Vermont Adaptive Economic Impact Study
Vermont Adaptive Adds $10.3M to Vermont Economy According to Newly Released Vermont Adaptive–CRO Economic Impact Study
A newly released economic impact study conducted by Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports and CRO Planning shows that Vermont Adaptive contributes more than $10.3 million annually to Vermont’s economy while supporting 72 jobs and generating $1.8 million in state, local and federal tax revenue.
The study, completed in December 2025, measured the direct and ripple effects of Vermont Adaptive’s operations, programs and major events across the state. The analysis examined organizational spending, winter and summer program participation, and three of the organization’s largest annual events.
While Vermont has long measured the economic value of outdoor recreation, little data has existed on the economic impact of adaptive and accessible recreation, despite nearly one in three Vermonters living in a household affected by disability.
The study was designed to close that gap by quantifying how people participating in adaptive sports — along with their families, travel companions and volunteers — contribute to Vermont’s economy through lodging, dining, retail, transportation and other spending.
The full Vermont Adaptive Economic Impact Study is available to view here.
The Economic Impacts of Vermont Adaptive
This study found that Vermont Adaptive’s programs, operations and events add $10.3 million to the economy of Vermont each year. The organization also supports 72 jobs and $1.8 million in tax impacts in the state. When broken down by program, Vermont Adaptive contributed $3.6 million in output during its winter programs, $490,000 for summer programs, $2.6 million for its major events, and $3.6 million for its organizational operations in 2025.
Vermont Adaptive’s contribution to total GDP (value added) is $6.1 million which is 0.29% of the $2.1 billion added by outdoor recreation as a whole to Vermont’s GDP (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024). This contribution by a single non-profit organization is impressive, particularly in an industry dominated by snow activities, RVing, and boating/fishing in Vermont.
The study found that the greatest economic benefits flow directly to local businesses, including lodging and accommodations, restaurants and breweries, grocery and retail stores, gas stations, and sporting goods shops.
Funding for the Vermont Adaptive Economic Impact Study was provided through a grant from the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Collaborative, which supports projects that strengthen Vermont’s outdoor recreation economy and expand access to outdoor opportunities for all.