Gunstock hosts free day of skiing, riding for military and veterans

The Lakes Region Veterans Coalition and Gunstock Mountain Resort partnered to offer a free day of skiing and riding for active military personnel and veterans at Gunstock on Monday, March 18. The event included lift passes, free equipment rental and skiing or snowboarding instruction for participants who have never skied or ridden before or needed a refresher. It also included a free lunch at the new Barrel Bar & Grille at Gunstock.

Twenty-five active military personnel and veterans from all over New Hampshire participated along with several volunteer ski instructors and members of the LRVC board of directors. Everyone had a chance to socialize during lunch and afterwards skied or rode together in groups based on ability level. The participants were unanimous in saying that it was a great day and that they enjoyed connecting with other Veterans.

Kurt Webber, the president of the Board of Directors for the LRVC, said, “the LRVC can’t thank the Gunstock Mountain Resort enough for its generosity in offering the free lift tickets and rental equipment and for the hospitality the Gunstock staff showed toward everyone who attended”. Webber went on to say that “research has shown that events that bring Veterans together like this can reduce feelings of isolation and help prevent suicide.”

The LRVC is comprised of local veterans and community leaders working together to educate Veterans, their families, other citizens, and organizations that might deal with people in crisis on what can be done to reduce suicide in our communities, particularly among Veterans. Learn more about the LRVC at

lrvcnh.org.