WAITSFIELD, Vt. – Waitsfield, a quaint town with a population of about 1,800, becomes a bustling hub during winter thanks to its proximity to renowned skiing destinations like Sugarbush and Mad River Glen. In this week’s segment of “Vermont’s Own,” host Cat Viglienzoni shines a spotlight on local Olympic skier Paula Moltzan and the community’s support for her athletic endeavors.
Moltzan, who has made a name for herself as a slalom star and initially skied for the University of Vermont, chose Waitsfield as her home after falling in love with the beauty of the Green Mountain State. “It kind of seemed like the perfect place for us to land,” she said, highlighting the town’s idyllic setting and the benefits of having the Green Mountain Valley School, a prestigious ski academy, just minutes away.
The sense of community in Waitsfield resonates deeply with Moltzan. “The community is the special part,” she noted. “People there — it’s just so small-town feeling still. So, people are friendly and smile and talk to you in the checkout line at the grocery store.”
As Moltzan prepares for her second Olympic Games, she is excited to represent her community. Lawson’s Finest Liquids, a local brewery, is hosting a watch party for her Giant Slalom competition on Sunday, creatively adjusting their menu to switch from pretzels to pancakes due to the time difference with Italy, where the Olympics are being held.
“Paula is a fixture in our community,” said brewery representative Putnam. They are planning to honor her with a special release of Paula’s World IPA, a limited brew available starting at 8 a.m. “This has been a really exciting chance to feature what we do best — which is making beer — and combine that with our excitement to support Paula in her pursuits.”
Putnam emphasized that their mission extends to highlighting local nonprofits and linking Waitsfield with surrounding towns. “We just really value our role as a community gatherer,” he stated. “We consider ourselves the third place — it’s not home, it’s not work, but it’s somewhere that feels comfortable and familiar.”
As she gears up to race against the world’s best, Moltzan feels fortunate to have her community cheering for her. “I wish I could be a fly on the wall instead of competing sometimes, but I think it will be really special to have all of the people that I love and the community and surrounding areas supporting me,” she remarked.
The watch party at Lawson’s Finest Liquids will commence at 7 a.m. on Sunday, coinciding with Moltzan’s early morning race. Additionally, the Warren and Waitsfield Fire Departments will host a “Gold Medal” pancake breakfast fundraiser that same morning. Moltzan’s race is set for 4 a.m., and she will also be competing in the slalom on February 22.
Next week’s episode of “Vermont’s Own” will feature a visit to Wallingford. Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts on local places, people, and events that reflect the spirit of their towns.