Killington Resort’s ambassadors: honoring the volunteers that help keep the mountain safe

By Katy Savage

If you see someone in a bright green jacket at Killington Resort, you’re likely looking at one of the resort’s ambassadors. This dedicated volunteer group is there to solve problems, reunite lost children with their parents, help people who are injured, and answer questions. 

They are a group of about 200 people, all of which work at least 22 days a season, with some working as many as 40 days a season. The ambassadors are there 45 minutes before the lifts open to attend a morning meeting. Their day starts by greeting guests inside lodges and parking lots. They answer questions and help direct people. 

“Sometimes they answer questions about the area, like the best place to grab a burger,” said Ambassador Program Manager Pete Duffy.

Each ambassador is assigned a section of the mountain to ski for the day.

“They are the eyes and ears of the ski patrol,” Duffy said. “They may come across or hear about an injury on the mountain. They report it and stay with the person to keep them safe until ski patrol arrives.”

On most days, there are 22 to 24 ambassadors on duty, but that number jumps to 50 or 60 on Saturdays. Their day doesn’t end until 5 p.m.

“It can be exhausting but very, very rewarding,” Duffy said.

While many mountains have ambassador programs—some of which are paid, some are volunteer—Killington’s is unique in its size.

“We have one of the largest, if not the largest program in the U.S., if not the world,” Duffy said.

The ambassadors also tend to stick around for years.

“I have very little attrition,” Duffy said. “The longest tenured person has been here for 38 years. Once people get into it, they absolutely love it, and it’s hard for them to leave.”

Duffy speaks from experience—he began as a volunteer himself before eventually running the program, a role he’s held for 18 years. He joined after moving from Boston to Rutland and was eager to meet new people and get back into skiing.

“I had fallen out of the sport and wasn’t skiing as much as I wanted,” he said.

Back then, the program was led by John Puchalski, better known as “Grizzly” or “Grizz,” who took Duffy under his wing.

Though ambassadors aren’t paid, one is honored each year with the title of Ambassador of the Year, chosen by their peers. Nominations are narrowed down to four or five finalists, with the winner announced at Killington’s annual meeting in October.

The award was first given in 2012, with Joe Schorle, who started volunteering 22 years ago, being the inaugural recipient. 

Schorle became an ambassador after he retired from working as a director of technology in New Jersey. Now 76, he remains an active ambassador.

“You help out, and it gives you a good feeling at the end of the day,” Schorle said. “It’s fulfilling. I enjoy the program, dealing with people, and solving problems. It gives you a sense of accomplishment.”

Christine Vogt, a financial advisor, became an ambassador in 2011 and was named Ambassador of the Year in 2020. She’s volunteered 17 days so far this season.

“At the time, I had transitioned to a new job and found I had more free time on weekends,” Vogt said. “I wanted to get involved with the community and spend time outdoors. Being an ambassador at Killington, where I could share my love for skiing and Vermont’s mountains, seemed like a perfect fit.”

She remains enthusiastic about the program. “What’s kept me involved is the people,” she said. “I’m grateful to be part of such a special group where we all share a passion for winter sports and a common goal of making a positive impact.”

Another ambassador, Jeff Bruell, joined in 2017 and was last year’s Ambassador of the Year.

“I was humbled to be chosen by my peers,” Bruell said. “I feel a responsibility every time I put on the uniform to represent the entire team and resort in the best possible way.”

The Ambassador of the Year award is presented at the resort’s annual October meeting, with most of Killington’s leadership team in attendance. Duffy said interest in the program remains high, and those interested in joining can contact him at [email protected].