In this episode of the Ski Moms Podcast, hosts Nicole and Sarah welcome Rachel Proper, founder of Keep Vermont Wild, for an in-depth conversation about making Vermont's outdoor adventures accessible to everyone, especially families with young children. Rachel shares her journey from posting personal outdoor adventures to creating a comprehensive resource that showcases Vermont's beauty while promoting responsible tourism and Leave No Trace principles.The conversation covers practical advice for visiting Vermont, including navigating the state's notorious lack of cell service, understanding mud season (Vermont's unique fifth season), and the challenges of electric vehicles in cold, hilly terrain. Rachel provides insider tips on family-friendly ski resorts, recommending Smuggler's Notch as an excellent family destination alongside larger resorts like Stowe, Sugarbush, Killington, Stratton, and Jay Peak.Rachel emphasizes that Vermont outdoor experiences don't require expensive gear investments, highlighting rental options at local ski shops, free snowshoe rentals at public libraries, and the importance of wool base layers for winter activities. She recommends toddler-friendly hikes like Mill River State Park in Jericho and discusses creative Vermont initiatives like story hikes and story skis that combine outdoor activity with children's literature. The episode also explores the delicate balance Rachel maintains as a content creator—promoting Vermont tourism while protecting fragile ecosystems and respecting local communities.Keep Vermont Wild:Instagram: @keepvermontwildTikTok: @keepvermontwildWebsite: keepvermontwild.comSeasonal guides available for purchase (downloadable PDFs and hard copies)Key QuotesOn Keep Vermont Wild's Mission: "Vermont wasn't meant to be enjoyed indoors. I really do not believe that. I truly, honestly believe it was meant to be enjoyed outside."On Accessibility: "I really just want to eliminParticipating destinations include: 🏔️ Steamboat 🏔️ Winter Park Resort 🏔️ Arapahoe Basin 🏔️ Palisades Tahoe 🏔️ Mammoth Mountain 🏔️ Big Bear Mountain Resort 🏔️ Snow Valley Mountain Resort 🏔️ Stratton Mountain Resort 🏔️ Sugarbush Resort 🏔️ Snowshoe Mountain Resort 🏔️ Crystal Mountain 🏔️ Schweitzer Mountain Resort 🏔️ Deer Valley Resort 🏔️ Solitude Mountain Resort 🏔️ Tremblant Resort 🏔️ Blue Mountain Resort Shop the Diamant Weekend Warrior Bag 2.0 at www.diamantskiing.com and use code SKIMOMS to save 10%Invest in your season with this TSA Approved carry-on boot bag, it's a game changer and built to last. SHOP HEREUse Code SKIMOMS for 15% off all labels. Code is not valid on sale items or stamps. Other restrictions may apply. Support the showKeep up with the Latest from the Ski Moms!Website: www.theskimoms.coSki Moms Discount Page: https://www.theskimoms.co/discountsSki Moms Ski Rental HomesJoin the 13,000+ Ski Moms Facebook GroupInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theskimoms/ Send us an email and let us know what guests and topics you’d like to hear next! [email protected]@skimomsfun.com

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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