LORI FURRER

HEAD OF SCHOOL

MOUNT MANSFIELD ACADEMY

The Vermont Alpine Racing Association 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 the forming of 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.

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WENDY NEAL

HEAD OF SCHOOL

OKEMO MOUNTAIN SCHOOL

DIRECTOR OF RACING

OKEMO MOUNTAIN RACING

Wendy Neal, a true luminary in the world of ski racing and education, has left an indelible mark on both fields through her passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment. As we gather on October 28th at the Lake Morey Resort to induct her into the Hall of Fame, we will celebrate a lifetime dedicated to nurturing young athletes, fostering excellence, and shaping the future of ski racing.

Wendy began her lifelong pursuit of skiing and ski racing, hailing from Peabody, Massachusetts. As a youngster, she ski raced out of the Lynn Snowchasers Ski Club from Lynn, Mass., traveling as a weekend warrior to Cranmore Mountain. Along her journey, she secured her Vermont affiliation racing as a Killington Mountain competitor with the prestigious class of Vermont legendary alpine athletes such as Bob Cochran, Lindy, and Marilyn Cochran, Dia Elliman, Rick and Suzy Chafee. Many elite-level athletes were produced during her era of racing, and along with Wendy Neal they paved the way to help make VARA the powerhouse it is today. 

Wendy was a prominent contender as a member of the Can-AM team and a US JR National competitor. She was drawn to downhill racing and thrived on the varied terrain across the country. In 1970, Wendy began her collegiate career at Johnson State College. Competing on one of the best women’s teams in the East at the time, she and her squad experienced much success leading the East in results during her tenure. In 1971, Wendy was a member of Team USA for the International FIS U games in Lake Placid, NY. Upon graduating from Johnson State College in 1974 with a Physical Education degree, Wendy began a new role. She went from athlete to coach. 1974-1976, she was part of a coaching team at Pats Peak in NH that helped start the Pats Peak Academy. Here, she was the head J3/4 coach and worked with many youngsters who headed to Vermont programs and went on to prominence in the sport.

Wendy's legacy is built on a foundation of dedication and love for the sport. Her induction into the Johnson State College Hall of Fame in 1993 was a testament to her remarkable achievements and her profound impact at an early stage in her career. Her contributions to ski racing, education, and her community have inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.

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