Snow Angel Partnership with Ski Vermont Gives Wings to Ride Another Day Message
It was Christmas Eve when Chauncy Johnson lost his daughter and thought he was also losing his wife. It was an accident at Wyoming's Hogadon Basin that could have been avoided. The Ride Another Day campaign, launched ten years ago, and the Snow Angel Foundation, established two years ago by Chauncy and Kelli Johnson, are reshaping the conversation around safety with the help of Ski Vermont as their flagship statewide partner.
In the second year working together, Snow Angel Foundation and Ski Vermont, representing the state’s 21 alpine and 26 cross-country ski areas, expanded the scope of the safety conversations around the state. The partnership enabled Johnson to hold numerous in-person discussions in every corner of Vermont, focusing on the importance of collision prevention and awareness for everyone on the mountain. Through Ski Patrol trainings, public school engagement, and events for skiers and riders, the Johnsons provided tools and awareness to make mountains safer while celebrating the joy of winter sports.
"Vermont's ski areas are committed to providing skiers and riders with a great experience, which is built on a foundation of safety," stated Ski Vermont President Molly Mahar. "It is important to remind participants that mountain safety is a partnership, and their awareness and actions directly contribute to others' safety as much as their own."
"S'mores for safety" at Saskadena Six taught kids about maintaining a 15' buffer for turning and stopping. Using a flag as a visual demonstration, around 300 children gained a new understanding of managing "speed and space." Another event at Killington provided free breakfast burritos for anyone who answered a mountain safety trivia quiz centered around Your Responsibility Code.
Staff training with ski schools and ski patrols from Stratton and Jay Peak focused on effective communication. Opening with "How many of us have seen an unsafe situation, and not known what to do or say in the moment?" Johnson provided tools for engaging with guests with compassionate concern. The Snow Angel card, a physical conversation starter, empowers staff to reference Johnson's story when approaching guests. "Approach with genuine concern, and tell them what happened to your friend. It's about having a productive conversation that lands with the person you're speaking to."
Bryan Rivard, Director of Communications for Ski Vermont, cited the state's neighborly vibe as a perfect match for the initiative. "Skiing is in the state's DNA. It's about community and having fun. Vermonters want to share the sport with people." This cultural shift is about connection rather than enforcement—not "We're yanking your pass" but "We both love this sport, and need to make sure to share it for as long as possible."
Modern ski equipment, improved grooming, and growing crowds have made it easier for people to quickly navigate above their ability level. Spring skiing and riding is also a time when people get a little loose, so the end of the season is as important as ever to keep this messaging close to heart. Rivard adds, "When you talk about it, you notice it. When you notice it, you do something about it."
Johnson, a dedicated snowboarder who also skis, chose Vermont as the first state organization because of its mix of large operations and small Mom-and-Pops that serve as feeder locations with learn-to-ski programs. The partnership with Vermont has gained the attention of nearby states including New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Maine, and New York. Regional groups like the Intermountain Ski Area Association and the Midwest Ski Area Association are also taking note.
If you want to connect with the Snow Angel Foundation, or learn how they can help improve safety culture at your mountain, visit snowangelfoundation.org.
