Meet the Scholarship Recipients of Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club!

Clockwise: Hudson McNamee, Nordic Gabi Bonilla, Base Camp Aaron Howell, Paralympic Alpine Andra Saxson, Freestyle/Freeride Madison Bailey, Snowboard Galena Wardle, Alpine

“The AVSC program means the world to me. Have you ever felt like if you didn’t have something, you wouldn’t be who you are without it? Well, that’s exactly how I feel about the AVSC program. ” —12-Year-Old Scholarship Recipient Scholarships Open Doors for Children to Succeed On the Mountain, In School, & Throughout Their Lives very one of the more than 2,250 children and youth who participate in the winter sports programs of Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Hi, E Club has a unique story to tell. The following pages feature the stories of half a dozen of our participants — one representing each of our six programs. My name is Daniel. I am writing this letter because I was hoping you guys could help me out with my AVSC The benefits these young people describe are simple yet profound Scholarship because this year my parents had my and life-changing. They transcend the development of skills: baby brother Abraham, and she has to pay $500 to long-term friendships, self-esteem, values, mentorship with positive adult role models, sense of belonging, community. take care of him and my dad only works six hours a day and my Mom has to pay all the bills. This year it We have singled out these six young people because their participation was hard for my mom to pay my school fees. in AVSC is made possible by our generous supporters. These participants have each received Scholarships enabling them to ski I am trying to get a job when I’m 14 so I can help out or snowboard and pursue their individual goals — and dreams . We could with the bills. Another reason I want to do AVSC have chosen hundreds of others to tell their stories as one in every three of our participants receives financial aid. And 99% of participants receive again is because in my school I don’t have many a subsidy as the cost of providing our services exceeds their program fees. friends because I’m special, at least that’s what my parents say and when I go with AVSC I make a lot of Just imagine what it would be like to live in the friends and for the first time I feel like I’m worth without the means to enjoy the incredible mountains that surround something so please can you help me out with this us. Imagine having two categories of residents — those families whose children can afford to ski or ride and those who can’t. But, thanks to the Scholarship to AVSC? generosity of our supporters, all children from Aspen to Glenwood Springs who want to ski or snowboard can do so. Thank you. Daniel Assistance in the form of direct Scholarships, free equipment, and free bus service make the dream of skiing or snowboarding a reality for the valley’s children. Every year donors to AVSC’s Children’s Scholarship Fund enable us to say “yes” to children like Daniel (please see letter at right).

“They are the future citizens of our community. What we are going to have 10 to 15 years from now in our community is what we are making now.” — Ligia Bonilla Galena Wardle, 15-years-old — Alpine Program “You have all of these coaches helping you to be the best, giving you support and confidence. You trust them, and each step you make it farther.” — Galena Wardle

After joining AVSC in 2001, Galena progressed through the ranks of Aspenauts, SnoWarriors and Ridge Runners. Now a 15-year-old U16 racer, Galena, along with three other AVSC participants, was invited this past April to Park City, Utah, for a first-ever national championship in this age group. Only the 60 best U16 alpine racers in the country were chosen to participate. Points were awarded in Freeskiing, Giant Slalom, Slalom, and Parallel events, as well as a skills evaluation, and Galena finished fifth among the girls.

Galena credits her AVSC coaches for helping advance her skiing abilities over the years. “My instructors are awesome,” Galena In May of 2012, Galena trains for Giant Slalom on . The says. “They each have different skills, 2012-13 season marked Galena’s tenth year with AVSC they’re really good technically, and t is not surprising that alpine participant Galena Wardle they make training with them a really excels at ski racing. As the daughter of two ski good time.” I professionals, Christine Noret-Wardle and Gregg Wardle, Her father Gregg credits AVSC she donned ski boots shortly after learning to walk. and the community for their contributions to where Galena is Encouraged down her first black diamond — Gregg explains that Galena, who is named after a high mountain today. “Galena has a lot of wonder ful Baby Ruth in Snowmass — with Babe Ruth pass in Idaho, was only 14-months-old when her parents stuffed support from both the community candy bars, Galena began skiing when she was socks into her boots and took her skiing for the first time. When and AVSC, and that comes back just 14-months-old. she was four-years-old, they encouraged her down her first black to the core of what AVSC is all about,” he explains. “In large part, the community diamond run, Baby Ruth in Snowmass, by placing Baby Ruth candy supports AVSC because of its outreach to kids throughout the valley and how it bars for her to retrieve alongside the run. “She giggled and had involves them in what is really a great part of and the ski world.” fun,” says Gregg. “For the next couple of years, she kept asking, ‘Where are the Baby Ruths?’.” continued on next page Galena’s “far-off goals” are to “join World Cup, win World Cup, and go to the Olympics.” As is true of so many AVSC athletes, Galena excels in school and in other sports as well as on the mountains. She was a straight A student in middle school, and she maintained that record in her first year at Aspen High School where she is on the Girls Lacrosse Team. She likes writing and math, wind surfs, and rides a unicycle.

