burlington bike path. It owns a fleet of kayaks and canoes for the paddling program on Lake Champlain, as well as its southern locations including Chittenden Reservoir, Waterbury Reservoir and Stoughton Pond. All cycling, paddling and climbing programs are lead by Vermont Adaptive staff and trained volunteers.

Programs include tandem and hand cycling, guided bike path trips, climbing trips, beeper baseball for those who are blind or visually impaired, group and private canoeing, paddling and sailing lessons, therapeutic horseback riding, and custom group outings and adventures. Scholarships are available as well.

To register for programs, participants should visit www.vermontadaptive.org or contact Dave D’Angelo for northern programs at truenorth@vermontadaptive.org,802.353-3178 or Katie Stillin for southern programs at south@vermontadaptive.org, 802.353.7584 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            802.353.7584      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. For more information about Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, visit http://www.vermontadaptive.org.
For more travel features, visit

www.travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate

www.examiner.com/eclectic-travel-in-national/karen-rubin