Snowbird & Wasatch Adaptive Sports Honor Veterans

Saturday December 10^th was blustery at the Bird but it didn’t faze local veterans and their families who turned out to receive the appreciation of the resort and Wasatch Adaptive Sports (WAS), along with free passes for a day’s turns.

This was the 10^th annual festive lighting of the three trees adjacent to the tram building on the plaza deck, and the crowd of 100 enjoyed hot chocolate along with a healthy blend of gratitude from a nation to its most deserving citizens.

Nancy Searle, long time Alta resident and benefactor of veterans and WAS, started Highly Decorated as a means to honor her veteran uncle through funding the evergreen decorations and lights. She, along with WAS executive director Elizabeth Kimball and Snowbird president Dave Fields, shared the stage and their thoughts, along with inspirational comments by local retired and combat wounded Command Sergeant Major Green Beret Scott Bollinger.

Perhaps most bravely though were Alta’s own high school band who played for the crowd without their sheet music because of the winds. Local musician Kaleb Austin performed his own music and a crowd accompanied rendition of America the Beautiful to light the trees. These will stay lit, as they do every year, for the entire ski season as a reminder of those who’ve served and those lost on behalf of all Americans.

If you’re a veteran (or know one) be sure to contact WAS for next year’s Highly Decorated for a free day of skiing and food. You can learn more about WAS and their incredible group of professional instructors and volunteers as they work to improve the lives and independence for veterans and civilians alike year-round here: https://wasatchadaptivesports.org/. Though you needn’t wait till then. Contact Elizabeth or the WAS staff to see what they offer all deserving individuals by way of winter and summer sports. And fun. And comradery.

And when you’re rushing to catch that next tram take a moment to stop and read the Highly Decorated plaques in front of the trees. You’ll be glad you did. Your correspondent guarantees that once you notice the trees, you’ll never not notice them again. Happy holidays from Canyon Blog and all of us at Canyon Services!