The vision of VARA is to keep ski racing 1^st in Vermont and Vermont ski racers 1^st in the world.

To support VARA's Vision by creating programs that are athletically and educationally based, which will facilitate the development of Vermont skiers into world-class medalists and life long enthusiasts of the sport.

VARA is a 'not for profit' organization established in 1971 to promote and organize all levels of alpine ski racing in Vermont. The intention was to create a well defined and organized approach to junior ski racing thus creating a well defined route to the national team. VARA has been successful in achieving its original intent by consistently producing elite national and international ski racers and consistently placing competitors on the national team.

VARA is also involved with education, fund raising and sponsorship. To promote coaches education and parental awareness, VARA produces an educational seminar for coaches and parents in mid October. This seminar is the leading educational program in ski racing throughout Vermont, New England and the East.

VARA produces an annual calendar with Vermont skiers and VARA sponsors spotlighted throughout. The calendar includes VARA's rules and regulations, code of ethics and all races scheduled in Vermont. There are 1600 calendars printed and it is the official handbook of VARA.

Fund raising events, such as the VARA Ski Ball, The Legends Race and The VARA Olympic Challenge (a grassroots team event originally coordinated with the USOC) are vital responsibilities of VARA. The money raised through these programs is designated for athlete aid and development. Sponsor support is dedicated to bringing ski racing to the next level, through the coordination of top quality, spectacular events, support of junior racers and scholarships.

VARA works closely with local media including print, television and radio to promote and recognize Vermont athletes and encourages all VARA programs to do so as well. VARA has generated considerable publicity to fan the flame of Vermont's multi-million dollar industry by creating programs that put Vermont Ski Racers in the media's spotlight.

VARA has created the organizational structure and developmental programs necessary to preserve the present and future interests of Vermont participatory skiers and ski racers. The future of VARA is very promising and is striving towards 5 primary goals:

1. To have ski racing recognized as the number one sport in the state.
2. To develop ski racing as a healthy and constructive experience for Vermonters.
3. To produce National Team members, World Cup and Olympic medallists.
4. To create participatory grassroots programs to insure renewed interest and membership growth.
5. To provide development projects to insure the creation of elite ski racers and life long enthusiasts of the sport.