2026 VARA Award Recipients

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VARA Hall of Fame

Patti Nichols

For more than three decades, Patti Nichols has been a constant and trusted presence in alpine ski racing in Vermont, the Eastern Region, and at the collegiate and highest levels of the sport. From her early years at Smugglers’ Notch to her many years at Mt. Mansfield Ski Club & Academy and recently at Burke Mtn Academy, Patti has served as a Chief of Timing, Race Administrator, Alpine Official, technical advisor, educator, policy contributor, and mentor.

Her expertise has touched virtually every level of racing, from youth development and Vermont State Championships to Eastern Cups, NorAms, NCAA Championships, and the Killington FIS Women's World Cup. She has been part of the team delivering some of the most important competitions in our region, including working alongside Thelma Hoessler at the Killington World Cup, where her knowledge, precision, and ability to solve problems under pressure have helped Vermont successfully host racing on an international stage. 


Patti's contribution goes far beyond the races she personally works. She crosses club lines and gives back to the entire racing community. When another club needs help with timing, race administration, a rules question, a system problem, or simply needs someone with the experience to figure something out, Patti steps up. She shares her knowledge, helps train and mentor officials, and regularly provides VARA Race Administrator updates and education so that others can become better at what they do.

At a time when many of the people who hold decades of institutional knowledge in ski racing are stepping away, Patti has continued to show up. She has remained a resource for Vermont and for the Eastern Region, helping fill the gaps, passing knowledge to the next generation, and making sure that the sport continues to function at every level.

Those who know Patti describe someone who doesn't believe in “can't.” Her response is more often, “Let me think about it and come up with a solution.” She pushes people to do their best, takes care of those around her, and gives credit to the team rather than seeking it for herself.

Patti has already been recognized with numerous honors throughout her career; her VARA Hall of Fame induction represents something larger: recognition of a lifetime of commitment and support for alpine ski racing and an extraordinary willingness to step up, again and again, for Vermont, for the East, and for the athletes and people who make this sport possible.

Vermont ski racing is stronger because Patti Nichols kept showing up.

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Rolf Gidlow VARA Development Coach of the Year

Lorant Gudasz

Mount Mansfield Academy

Lorant is the true definition of a development coach. His commitment goes far beyond technical skiing. As both a ski coach and strength and conditioning coach, he develops confident, resilient, and thoughtful young athletes by creating a culture built on trust, inclusion, accountability, and a love of the sport.

This season, Lorant’s MMA U16 athletes achieved outstanding results throughout Vermont, the East, and nationally, including two athletes selected to represent the U.S. at the prestigious Alpe Cimbra FIS Children’s Cup in Italy.



A member of the Mt. Mansfield program for more than 20 years, Lorant has helped develop athletes and coaches while building a culture of excellence. His leadership has contributed to MMA’s U.S. Ski & Snowboard Gold Certification and its recent recognition as both Alpine Club of the Year and Overall Club of the Year.

Lorant proudly gives back to Vermont and Eastern ski racing through coach mentorship, staff development, dryland and strength programming, continuing education, and his willingness to share his knowledge and international experience.

Lorant’s combination of athlete development, coaching excellence, leadership, and giving back makes him exceptionally deserving of the Rolf Gidlow Development Coach of the Year Award.

VARA JR Development Coach of the Year

Cheyenne Wood

Woodstock Ski Runners

Cheyenne Wood represents the heart of grassroots ski racing in Vermont. For more than a decade, he has given back to Woodstock Ski Runners in nearly every capacity, from parent and coach to board member, course setter, and most recently, Head of Youth Coaches.

Cheyenne's greatest gift is his genuine love of skiing and his ability to pass that enthusiasm on to young athletes. He has helped countless skiers develop from recreational participants into confident competitors, with many continuing on to ski academies and collegiate racing. As a longtime U12, U16, and high school coach, he has always made athletes feel valued for their effort, growth, and contribution, not simply their results.

As Cheyenne steps away from coaching, his peers felt strongly that his years of dedication deserved recognition. His impact is a wonderful reminder that Vermont ski racing is built not only by its largest programs, but by passionate coaches and volunteers in communities like Woodstock who make the sport accessible and meaningful for the next generation.

VARA is proud to recognize Cheyenne Wood as the 2026 VARA Junior Development Coach of the Year.

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VARA Volunteer of the Year

Carlo Huber 
Stratton Mtn School

Great ski racing does not happen by accident. Behind every successful race is a community of people willing to give their time, learn the job, and do whatever is needed to create a quality experience for athletes. Carlo Huber is an extraordinary example of the volunteers who make Vermont alpine racing possible. What began as a father watching his sons compete has grown into years of dedicated service on the Stratton Mountain School race crew.

Carlo has taken on virtually every role he can from working on course to serving as starter, start referee, referee, finish referee, assistant starter, and in timing and communications. He is even pursuing his Technical Delegate license, continually learning more about what it takes to run a quality race.

VARA is fortunate to have volunteers who understand that supporting ski racing means supporting the entire community. Carlo Huber represents that spirit through his time, his willingness to learn, and his genuine love of the sport.

While Carlo's volunteer work is primarily through SMS, his contribution has a very real impact on VARA and our mission. The events hosted and supported by volunteers like Carlo provide Vermont athletes with the opportunity to compete, develop, challenge themselves, and aspire to become some of the best ski racers in the nation and the world. Carlo’s contribution directly supports the quality of racing and athlete development that VARA stands for.



VARA is proud to recognize Carlo Huber as the 2026 VARA Volunteer of the Year.

The Merit Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee, VARA award recipients, and the 2027 VARA Team will be recognized at the VARA Reception.

VARA RECEPTION 
OCTOBER 24th

Killington - K-1 Lodge

4-6 pm

Please join the VARA community in celebrating our deserving award recipients.

Register for the VARA Reception today.

REGISTER

Killington lodging discounts and details, please click here.