“GRGA provided a safe place to learn how to skin!  I was new to skinning this January, and I found it such a blessing to have met Amanda Marchiani through Hailee's Community Circles that same month.  When talking about our goals and values, I mentioned this was something I wanted to try, and Amanda told me about her awesome non-profit and invited me to join!  Learning how to skin was a humbling experience for me, and after somehow losing a ski on the lower steep face of Riva, a kind GRGA Ambassador came to my rescue and helped me get going again.  I felt the camaraderie and spirit of this group - a bunch of women out to meet one another, be social, and do something cool outdoors while getting a great workout on winter evenings - and regardless of my ability, I didn't feel judged; I felt accomplished!  

I also felt challenged, so I made it a goal of mine to skin every week until the end of the season, and tried to make it to the GRGA skin ups at least once a month.  By the end of the season, I had more than doubled my elevation gain and distance with each outing and could see and feel the physical difference.  I found the meetups to be personally rewarding as well, and have met many new faces and friends, one of which I have introduced to the VVMTA Ladies Trail Crew, so our connections here have come full circle!  I am so thankful for both the GRGA and LTC for helping me to connect to something meaningful and valuable here in the Vail Valley - I truly appreciate what each of you do!“

— Alexandra Williamson