For 2011, the FRP met its goal and raised over $5,000 to cover the expenses associated to the grooming of the 5.3 mile Stowe Rec Path for the season. The revenues, donations and all other contributions raised from the Stowe Tour de Snow directly benefitted this goal and helped cover expenses related to the running of the event.

On Town meeting day in March 2011, the allocation for purchase of a snowmobile, groomer and budgeted labor for grooming passed with the approval of the Town Operating Budget in Article 1. We are delighted to see how the derived benefits from the winter use of the Stowe Recreation Path led to the Town of Stowe incorporating this new item into the budget.  The Friends of Rec Path look forward to organizing more community events this upcoming season including progressive dinners on the Rec Path, cross country ski clinics, and of course, the Stowe Tour de Snow.

For 2012, the fundraising goal is $10,000.  The FRP will provide ski racks along the Rec Path, a port-o-let, and other worthy enhancements to enhance your winter experience on the rec Path.  Furthermore, the group has turned its attention at creating a new program which we believe will benefit the greater community, now and in the future.  FRP is in the process of purchasing 30 pairs of skis, and 45 pairs of boots and poles which will be turned to the Stowe schools. 

S.K.I.S. (Skiing Kids in Schools) will be launched on January 3, 2012 for Stowe Elementary School students grades 3-5 and Stowe Middle School students grades 6-7-8.  For four consecutive weeks, local and area students will cross country ski as part of the regular Physical Education Program.  Furthermore, the equipment will also be available on Mondays in the course of an after school program at Stowe Recreation, for the February school break, for use in the Stowe Tour de Snow and for the Stowe Derby. We are also presently talking with the Pediatric Outreach Program (POP) about the possibility of having the children use the gear and incorporate participating in local events such as the Stowe Tour de Snow and the Stowe Derby as part of their program.  Please contact us if you can help volunteer for this effort.

FRP hopes to have the equipment available to as many community members as possible and see increased level of winter use of the Stowe Rec Path.  We hope the community will support this effort and recognize the potential health and educational benefits of this new program.