Galena’s “far-off goals” are to “join World Cup, win World Cup, and go to the Olympics.” Once again, she credits her coaches for believing in her and helping her believe in herself. “You have all of these coaches helping you to be the best and giving you support and Many AVSC participants are all-around athletes. In 2008, Galena earned the “Bear” award as confidence,” she explains. “You trust them, and each Galena enjoys windsurfing, and is on the Aspen the top J5 AVSC female participant. J5 skiers step you make it farther.” High School Girls Lacrosse Team. are ages 8- to 11-years-old.

Alpine Program “The coaches spend maybe 14 hours a weekend with the kids. A lot of the time they are not on the snow. They’re on chair lifts or having lunch. We’re always striving to find the best fit between the coaches and the kids. Being a coach is demanding. You have a lot of kids to take care of, and you want to make all of them feel they are as important as any other kid. And they are.” — Greg Needell, Alpine Program Director

The AVSC Alpine Program has a proud history of developing some of the best ski racers in U.S. history, including national and international champions. Alumni include Wiley Maple, Alice McKennis, and Katy Ryan, who are on the U.S. Team. AVSC racer Julia Mueller-Ristine was the only female from the U.S. to compete at the 2012 World Youth Olympic Games where she placed 12th in slalom. AVSC alpine staff play a key role in Aspen’s hosting Women’s World Cup races, with Coach Pat Callahan serving as Chief of Race for the past five years. Gabriel Bonilla, 10-years-old — Base Camp Program “I like going high . . . I feel like I’m in heaven.” — Gabriel Bonilla

ll three of Ligia Bonilla’s boys are long- AVSC is an opportunity for Gabi to spend time Gabi, who begins sixth grade in Carbondale’s time AVSC participants. Eighteen-year- with friends for eight Saturdays every winter. Elementary School in the fall, likes A old Ladibel is a snowboarder, and “I have a friend Aaron who I’ve known basically math, science, reading, and building things like 13-year-old Elmer and 10-year-old Gabriel are my whole life since preschool,” Gabi explains. the Navy Seals boat he made last fall for a Cub skiers. But Ligia explains that Gabi needs AVSC “We talk about skiing and jumps.” He adds that Scout project. The three Bonilla boys and their even more than her two other sons. “Gabi is the his favorite coach is Isaac and that he enjoys mother are all involved in scouts. Ladibel is an most active one,” Ligia says. “All his energy “throwing snowballs at our coaches.” continued on next page needs to go in a positive direction.”

For Gabi, his participation in AVSC’s SnoWarriors program is about action and friendship. Gabi loves going off the jumps and rails in the terrain park. “I like going high,” he says. “I feel like I’m in heaven.”

