Mountain Mayhem: For the love of skiing
Courtesy photo
Founded in 1937, Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club is the Roaring Fork Valley’s oldest and largest youth non-profit organization. For nearly 80 years, it’s made an impact on the community with the mission to provide all youth in the greater Roaring Fork Valley with an opportunity to excel as athletes and individuals through winter sports, which, in turn, can help lead to more meaning in life.
As AVSC evolves with new generations of athletes, leadership, and supporters, the organization holds its heritage in high regard, honors its supporters, and keeps its community close. As a lead-up to ski season, the club hosted its first-ever Heart of Gold reception on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at Willow Creek Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton Club at Aspen Highlands. More than 100 guests were in attendance for the occasion, which marked two major milestones for the organization: the rebranding of its National Council donor group and the introduction of the club’s new awards. The inaugural event specifically honored four key supporters who have been pillars of the AVSC community with the Lift, Love, Local, and Legacy awards.
“These honorees represent the best of AVSC,” said August Teague, the recently appointed executive director who is a native of Aspen and an alum of the club. “They don’t just give — they inspire. Their dedication, generosity, and love for this community ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the mountains, challenge themselves, and grow as athletes and as people.”
Ash Farrington, AVSC’s director of stewardship, spoke to the newly rebranded National Council, which was given a name representing its origins. Now known as 1937, the year it was founded, the group even has a cool new logo to boot. She recognized the donors and community members who are the reasons AVSC can continue to thrive. This event “is not just a celebration — it’s a reminder that AVSC has always been powered by people with passion, generosity, and heart,” she noted.
The Lift Award went to Jeff Gorsuch for his longtime support in providing hundreds of sets of ski equipment annually to AVSC programs, opening doors for countless kids and directly helping them fulfill their mission.
The Local Award was presented to Paradise Bakery, owned by Mark Patterson, Danny Patterson, and Dyan Bronstein. This longtime family-run business has shown genuine care for years, providing sweet treats and more.
The Love Award was given to past board president, Aspen native, and AVSC alum Ryan Smalls in recognition of his spirit, devotion, and loyalty to the programs and participants.
The Legacy Award was presented to Carolyn and Tom Moore in honor of their lifetime of vision and leadership. Tom has been with the club for 76 years, having first gotten involved with AVSC at the tender age of 4.
Thanks to all who have helped define AVSC since the beginning, the club now serves more than 3,000 local youth from preschool through 12th grade with over 40 recreational and competitive programs. Through AVSC, youth experience the mountains in winter, build character skills that serve them for a lifetime, and challenge themselves. Visit teamavsc.org to learn more.
