“I met Laura at a GRGA event in January 2024. At the time, I wasn’t a morning person at all, but somehow, she convinced me to start skinning with her and her adorable dog, Fern, at 7 a.m. up Meadow a couple of times a week. What started as a buddy system during GRGA’s uphill event quickly turned into an incredible friendship.

By the end of that season, Laura and I were inseparable—GRGA didn’t just give me a training partner; it gave me a best friend. Now, we tackle the Vail uphill races together, she flew all the way to Connecticut for my wedding, and this year, we’re celebrating her birthday with an epic trip to Egypt.

GRGA’s mission to bring women in the valley together through healthy, empowering activities has truly changed my life. It’s amazing to think how one shared experience can create a bond that carries you through so many adventures.”

— Nikki Otake