Stark Mountain Foundation

Purpose:

The Stark Mountain Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization, formed to support the Mad River Glen Cooperative's mission to "preserve and protect the forests and mountain ecosystem of Stark Mountain in order to provide skiing and other recreational access and to maintain the unique character of the area for present and future generations" (Mad River Glen Cooperative Bylaws section 1.3). For more on the Foundation's purpose, see the Articles of Incorporation. For information on the Foundation's governance and procedures, see the Bylaws.

With natural snow, the mountain, and its skiers as its primary resources, the Mad River Glen Cooperative provides an eastern skiing experience that has become unique with the passage of time over the ski area's 50+ year history. The Stark Mountain Foundation provides a tax-deductible way for people to help ensure that the Cooperative's objectives to "preserve and protect" this experience and place are achieved, and to demonstrate that a sustainable and successful model for ski area operation can be based in an environmental experience and challenge, and not in exploitation and homogenization of our ancient mountains.

For news of recent and upcoming projects and initiatives, check out our new newsletter!

Projects:

The Foundation makes grants to the Mad River Glen Cooperative for three types of projects:

• Environment - The Foundation funds projects to preserve the forest mountain ecosystem, promote environmental education through support of the Mad River Glen Naturalist Program, and foster innovative ways of integrating environmental stewardship with ski area management.
  
  
• Land Acquisition - The Foundation hopes to make grants to fund additional land acquisition by the Cooperative to insulate Stark Mountain from encroaching land use change, and to ensure recreational access.
  
  
• Major Infrastructure - The Foundation can support or augment major infrastructure projects undertaken by the Cooperative, such as preservation of the Single Chair.

Events:

Stark Mountain Foundation launches Green Mountain Club Campaign:  On December 15, 2007, the Stark Mountain Foundation launched its campaign to endow the one and one-half miles of Long Trail on Mad River Coop land.  SMF will raise $15,000 as an endowment to the Green Mountain Club which will provide for maintenance on this section of the Long Trail in perpetuity.  SMF has already received a pledge for 1/3 of this amount.  A Mad River Coop shareholder recently endowed the Theron Dean Shelter's maintenance.  These two endowments will secure the maintenance of the Long Trail on Coop property for life.  Click here to donate now.

Hill Climb Race: The 10th Annual Stark Mountain Hill Climb Trail Run will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2008, at 10:00 AM at Mad River Glen, Fayston, Vermont. Proceeds support the preservation of the Stark Mountain ecology and environmental programs at Mad River Glen. Course is from the base to the summit (2000 feet vertical climb) using a runner's choice route. Entry Form available here.  The 10th Annual Allen Clark Hill Climb (bicycle time trial) will be held the following day.

Ski Green!  Stark Mountain Foundation and Mad River launched a carbon offset program in the 2007-2008 season and invited skiers to participate and SKI GREEN!  The Foundation made a grant to Mad River Glen to purchase carbon offsets to render the ski area carbon neutral.  Working through Native Energy, these offsets funded methane digester projects on dairy farms in Vermont to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  The program challenged skiers to voluntarily offset their commute when purchasing tickets.  The result was that the skiers 'opted in' enough to cover both their commutes and the operations of the ski area!

Stark Mountain Day: The Foundation's fifth annual Stark Mountain Day will be held on February 20, 2009.

Step it Up for the Mountains:  On April 14, 2007, Stark Mountain Foundation sponsored the kick-off event for "Step It Up For The Mountains" from 3 to 5 pm at the Big Picture Theater, Route 100, Waitsfield, VT. 

You Can Help:

Send your charitable donation of any amount to the Stark Mountain Foundation at PO Box 1221 Waitsfield, VT 05673. Do you have questions or comments? Contact the Foundation by phone or email.

Thank you for your interest in Stark Mountain!