Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum facts for kids

The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is a cool place in Vermont where you can learn all about winter sports like skiing and snowboarding! It's a museum that collects, keeps safe, and celebrates the history of skiing and snowboarding in Vermont.

The museum first started in 1988 in a town called Brandon, Vermont. Back then, it was just called The Vermont Ski Museum. In 2000, the museum moved to Stowe. It opened its doors to visitors at its current spot in 2002. Later, in 2011, the word "snowboard" was added to its name to include more winter sports history.

The museum often changes its displays so there's always something new to see. The only part that stays the same is the special Hall of Fame section.

Where to Find the Museum

The museum is located in the Perkins Building at 1 South Main Street in Stowe, Vermont. This building has a long history! It was originally built in 1818 as the Old Town Hall. Believe it or not, the entire building was actually moved to a new spot in the 1860s. The museum building was fully updated in 2002 to become the awesome place it is today.

What's Inside the Museum's Collection

The museum has a huge collection of over 7,500 items! These items help tell the story of skiing and snowboarding. The collection is divided into different areas, making it easy to explore.

Here are some of the cool things you can find:

• Ski and snowboard equipment, like old skis, snowboards, and boots.
• Ski and snowboard clothing, showing how styles have changed over the years.
• Mechanical equipment, which might include parts of old ski lifts or snowmaking machines.
• Items from different ski areas in Vermont, showing their unique histories.
• A special area about the 10th Mountain Division, a group of soldiers who were trained to ski during World War II.
• Fine art related to winter sports, like paintings or sculptures.
• A library and archive with over 800 items, including old photos, maps, and documents.

The museum is also working on making old historical films available online. They are also collecting interviews with people who have been important in Vermont's ski and snowboard history. This helps everyone learn more about the past. The museum works hard to keep all these items safe and makes sure people can come and see them.

Fun Events at the Museum

Besides its amazing exhibits, the museum also hosts several fun events throughout the year. These events celebrate winter sports and bring people together.

Some of the yearly events include:

• The Stowe Mountain Film Festival, where you can watch exciting movies about skiing and snowboarding.
• The VT Antique Alpine Race, a race for old-style ski equipment.
• The VT Antique Nordic Race, another race for classic cross-country ski gear.
• The Epic Summer Event, a special gathering during the warmer months.

Vermont Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame

The museum also honors people who have made a big difference in Vermont's skiing and snowboarding world. They do this through the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. People are chosen for their amazing achievements as athletes or for their special contributions to the sport.

Hall of Fame Inductees

Here are some of the people who have been welcomed into the Hall of Fame:

Images for kids

• Ski and snowboard equipment
• 

  Exhibited in the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum displaying ski and snowboard clothing.

• 

  Lift outside the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.

• 

  The museum's ski and snowboard equipment exhibit.

• 

  Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum Library and Archive Materials exhibit.