Base Camp is a recreational program where participants have fun and enjoy the opportunity An early school photo shows Gabi at work on a Ten-year-old Gabi is proud of the Navy Seals boat to make friends with kids from communities construction project. In the fall, he will enter sixth he made for a Cub Scout project. His two older throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. Skiing with the grade in Carbondale’s Crystal River Elementary brothers are also in scouts, and his mother, Ligia, same Ski Pro every week, they also can make School. who volunteers for AVSC, is a Cub Scout leader. tremendous progress in their skiing abilities. Eagle Scout, Elmer is working to achieve Eagle Scout She says that AVSC also helps to connect her family. rank, and Ligia is a Cub Scout leader. “It gives us opportunities to talk around the dinner table. ‘What did you learn? Who did you meet?’”, All three Bonilla boys are also AVSC Scholarship Ligia relates. “It’s a bonding time for us.” Ligia laughs recipients, and Ligia volunteers her time translating and says, “I have to learn a new language. What’s a and assisting with AVSC events. “I could save all year, 360?” Becoming serious, she continues, “AVSC and it would still be impossible for me to pay for teaches all those things that they can only learn by them to participate,” she says. “AVSC has given me being exposed to people, how to wait their turn so much that I try to volunteer as much as I can.” in a kind manner, and they bring that home. I can’t imagine my family without AVSC.” What does AVSC provide her sons? “With AVSC, I know they’re safe, doing something positive In addition, “They feel empowered — ‘I did it on my and developing skills that will help them socially own,’” she says. “They are the future citizens of our and academically,” Ligia explains. “It helps them community. What we are going to have 10 to 15 with their self-esteem and self-control, and it’s only years from now in our community is what we are on the mountain performing where that can happen, making now.” As for Gabi, his goals are to “go faster and do more tricks.” Soccer is another postive outlet for Gabi’s not at home.” abundant energy.

Base Camp Program “Many parents choose to live here because of the mountains and the mountain culture and want to pass that lifestyle on to their children — for example, caring for nature and respect for the environment. Participation in the Ski Club is passed down from generation to generation in families throughout the valley. It’s ingrained in the community. For so many kids, Base Camp represents a huge turning point in self-confidence.” — Trish Shepard, Base Camp Program Director

Base Camp is where hundreds of Roaring Fork Valley children get their start on snow! Participants learn safety, decision-making, and how to navigate around the mountain. The Ski Pros introduce the children to different areas they might be reluctant to explore on their own, and they encourage them to go beyond what they perceive as their abilities. Learning and having fun together, participants form lasting friendships and strengthen their sense of belonging to the special place where they live. Andra Sakson, 16-years-old — Freestyle/Freeride Program “I’m just so grateful I get to do something I love. It touches my heart that people are so generous to help out people like me. My life would look a lot different without the people who have donated to Scholarships.” — Andra Sakson

“ife-changing” is a phrase that recurs when and 21-year-old Sophie, she got her start skiing in a harness talking with participants about their AVSC tethered to her mother Stevi Sakson. L experiences. “AVSC has definitely changed my life,” says freestyle skier 16-year-old Andra From that early beginning, she moved on to AVSC’s Ridge Sakson. “During the winter, it is my life as I’m Runners. After a few years in Ridge Runners, Andra tried out training every weekend with the coaches I love the Freestyle Program, but “I felt a little uncomfortable and people who are really supportive of me.” being the only girl surrounded by a bunch of guys.” Returning to Ridge Runners for a Andra began skiing at Sunlight Ski Area above year, she concluded she “could do Glenwood Springs when she was three-years- better than that” and re-joined the old. Just like her older siblings, 23-year-old Jake freestyle skiers. This April, Andra competed in Moguls in the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships in Heavenly Valley, California, and finished 18th, well ahead of several U.S. Ski Team Left: Nine-year-old Andra members. “I like Moguls because you tested her abilities on a really need to be on your toes,” climbing wall. Above: Shown Andra says. “Moguls require a lot here when they were six- of different skiing abilities, and you years-old and 14-years-old, need to be ready at all times.” Andra and Jake Sakson grew from childhood to To attain her goal of having “an adolescence with AVSC. inverted trick on snow,” Andra Their father Drew is a long- practiced her back flips in past years on a trampoline and on time AVSC volunteer. the water ramps at Utah’s Park City Olympic Park. She is excited about the new “air bag jump” that was installed in AVSC’s backyard last fall. “It allows so much more room Tethered to her mother in a harness, Andra got her for training and learning and practicing new tricks without start skiing when she was three-years-old. By the getting hurt,” Andra explains. “It enables you to practice time she was eight, as shown here, she was showing harder tricks that are really scary, and you feel really safe.” good form! continued on next page “The new air bag jump enables you to practice harder tricks that are really scary, and you feel really safe.” — Andra Sakson Andra explains her coaches also have encouraged Andra’s mother agrees that the three Sakson her in attempting new maneuvers. “There are children would “not have been able to train and times when I am really nervous to try a new trick fulfill their potential” without the generous or before a competition, but they’ve taught me financial aid they received. “All three have loved to stay calm and have more confidence,” she says. AVSC,” Stevi says. “It has been a wonderful way When I tell myself ‘I can’t do this trick,’ I will crash. “And when I tell myself ‘l can do it,’ I do it!” for them to safely be on the mountain without their parents, doing something they love to do, Without the financial aid provided by AVSC and gaining discipline, values, and respect for supporters over the years, Andra says she would others and the natural environment.” not be where she is today. “My parents really struggle with the economy, and I’m just so An “ultimate” goal for Andra is to compete gratefuI I get to do something I love,” she says. in the Olympics. “I always look up to the AVSC “It touches my heart that people are so generous athletes who are doing so well like Torin to help out people like me. My life would look Andra finished fifth overall in the Junior National [Yater-Wallace], and I want to be that athlete a lot different without the people who have Aerials in Steamboat Springs, March 9, 2013. Here donated to Scholarships.” one day who goes big.” she performs a 360 — the next step beyond a 180.

