1987
Laura Farrell creates the Vermont Handicap Ski Foundation (later renamed Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports) at Ascutney Mountain Resort. It was the first disabled skiing program in Vermont that worked with people of all ages and abilities and promoted the beneficial aspects associated with sports and recreation. During this same time, Laura and her running and equine friends, and dedicated supporters of the organization, established the VT 100 and the VT 50 races to help subsidize the organizational expenses.
1989
The Ski Foundation grows to include summer activities such as canoeing and rock climbing in Southern Vermont.
1996
The organization began to offer statewide programs in multiple locations and adopts the name Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports with the mission to provide year-round recreational opportunities to individuals with disabilities.
1998
Vermont Adaptive expands its summer programming by collaborating with Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center to bring an Adaptive Water Sports program to the Champlain Valley.
1999
Vermont Adaptive moves its southern programs and operational headquarters to Pico Mountain Resort, centralizing administration.
2000
Vermont Adaptive plays a large part in the development and creation of the first inclusive camp in Chittenden County. “Partners in Adventure” pairs able-bodied and disabled campers ages 11-17 together for adventure and activities.
2002
Vermont Adaptive develops, trains, and sponsors a disabled alpine ski team to participate in the Diana Golden Race Series held throughout the Northeast. The series is designed to allow disabled athletes to become familiar with the sport of alpine ski racing in a fun and supportive environment.
2004
Vermont Adaptive aligns itself with the US Paralympics as an official partner and Paralympic Sport Club. Paralympic Sport Clubs are responsible for promoting awareness for the Paralympic Games and for developing programs and competitive events for physically disabled athletes. The US Paralympics is the sanctioning body for the US Olympics and hosts the Paralympics Games following the Olympic Games.
2007
United States Association for Blind Athletes (USABA) partners with Vermont Adaptive to offer the first National Winter Festival “learn to ski, learn to race and Nordic event” for visually impaired and blind athletes. The organization has hosted the event ever since.
2008
Jim Hutchinson sadly passes away. For many years Jim served on the Board of Directors, was a volunteer, a Race Director for the Vermont 100, and at one time served as the Executive Director. Through his active involvement, his presence is inherently woven into the fabric of the organization we are today. Annually we pay tribute in honoring Volunteers of the Year, in an award to our most outstanding individuals.
2008
Bolton Valley becomes the third winter program location in order to serve athletes in the Chittenden County and Burlington area. Its proximity to Burlington and the rest of Chittenden County provides a convenient location for many year-round residents.
2011
The Black Family, owners of the Lookout Tavern in Killington, along with Vermont Adaptive, create the inaugural Century Ride to Benefit Vermont Adaptive. This event quickly grew and Long Trail Brewing partnered in 2012 as the title sponsor. In 2024, Vermont Adaptive retired the event (then known as the Vermont Adaptive Charity Challenge) after 13 successful years of the event providing operational funding. The Vermont 100 and the Vermont 50 continue to provide operational funding as well.
