Mount Ascutney rises 3,000 feet above the town of West Windsor, Vermont. For generations, the ski resort at its base was the community’s center of gravity—until warming winters and a vanishing snowpack drove the resort out of business in 2010. Without a steady stream of visitors, property values dipped, local businesses faltered, and longtime West Windsor residents feared their town’s identity as a hub for outdoor recreation could fade away.

So a group of locals united behind a wild idea to save their mountain: they’d buy it.

Watch the film to find out how Trust for Public Land helped the people of West Windsor bring their ambitious plan to life:


Feeling Inspired?

Join us in our mission to bring the profound benefits of the outdoors to millions of people across America.

 

TAKE ACTION
Urge Your Senators: Pass the Outdoors for All

One-third of Americans, including 28 million children, lack safe, easy access to a park within a 10-minute walk of home. Urge your senators to pass the Outdoors for All Act to create parks and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities before the congressional session ends!

Sign Now

Get More Stories Like These

Donate to become a member, and you’ll receive a subscription to Land&People magazine, our biannual publication featuring exclusive, inspiring stories about our work connecting everyone to the outdoors.

Donate & Subscribe