Freestyle/Freeride Program “Every kid wants to show their parents they can fly! An element of the attraction for our participants is seeing the confusion in their parents’ eyes. With trick names like “Switch Dub Misty 12”, most parents don’t even know the names of the tricks their kids are doing. Our sport gives kids the freedom to choose many different paths for skiing and competitions, with Halfpipe, Moguls, Big Mountain, Aerials, Big Air, and Slopestyle disciplines. — Eric Knight, Freestyle/Freeride Program Director

The attraction of AVSC’s Freestyle/Freeride Program is reflected in participant numbers. Fifteen years ago fewer than two dozen youth were Freestyle/Freeride participants, and in 2012-13, over 200 participants were enrolled. The program is producing amazing results. Four of the nine members of the U.S. Freeski Team, including X Games phenom Torin Yater- Wallace, are AVSC alumni. Torin, who grew up through AVSC’s Freestyle/Freeride Program, became the youngest winter X Games medalist Hudson McNamee, 17-years-old — Nordic Program “I love the sport, I love the Nordic community, and I love the coaches. Not only do they coach well, but they are just good people personally.” — Hudson McNamee

aving just completed his Junior year focused, and that focus of racing and training Brendan identifies a sense of community in Aspen High School, 17-year-old Hudson helps you in your homework and taking tests,” belonging and character building experiences as H McNamee has skied with AVSC since sixth Hudson explains. “Endurance sports teach you two benefits that AVSC has provided his family. grade. He explains how his commitment about time management.” “The Nordic group, just like is evident in all the has evolved through the years. “For the first disciplines, is a community of parents and kids few years, I was just cruising, who look after each other and who have thinking of skiing as something a sincere and genuine love for the sport,” to do,” Hudson says. “Then explains Brendan. “From first grade all the three years ago, I dedicated way through graduation, we care for our myself to endurance sports kids, both as a group and as individuals, like mountain biking, running, and the impact we have on them is huge.” and Nordic, and last year I decided to focus on Nordic.” Both Hudson and his Dad point to mentorship as a vital and pervasive Asked why he likes element of what AVSC offers. “You get endurance sports, Hudson answers, “I don’t particularly to know and have friends of all ages,” enjoy pain, but I like Hudson says. “As a younger kid, I got constantly improving, getting to know some of the older kids. I good results, and seeing how looked up to them, and they gave me I can progress. I love racing encouragement.” my heart out.” Hudson uses the word “love” often when Brendan sees Hudson assuming that same In 2008, Hudson participated in a In the winter of 2012, the three speaking of his involvement mentoring role with younger participants with AVSC. “I love the sport, Nordic ski race. He says the focus McNamee siblings medaled together as he gains maturity. “Not only has I love the Nordic community, learned in Nordic skiing helps in school. on the same day. Hudson become a very disciplined athlete, and I love the coaches,” he relates. “Not only do Like many other youth enrolled with AVSC, as reflected in his achievements, but I see him they coach well, but they are just good people Hudson has siblings who participate. Logan, beginning to reach out and care for others.” personally.” 15-years-old, and Lander, 11-years-old, are both Nordic skiers as well as Scholarship Brendan says, “Giving back and giving himself away He attributes his “mostly As” record in school recipients. Their father Brendan coaches Base is a very important part of Hudson’s character. to his AVSC experiences. “With Nordic, you’re Camp participants. continued on next page “It [AVSC] makes you a better, well-rounded person, student and athlete.” — Hudson McNamee

The older kids begin to pass it on, and maybe genuinely caring for others is more important than the athletics.”

