Vermont Magazine Winter 2020 | Page 60

Presented by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce Reprinted with permission from the Official Vermont Winter Vacation Guide by the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The full guide is available at statewide information and welcome centers. Travis Bobley Marketing & Communications Coordinator Vermont Ski Areas Association What brought you to Vermont? When I applied to colleges as a high school senior from Long Island, one thing was certain: I needed a place where I could ski and sail. I grew up skiing all over Vermont, primarily at Mad River Glen, so I knew that the Green Mountains had the goods. I visited the University of Vermont on a beautiful spring day and immediately fell in love with Burlington. Church Street, Lake Champlain, and a 45-minute drive to the best skiing on the East Coast had me hooked. What keeps you here? The friendships and connections I have made within my community—coupled with the activities and opportunities available—are what keep me here. After graduating from UVM’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism program, I decided to start a career in the ski industry. Vermont is the perfect place to be more than just a ski bum! With help from mentors Dave Kaufman and Karen Fahey, I was able to build the work experience necessary to land my current position at the Vermont Ski Areas Association. I feel fortunate to work in my field of study and have the freedom to enjoy the bounty of natural resources Vermont has to offer. I am proud to call Vermont my new home. 58 VERMONT MAGAZINE