A 23 Lori Furrer

LORI FURRER 

2023 VARA Hall Of Fame

 

Vermont Alpine Racing Association (VARA) will honor Lori Furrer with one of its most prestigious recognitions, induction into the VARA Hall of Fame. This well-deserved accolade celebrates a lifetime of dedication to both the sport of skiing and the field of education.

Lori Furrer's journey to the VARA Hall of Fame is marked by her deep-rooted commitment to the community, a passion for skiing, and her tireless efforts in shaping the future of Vermont's youth.

Lori was instrumental in forming the Mount Mansfield Academy (MMA) and has been the head of the school since its inception in 1993. Her long relationship with skiing and ski racing began at Mount Mansfield as a head coach for young children in the 80s and again in the early 90s. Lori was part of the original staff as a coach with Swiss Challenge, an international skiing experience for middle school and high school kids. This camp took participants to Zermatt, Switzerland, and in addition to skiing, there were various other educational activities. While on a group hike, she met her husband, Josie.

Lori’s tenure at Mount Mansfield Academy spans nearly three decades, during which she transformed the academy into a thriving institution. MMA initially focused on winter-term education, has evolved under Lori's leadership. It now offers a full-year program with winter term options. The academy's mission is to nurture well-rounded students who are also elite skiers, providing them with an exceptional education while pursuing their athletic dreams. Lori has led and mentored many staff through the growth of the program and the expansion of the campus. With her guidance, planning, and execution, the school has added a new building with an elite-level gym, better serving the needs of aspiring young athletes. Always with the student-athletes in mind, Lori is and has been focused on providing the best environment for students and staff.

Beyond her professional achievements, Lori has displayed an unwavering commitment to her community. In 2015, she volunteered for the Foster Care system in Lamoille County, serving as a Guardian Ad Litem while also pursuing her master's in counseling. In this role, she provided an unbiased voice for children in the foster care system, advocating for their best interests. In the same year, Lori's dedication to volunteer work was recognized by VARA when she received the Volunteer of the Year award. This honor reflected her exceptional contributions to the Vermont skiing community. She served as the chair of the VARA scholarship committee for an impressive 13 years. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in expanding the criteria for merit scholarships and ensuring that the legacies of those the scholarships were named after continued to thrive. She also has served as a long-time member of the VARA Board of Directors, where she contributed to guiding the association and facilitating its growth, all while fulfilling her role as the headmaster at MMA. Lori is a returning member of the VARA board and has reignited her passion for the scholarship committee.

Lori's thirst for knowledge and compassion led her to complete a master’s degree in counseling from Johnson State College, enhancing her qualifications and enabling her to make an even greater impact in her roles as an educator and mentor. Johnson State College is also where Lori completed her undergraduate degree in Allied Health Science and Sports Medicine, and she spent some time guiding athletes through their post-injury rehabilitation.

In 1994 she was inducted into the Johnson State College Hall of Fame. In 2007 Johnson State again recognized Lori with the honor of Outstanding Alumnae, presented by the president to alumni who best exemplify and apply Johnson values and ideals in their careers and personal lives, have made significant contributions to their communities, and are an inspiration to current students.

Lori Furrer firmly believes that success is not achieved alone. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with amazing people, and her journey exemplifies this philosophy from the inception of MMA to the diverse and elite staff she has accrued while head of school.

What truly sets Lori apart is her unwavering dedication, commitment, and love for the sport of skiing and the youth she is able to impact. Her humanitarian spirit and keen understanding of people's needs have profoundly impacted all she has worked with, whether staff or athletes.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to skiing, education, and volunteerism, Lori will receive the well-deserved honor of induction into the VARA Hall of Fame. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of skiers and educators in Vermont and beyond, reminding us of the enduring power of dedication and community spirit. Lori Furrer's life and achievements are a testament to the transformative impact that one individual can have on a community and a sport they hold dear.

Lori and her husband, Josie, reside on an 87-acre sheep farm in Wolcott, Vermont. Her love for the sport and its vibrant skiing culture have been a driving force in her life. Together, they have raised two sons, Kelby and Cameron. Each pursued athletic and academic endeavors at Sierra Nevada College and Saint Michael’s College.