Ski Resort Snow Reporter’s Bold Critique of Trump Administration During VP Vance’s Visit
Subscribers eagerly awaiting the latest snow conditions from Sugarbush Resort received an unexpected surprise last Saturday. Lucy Welch, the snow reporter known for her informative updates since 2023, went beyond the usual “fresh pow” forecast. She took the opportunity to deliver a scathing critique of President Donald Trump’s administration, urging skiers to make their voices heard.
The message, which was prominently featured on Sugarbush’s website and sent out via email to subscribers, was not just a random act of defiance. Welch had a specific target in mind: Vice President JD Vance, who was visiting Sugarbush with his family over the weekend. While Vance enjoyed his time on the slopes, hundreds of protestors in the Mad River Valley made their voices heard, expressing their discontent with signs that read “Spineless fascists can’t ski.”
Welch, a 25-year-old with a penchant for speaking her mind, took a bold stance. She called out the administration for its inaction on climate change, mistreatment of LGBTQ+ individuals, and cuts to National Forest Service funding – a particularly sensitive issue given Sugarbush’s location within the Green Mountain National Forest.
Acknowledging the potential consequences of her actions, Welch stated, “I can only assume that I will be fired. But at least this will do even a smidge more than just shutting up and being a sheep.” Her parting words, “What a gift to be a Sugarbush snow reporter. I hope that everyone has a fantastic day, and power to the freakin people,” resonated with many.
While Welch declined to provide further comments when contacted by Seven Days, her message had already made its mark. Despite the post being removed within hours, screenshots circulated rapidly on social media platforms. Words of support flooded in, with some declaring their solidarity with Welch and praising her courage. Environmentalist Bill McKibben even hailed her as “a hero for the moment” on Substack.
The response wasn’t limited to social media. Reddit users shared stories of emailing the resort to commend Welch and request that she be retained. As speculation mounted over Welch’s future at Sugarbush, the resort remained silent, refusing to comment on the situation. However, one thing was undeniable – Welch’s bold stance had not gone unnoticed.
Expert Voices: The Impact of Lucy Welch’s Actions
Rachel Hellman, a seasoned journalist at Seven Days with a keen eye for Vermont’s local stories, highlighted the significance of Welch’s actions. As a recipient of the Report for America Local News Award in 2024, Hellman’s insights shed light on the broader implications of Welch’s bold critique. In a landscape where small-town narratives often go unnoticed, Welch’s message resonated far beyond Sugarbush Resort.
Community Response: Rallying Behind Welch
The outpouring of support for Welch from various quarters underscores the power of individual voices in sparking change. From social media declarations to personal emails sent to the resort, the community rallied behind Welch, recognizing her courage and conviction. As the fate of the Sugarbush snow reporter hangs in the balance, the groundswell of public support serves as a testament to the impact of speaking truth to power.
Rachel Hellman, a staff writer at Seven Days, has a unique perspective on Vermont’s local communities. Her award-winning work captures the essence of small-town life, shedding light on stories that often go untold. With a black cat named Momo who possesses a knack for opening the fridge, Hellman brings a touch of whimsy to her reporting, capturing the human side of every tale.
