Dear Sky Tavern past and present members and our believers,
I have stood on my soapbox for years and said Sky Tavern is the absolute best at teaching skiing and instilling a lifelong love for snowsports in kids and families. On Friday something amazing happened.
At the conclusion of the virtual 2021 National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) National Convention, Sky Tavern won the most coveted award presented each year, the NSAA CONVERSION CUP. This award goes to the ski area that makes the largest commitment to and impacts in growing snowsports of all NSAA member resorts. Some of the criteria used for judging include the number of level 1 lessons, the success of those skiers and riders continuing, marketing ingenuity, creativity, and efforts to attract those new participants. Sky Tavern beat out some seriously well-funded and heavy hitters in the industry. This is a huge win for all of you during a season that many thought would never happen. Serious congratulations are in order!
The Cup was presented to the Sky Tavern Operations Group during a surprise visit by SHARE WINTER CEO Constance Beverley. NSAA president, Kelly Pawlak said she wanted to give this award herself, but could not and sent her good friend and our biggest fan and supporter in her place. On Zoom, Kelly Pawlak was as emotional as me about Sky Tavern winning. I was speechless. I had no idea this was coming and more than a little grumpy the entire previous week about not hearing any news. Secrets were kept well which had to be difficult considering many knew what this meant to me and the Program.
NSAA posted this statement.
Congratulations to the 2021 Conversion Cup Finalists
Big SNOW American Dream, NH
For its dedication to improving accessibility and capitalizing on its unique location, Big SNOW American Dream was selected as a finalist for the Conversion Cup.
Crystal Mountain, MI
For its focus on the community and commitment to every newcomer's current and future experience, Crystal Mountain was tapped as an NSAA Conversion Cup finalist.
Winner: Sky Tavern, NV
For its devotion to teaching local youth the sport of skiing & riding, and resort mission to support those who would like to experience snowsports, this volunteer-run nonprofit ski hill was selected as the deserving winner of the 2020/21 Conversion Cup
No other nonprofit and certainly no volunteer-staffed ski area has ever won this recognition.
A special thanks to the past members for your generations of efforts at Sky Tavern. The Cup belongs to you as well, as it was your contributions that were the foundation. 2021 members, you got us across the finish line during a season that was different, and challenging. It was your resourcefulness and commitment that pulled this together so that NSAA could make the right choice. We now have the hardware to prove Sky Tavern is the best in the country at making skiers and riders.
You make me so proud,
Bill