Hudson’s immediate goals are to place in the top three at the state level and to make the Rocky Mountain Nordic Select Team. Calling them lofty goals,” he looks ahead to becoming a “D1 Collegiate skier, if my training allows it, and maybe the U.S. Ski Team.”

In the meantime, he says the greatest Several years ago Hudson decided to dedicate himself to Nordic Hudson had fun rock climbing with benefit from his AVSC experiences is that skiing and to other endurance sports, e.g., mountain biking classmates at Aspen Community School “It makes you a better, well-rounded person, and running. in April of 2008. student, and athlete.”

Nordic Program “Nordic is a lifelong sport where you can compete well into your 80s if you choose, and that’s a huge health benefit. Nordic is very demanding physically for the whole body, both upper body strength and aerobically. The world’s best in Nordic don’t excel until they are in their mid- to late- twenties. Our job is to ensure that our athletes have the physical and mental skills to continue on with the sport.” — Toby Morse, Nordic Program Director

AVSC Nordic development programs are open to skiers of all abilities, from first-timers to experienced skiers who wish to ski at a less competitive level. Kindergartners and first graders learn to cross-country ski at the Spring Gulch Nordic trails in Carbondale. Nordic competitive programs are designed for those who wish to challenge themselves with more skiing and higher level training and racing. Madison Bailey, 19-years-old — Snowboard Program “I still see coaches I had when I was little, and they have always been good mentors to me. Tyler [Lindsay] was my coach the second year that he was coaching, and he’s been my coach ever since.” — Madison Bailey

ike so many participants, 18-year-old AVSC participants form strong and lasting Snowboard equipment manufacturer Forum Madison Bailey has grown up with AVSC. relationships not just with other youth but also sponsored Madison, and the sponsorship L He began as a with their instructors and coaches. Spending provided him with free snowboards, bindings and Powder Panda skier hours a day after school and on weekends with boots every year. Equipment and his AVSC “when I was three or participants, coaches become trusted, positive Scholarships have enabled Madison to compete four.” Transitioning adult mentors who help them navigate childhood around the U.S. for the past three years. Without when he was five and adolescence. “I still see coaches that I had the financial aid provided by AVSC donors, Madison does not know if he would have been to snowboarding, he when I was little, and they have always been good able to continue participating. The economic joined AVSC’s Base mentors to me.” Madison says. “Tyler [Lindsay] downturn has impacted his family. He says, “The Camp Program, and was my coach the second year that he was last few years it’s been hard for my parents to pay graduated to the coaching, and he’s been my coach ever since.” for AVSC, and they know how much it means to me.” Team program when he was eight. Madison is modest about his accomplishments, but his Madison compares snowboarding to surfing, a coaches believe he has an sport that he took up with his family several years exciting future. “Madison ago. “I feel there’s a lot more freedom to do what is one of the most I want to do on a snowboard than on skis,” extraordinary snowboarders Madison says. “When you turn and carve, it feels in the Aspen/Snowmass area, like you’re surfing.” as well as an intelligent and thoughtful young man,” All through his AVSC years, Madison explains says Snowboard Program that he snowboarded with a “tight group of 10 Director Tyler Lindsay. guys.” Brian Bailey, Madison’s father, believes “Competitively, he is a that Madison would not be the snowboarder he threat to reach the podium is today without the support of this peer group. in just about every event “Even though it’s a competitive sport, they just he enters, particularly in the totally cheer each other on,” Brian says. “They’ve slopestyle, big air and rail all learned about being good sportsmen and being Madison performs a Backside 270 to Board Slide at the USASA Rail Jam at jam disciplines.” part of a team.” Winter X Games held in January of 2011. continued on next page “It makes life so much more interesting to do something you’re passtionate about.” — Madison Bailey

As a senior at Roaring Fork High School, Madison visited colleges that had snowboard programs (see cover photo). “Every place I applied to has mountains near it,” Madison says.

