So often at Make-A-Wish Vermont & Northeast New York, we plan wishes to go to exotic and tropical destinations. However, this time, Wish Kid Maddie of Connecticut wished to hit the slopes and experience the joy of skiing at Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont with her mom! 

 Before her adventure began, Maddie received a special package with all the essential snow gear to ensure she was slope-ready! While she packed her bags at home, the team at Stratton Mountain Resort was busy crafting an unforgettable experience for her and her mom. From the moment she arrived at Stratton, her Wish experience transformed into a whirlwind of excitement and snowy fun. Maddie's first day set the perfect tone—she was conveniently fitted for ski rentals right at her condo, then celebrated the start of her journey with dinner at Mulligans, nestled in the charming heart of Stratton Village. 

The next morning, Maddie met her ski instructor, Paloma, who would play a big role in her adventure. Her mom even shared “Maddie had a wonderful ski instructor, Paloma! She was the BEST!” That day, Maddie rode the chairlift and took to the slopes for her first lesson. Her smile said it all — she was loving every minute. 

By the second day, Maddie was ready for even more. She and her instructor made it all the way to the top of the mountain and skied down Mike’s Way, a long, scenic trail. It was a proud and unforgettable moment for Maddie. 

Another highlight was Maddie’s grooming ride: a cozy trip in a heated snowcat with Judy, their friendly driver. She took Maddie and her mom up and around the mountain on trails few people get to see, before dropping them off at the Stratton Mountain Club for a special dinner buffet at Timber Hall, where Chef Jason made out-of-this-world dinner bites! 

And the magic didn’t stop there. The Equinox Resort & Spa in Manchester wanted to make sure that Maddie experienced a true Après Ski Day by gifting her a moment to  relax and recharge at the spa. She was treated to a Vermont Glow facial and a pedicure with her mom, a soothing contrast to the snowy slopes. 

The last full day of Maddie’s wish experience aligned with Stratton’s incredible 24 Hours of Stratton event, a fundraiser for the Stratton Foundation. It added a special layer of excitement, with nighttime skiing under the lights and fireworks lighting up the sky. Maddie had the chance to watch it all unfold. 

Throughout the experience, Maddie picked up skiing like a natural and left Stratton with a big dream: to come back again one day with her whole family. 

As her mom summed it up beautifully: “Maddie’s smile was everything. We are both so appreciative for this experience.” 

Special thanks to Stratton Mountain Resort & Equinox Resort & Spa for making Maddie’s Wish come true!