By Maddie Lindgren, intern, Vermont State University, Class of 2025 

In Williston, Vermont, lives Katherine, a spirited 19-year-old with an infectious smile and a love for adventure. She lives with her parents, Nancy and Neil, and her sister Hannah, who studies at the University of Vermont. Nancy said Katherine finds comfort in the beauty of nature and the thrill of outdoor activities. 

“The obvious benefit is getting outside in the beauty of winter and enjoying the mental and physical boost this activity provides,” Nancy said.

Katherine’s journey into the world of skiing began when she was 8. She first strapped on her skis and ventured onto the slopes with the Smuggler’s Notch Adaptive Program. From the very beginning, Katherine’s love for skiing was evident, her mom said. As the years passed, Katherine’s passion for skiing only grew stronger. When her family moved to Williston, she continued her skiing adventures with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports. Through the Community Skills Program at Champlain Valley Union (CVU) High School, Katherine had the opportunity to explore various outdoor activities, including biking, sailing, kayaking, and of course, skiing.

“Katherine became familiar with Vermont Adaptive instructors through this program and enjoyed herself very much,” Nancy said. “Continuing her family-sponsored Sunday morning ski lessons with Vermont Adaptive at Sugarbush made sense. She would already be familiar and comfortable with some of the people who instruct and coordinate. Also, she skis with the Special Olympics program on Sunday afternoons at Mt. Ellen. Between the two programs, she gets a whole day in.” 

Now, Katherine has two solid days of skiing each week in the winter. Friday mornings are a highlight for Katherine during the ski season, Nancy said. Vermont Adaptive hosts students from CVU’s Community Skills Program every week during the winter at its program location at Sugarbush/Mt. Ellen. Surrounded by familiar faces and supported by encouraging instructors, Katherine felt right at home on the slopes with her friends and fellow students. Then on Sundays, she splits her time between Vermont Adaptive lessons in the morning and the Special Olympics program in the afternoon, where athletes are coached by Vermont Adaptive instructors as well..

For Katherine, skiing isn’t just about the thrill of speeding down the mountainside; it is a source of empowerment and joy. Nancy said that with Neil acting as her dedicated “ski buddy,” Katherine feels safe and supported every step of the way. Neil is a retired Mountain Warfare School Soldier and is a master at keeping her warm, dry, and ready for action, ensuring that nothing dampens her spirits on the slopes.

“He does it all for her,” Nancy said. “He packs all her gear, snacks, lunch… on Saturday night. They get up on Sunday and head to the mountain. He hangs out at the Vermont Adaptive facility all day while she skis. He checks in with her instructors before they go out for her morning lesson, has lunch with her and adjusts her gear so she will be dry and warm for her afternoon with Special Olympics skiing.” 

It isn’t just the thrill feeling of skiing that makes Katherine happy—it is the unwavering support and encouragement she received from the Vermont Adaptive team. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the ski area, there is always a quiet sanctuary awaiting Katherine and Neil—a space where they can savor their lunch and recharge for more adventures on the slopes.

“In addition to the patient and compassionate support provided by the instructors, Katherine is cheerfully greeted by administrators and organizers,” Nancy said. “She is painfully shy and takes a long time to feel comfortable. The people at Vermont Adaptive quickly put her at ease. The beautiful facility at Mt. Ellen is also a contributing factor to Katherine’s success.”

Nancy said it wasn’t any singular moment that defined Katherine’s skiing experience—it was the entire journey. From the anticipation of packing her gear on Saturday nights to the joy of heading to the mountain on Sunday mornings with her dad, every moment was a cherished memory in the making.