In addition to continuing to pursue snowboarding, his goals include becoming a graphic designer and designing products for snowboarding. “I’ve always loved the colors and shapes of the boards themselves and also of the clothing,” Madison says. “It makes life so much more interesting to Madison performs a Frontside Rodeo Flip 540 at the Madison graduated from Carbondale’s Roaring Fork do something you’re passionate about. ” USASA Rail Jam at Winter X Games held in Aspen in High School this spring, and he will attend Colorado January 2013. Mountain College-Steamboat Springs in the fall.

Snowboard Program “Few feelings in the world are more empowering than learning something new, or performing an action you didn’t think you were capable of. In our program, kids routinely do things that are well outside the realm of normal human experience, floating through pristine powder at the top of a peak or spinning sideways off a terrain park jump. If we coaches are doing are job correctly, our athletes learn to transfer that experience of empowerment to all areas of their lives.” — Tyler Lindsay, Snowboard Program Director

The AVSC Snowboard Program is dedicated to the long-term development of the “complete snowboarder”, capable of riding in all terrain, conditions, and competitive disciplines. Five of the 11 staff coaches grew up as AVSC athletes. AVSC Snowboard counts among our alumni U.S. Olympian Gretchen Bleiler, and snowboard video icon Laura Hadar. While occupying quite different ends of the spectrum of professional snowboarding, both are recognized as leaders of the sport, and each expands what it means to be a snowboarder. Retired U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Aaron Howell, 26-years-old — Adaptive Alpine Development Program “I had two options at 23. Either I could accept being injured and sit around and watch TV, or I could find something that I was passionate about and pursue it and not let being injured hold me back.” — Aaron Howell

etired U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Aaron Howell’s after-school time He made another decision — to learn to use prosthetics rather than as a child growing up in Potsdam, New York, was spent doing what relying on a wheelchair. Aaron’s first time on snow following his R he loved — hunting, fishing, weight lifting, and running. Today, as a amputation was through Disabled Sports USA’s Warfighter Sports member of the AVSC Paralympic Alpine Development Team, he spends Program. In the fall of 2010, six months after being injured, he participated his days with a new love. “I love the freedom of skiing and being able in a pre-season ski training camp for individuals with disabilities, and met to do something I enjoy,” Aaron says. “I’ve always enjoyed physical coaches with AVSC’s Adaptive Alpine Development Program. In the spring exercise, and now, being able to get out of my prosthetics and on the and summer of 2011, he attended two more AVSC recruiting camps, and mountain…I fell in love with it.” was invited to join the program full-time. The program’s goal is to recruit, train, In May of 2007, after a year of college, then develop, and support the best adaptive ski 21-year-old Aaron joined the Marine racers in the United States. Corps. He believed the work ethic and the discipline he would gain in the Marines Moving to Aspen in the fall of 2011, Aaron would benefit him in civilian life. From 2008- began “figuring stuff out as I go.” To 10, Aaron served in both Operation Iraqi compensate for his missing fingers, he had Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. special adaptive grip mitts made for him. In 2010, during his second tour, while on patrol with seven other men in Afghanistan, “I am basically strapped into the mono-ski he stepped on an IED. Aaron, who was the and outriggers, and everything depends only one to be injured, lost both legs above on core and upper body strength, so I the knees as well as several fingers. spend five afternoons a week in the gym focused on core strength and balance.” He received a Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon for his service, and His first year of competition was “a definite committed himself to moving on with his Following being injured in Afghanistan, Retired U.S. Marine challenge,” according to Aaron. “The life. “I had two options at 23,” Aaron Corps Corporal Aaron Howell committed himself to moving learning curve for me was steep, and I raced explains. “Either I could accept being injured on with his life. near the back of the pack.” He counts and sit around and watch TV, or I could find himself fortunate to have the opportunity something that I was passionate about and pursue it and not let being injured hold me back.” continued on next page to train alongside other AVSC adaptive athletes who “I’m big into the outdoors and are on the U.S. National Paralympic Alpine Ski Team — hunting, but skiing trumps Heath Calhoun, Chris Devlin-Young, and Tyler Walker. “The National Team guys help coach too,” Aaron explains. everything else for me.” I watch adaptive athletes who are better than me, and it’s a good learning tool.”

