By Molly Triffin

From the best ski mountain in the East to the farm-to-table dining to the apres-ski scene around the WhistlePig Pavilion hearth, a trip to Spruce Peak is memorable no matter when you come. But several times a year, we host unique events that you won't want to miss.

One of these highlights is the Founder's Cup on January 22, commemorating the original members of the Club at Spruce Peak who were instrumental in supporting the construction of the Club and the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center.

The Founder's Cup kicks off with a race, where Club members zip down Competition Hill alongside famous skiers and riders, including Olympians and World Cup champions. Wrapping up the day is an A-list concert at the performing arts center. (We can't reveal who's coming yet, but past acts have included members of the Dave Matthews Band, O.A.R., and Extreme.)

"The Founder's Cup encapsulates what the Spruce Peak community is all about: shared family experiences, camaraderie on the slopes, and one-of-a-kind events that only happen in Stowe—there's a little bit of everything," says Sam Gaines, president of Spruce Peak. "But mostly, it's an opportunity to honor the legacy of the performing arts center founders, Club members who had the foresight to put arts at the heart of our community ethos."

We sat down with four of the incredible athletes that you'll see on the slopes this year.

Donna Weinbrecht

Weinbrecht is one of the most successful skiers to compete for the U.S. Ski Team. She's a three-time Olympian, and has 46 individual World Cup wins. In 2004, this New Jersey native was inducted into the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame.

My favorite memory of skiing at Stowe
Every year I kick off my season as celebrity ski host at the [charity fundraiser] "FCS Race for Kids," skiing around the mountain with sliders and bumpers both young and old. The first time I did the event, I was blown away by the generosity and love that both staff and attendees showed.

One great tip that improved my skills
As my first U.S. team coach, Park Smalley, would say, "If you can see it, you can ski it." Learning to visually project down the mogul run allowed me to anticipate and read challenging terrain by committing to and passing through it with more flow.

The best advice I've ever gotten
My dad told me, "Never forget who you are and where you came from." It gave me a sense of love, support, grounding, and gratitude

Something most people don't know about me
My freezer is filled with fish, which I caught this summer at the shore. Yup! I'm a fisherwoman.

Ross Powers

A world champion halfpipe snowboarder, Powers took home a gold and bronze medal in the Olympics and a double gold in the X Games, and is a two-time winner of the Burton U.S. Open. He's originally from Londonberry, Vermont, and now directs the snowboarding program at Stratton Mountain School.

My favorite memory of riding at Stowe
During a photo shoot with a group of East coast Burton riders, I remember riding powder in the woods and finding some fun natural jumps.

One great tip that improved my skills
Look ahead.

The best advice I've ever gotten
Give it your all so you have no regrets.

Something most people don't know about me
I'm a licensed real estate sales agent.

Nicholas Herrin

Born and raised in Seattle, Herrin is the CEO of the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI), and former ski and ride school director at Telluride Ski Resort. He also served as a member of the PSIA-AASI National Team, a group of elite-level ski and snowboard instructors who help develop and promote student-centered teaching tenets and education materials.

My favorite memory of riding at Stowe
t all started with an early load on the gondola, followed by a few perfect groomed runs and finishing up at the Lodge at Spruce Peak with a gorgeous view and the best breakfast sandwich and coffee ever…or maybe that was the mountain sending me good vibes.

One great tip that improved my skills
Look ahead.

The best advice I've ever gotten
Give it your all so you have no regrets.

Something most people don't know about me
I'm a licensed real estate sales agent.

Diann Roffe

Diann Roffe burst onto the scene in 1985 when she won gold in the giant slalom at the World Ski Championships. Over the next decade, the Rochester, New York, native racked up 36 World Cup top-10 finishes, and two Olympic medals. Roffe was inducted into the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame in 2003, and has since focused on coaching a new generation of Olympic hopefuls as director of the junior program at Burke Mountain Academy.

My favorite memory of riding at Stowe
I worked as Ambassador of skiing in the late 90s. I loved skiing the front four with clients all day long! These are iconic and special trails.

One great tip that improved my skills
Learning to attack the falline was a big part of my Olympic success. Understanding where the mountain terrain changes and [envisioning myself] flowing like water down the hill is powerful imagery.

The best advice I've ever gotten
Our U.S. Ski Team trainer John Atkins said, "racing and training is hard. Embrace the pain, do hard things better than anyone else, and understand that when muscles scream during workouts, your mind will still make them work if you tell them to."

Something most people don't know about me
Iamnot completely outgoing. I prefer quiet spaces and hate roller coasters.