Outdoor recreation advocates from across Vermont gathered in Montpelier on Thursday for the third annual Outdoor Recreation Day to highlight the sector’s positive contributions to Vermont’s economy, environmental stewardship, and community development. The day is an opportunity for advocates to engage lawmakers on policies and investments critical to support a strong workforce, responsible land stewardship, and a regulatory environment that allows Vermont’s outdoor businesses and communities to continue to thrive.
More than 115 participants—including outdoor business owners, ski area operators, trail and land stewards, and nonprofit organizations—took part in breakout sessions, strategic discussions, delivered testimony and connected with their legislators.
Contributing $2.1B to the state’s economy, the outdoor recreation sector also generates 16,000 jobs across Vermont, or just over five percent of the labor force. While the sector influences many aspects of life in Vermont, participants focused specifically on stable and consistent funding for outdoor recreation, workforce development programs, efficient and effective regulation, and smart land use.
Ski Vermont elevated effective regulation and permit reform as an important policy area for continued competitiveness and growth for outdoor recreation businesses. Ski Vermont Board members Lindsay DesLauriers (Bolton Valley Resort), and Nick Mahood (Woodstock Nordic Center), testified in a joint hearing of Senate Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs and the House Commerce and Economic Development Committees. Earlier in the day Stratton Mountain Resort’s Jeff Cavagnino told the Caucus for Vermont’s Economy about a recent permitting experience that resulted in delay of a major lift project. There was additional testimony in the Senate Education Committee about career technical education and higher education programs, like Vermont State University’s Outdoor Education Leadership and Tourism Program, that are critical for the outdoor recreation and ski industry workforce.
The day included a keynote address by Governor Phil Scott, and discussion sessions about destination management, conservation planning, and economic collaboration. State Treasurer Mike Pieciak; Forest, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Danny Fitzko and Department of Tourism and Marketing Commissioner Heather Pelham each spoke and participated in discussions. And throughout the day, advocates emphasized the importance of supporting outdoor recreation as a year-round economic driver while ensuring Vermont’s natural resources and communities remain healthy and resilient.
Outdoor Recreation Day was co-hosted by Ski Vermont, the Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance, the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council, the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative, Unlikely Riders, and the Recreation and Parks Association. The day concluded with a House concurrent resolution recognizing Outdoor Recreation Day and acknowledging the importance of outdoor recreation to Vermonters, the state’s economy and communities.