Observing Heath Calhoun is especially helpful to him. “Heath’s injuries and amputations are very similar to mine,” Aaron says. “He was injured early on in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and paved a lot of roads for service members of my generation. I try to emulate what he does.”

His first year Aaron did it all — Slalom, G-Slalom, Super G, and Downhill — but now he is concentrating on Slalom and G-Slalom. “These are technical events,” Aaron says, “You are not focusing on speed as much as on form and technique, and you have to be flawless to run the course cleanly.” Retired U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Aaron Howell

Adaptive Alpine Development Program “If I win the lottery [he doesn’t play], I’d still do this job. I love coaching. Ski racing is a team sport. We do everything together. We travel together, eat together, train together . . . until you get to the start gate when you try to beat your buddy.” — Barrett Stein, Adaptive Program Director

Winning at World Cup and World Championship levels, seven members are currently on the U.S. National Team. This model program earned AVSC the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association’s “Adaptive Club of the Year” award in 2011 and 2012, and Jonathan Mika was selected U.S.S.A.’s 2012 International Adaptive Coach of the Year . Self-Confidence, Camaraderie, Community & A Sense of Belonging ow do you bring children and youth from “Growing up in a small ski town while being part of a professional, successful, and fun different communities and backgrounds winter sports club was one of the most important components in my development H together, build their self-confidence, and give them a sense of belonging? You promote common as an athlete and a person. When I have childen of my own, I will be grateful ground by giving them the shared experience of the to know that AVSC will provide for them the same invaluable opportunities and mountains in winter. For 76 years, Aspen Valley Ski experiences that it did for me.” — Simi Hamilton, U.S. Nordic SkiTeam and Snowboard Club has engaged generations of Roaring Fork Valley children in winter sports and demonstrated to them that our community believes in them and their potential. This past year roughly one out of every five public school children in the valley was enrolled in AVSC.

AVSC helps strengthen community life by addressing several key issues. These include the nationwide challenges of childhood obesity, the social friction caused by growing income disparity, the need for cultural integration among local youth, the increasing alienation of children from the outdoors, and the need for positive adult role models in children’s lives, especially those living in single parent households.

Providing healthy outdoor activities, AVSC uses skiing and snowboarding as a means to achieve character development in youth. Why are winter sports experiences important? The mountains themselves and the challenges and the camaraderie inherent in winter sports leave lifelong imprints on children and youth. Built into every program, AVSC’s core values of “Commitment, Teamwork Left to right: Tyler Lindsay, Snowboard Program Director; Walt Evans, Director of Excellence; Toby and Integrity” have a powerful impact on the Morse, Nordic Program Director; Eric Knight, Freestyle/Freeride Program Director; Greg Needell, Alpine character of all those who participate. AVSC is Program Director; and Trish Shepard, Base Camp Director. AVSC employs a staff of 70 professional in the business of transforming children’s lives, and coaches for our five team programs, and we also hire 300 Pros from Aspen Skiing Company to instruct there is no more worthy endeavor. Base Camp participants. (Dog at left is Tyler’s Lexi.) Scholarships and the added resources that AVSC provides help break down the barriers to participation in winter sports for local children. Registration Nights held each October at Basalt Middle School, Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale and Glenwood Springs Middle School enable local families to register their children and obtain Aspen Skiing Company ski passes in one location. Free equipment for those who cannot afford to purchase it helps make our programs accessible. In 2012-13, 300 families received free equipment donated by Gorsuch Ltd. and D&E/Four Mountain Sports. AVSC also provides seven free, chaperoned buses from down-valley communities to transport children to the mountains.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Mark Cole, Executive Director Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club DIRECT 970.205.5103 . [email protected] 300 AVSC Drive . Aspen, Colorado 81611 TEL 970.205.5100 FAX 970.925.5290 teamavsc.org Tax-Exempt Number 84-6042225