Getting to spend time in Vermont is always incredible the community, the support, and the love is always high when we go east. The roots and connections that Roy has built over a lifetime is apparent. Vermont feels like a second home to High Fives Foundation, as well as being where Roy grew up, it is also Jesse’s stomping grounds. Getting to see his ski shop and being shown around by a local legend only adds to the allure of the east.
We always love getting to ski with Athletes at Sugarbush, the hill has something for everyone from beginner to pro. Vermont Adaptive is also located at the bottom of the mountain which is perfect for new sit skiers to get to ski while still getting to hang out and see the more experienced ski the upper mountain. Ending the camp with everyone coming together with friends and family to ski at the Fat Ski-A-Thon is just the cherry on top of the cake.
We had a large group of Athletes come out for this camp- some came for a day or two while others were there every day skiing and hanging out.
As always there was a mixture or new Athletes and experienced ones, with the more experienced skiers immediately taking on a mentor role.
Nick Fairall, Kelsey O’Driscoll, Nick Romano, Daniel Chagnon, Tim Brown, Ryan Mclaren, Mike Olsen, Keenan Weischedel, Max Elles, Heather Galeotalanza, Jim Harris, Jack Sette Ducati, Adam Volpe, Trevor Kennison, Anthony Picchione, and Kenny Young all came out to be apart.
High Fives Athlete #610 and recent first time grant recipient Anthony Picchione was in attendance. Anthony was injured in November of 2011 in a motocross accident. Anthony has been doing very well since his accident. Although he has been missing snowboarding in his life since his accident, thankfully, at this camp he was able to return to the slopes and get the feeling of sliding down snow.
I had a great time at the Fat-Ski-A Thon with the whole High Fives crew. It was so nice to see some old faces again as well as meet some new ones. I always loved snowboarding before my accident and was thankful I was able to return to skiing with the help of both the foundation and Vermont adaptive. It was truly an amazing experience full of snow, laughs, and a whole lot of fun. I can’t for many more years of skiing to come. I’m so happy to have unlocked another adaptive sport thanks to the whole High Fives Foundation!
-Anthony Picchione High Fives Athlete #610
I’ve never skied further east than Colorado, so I went on this trip expecting to ski the Ice Coast but I couldn’t be more blown away by the amazing conditions Vermont provided. Our East Coast Ohana is really stacked with some incredible volunteers and athletes and I had such a blast getting to know them.
-Stefano Shishido High Fives Employee
This was an incredible camp. All Athletes improved their skiing while building community in the warm embrace of Vermont. The Fat-Ski-A-Thon was a huge success to wrap up the weekend raising over 447 thousand dollars for High Fives which we will use to continue to help new Athletes like Anthony return to the sports they love.
If you missed the action live on our Instagram, follow along below on what went down for this camp.
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We want to extend a massive hug and High Fives to everyone who donated, skied, or believed in High Fives over the years. It truly would not be possible without you.
In addition to you, we would like to thank Marker Dalbello Volkl for the support throughout the years as well as Wintersteiger for keeping everyone’s skis running fast and smooth as they did laps for High Fives!
If you would like to see more photos from the camp, take a look at the amazing photo gallery shot by John Atkinson here
