Supporting your community on cold, winter nights is not usually something you want to spend your evening doing. The annual AVSC Nordic Bonfire Dinner was held on Saturday, February 6 at the Aspen Golf Course, and it changed my mind about volunteering. In fact, despite the frosted air, I wanted the night to last forever. This enchanted evening was enjoyed and shared by the community, people of all ages and abilities were guided by starlight and candles to different stations filled with drinks, meals and desserts. Lanterns sparkled from trees, bundled up families gathered around the bonfires,  and cider was passed through new friends’ hands. No one left this ski without a grin and rosy cheeks.

For me, this event is always my favorite to share with my friends, family and community, not only because of the cozy environment. As an AVSC Nordic racer and student at AHS, it’s great to see my peers appreciating Nordic skiing and supporting our team. The general love for cross-country skiing and the Aspen Ski Club in general increased in just a few hours. So many people were interested in my race results and my season; I had never felt that much support before. Strangers shook my hand and told me congratulations, jokingly asking for my signature.  It was also an amazing opportunity to celebrate cross-country because of our Aspen-born skiers currently competing in the World Cup and States coming up.

My teammates, coaches and parents volunteered around the trails, setting up the event and serving food and beverages.

“I love being here to help, even though it can get cold and dark very quickly. It is nice to know you can have fun while supporting your program,” student-athlete Ella Beck said. We socialized with people of all ages and had a blast just helping in general.  A unique atmosphere was created that warmed everyone’s hearts, despite the frigid air and so meaningful for me and our program. Though usually volunteer opportunities are dreaded, I will continue to look forward to this one forever. Events like these are so important for families, students and Aspenites to attend in order for our community, not just a single team, to be acknowledged and appreciated.