As the busy summer season in the Mad River Valley comes into view, thousands of visitors will soon be arriving to hike our trails, enjoy the river, explore our villages, support our businesses, and experience everything that makes this place so special. And as our Valley continues to evolve as a four-season destination, one thing has become clearer than ever:
The Mad River Valley doesn’t just happen. It’s created by the people who call it home.
That’s why the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce is inviting community members of all ages and backgrounds to become part of something that is already proving to be both successful and deeply needed: the growing MRV Ambassador Program at the Mad River Valley Welcome Center (on the corner of Routes 100 and 17).
Located at the heart of the new MRV Recreation Hub, the Welcome Center has become a first stop for visitors looking for local recommendations, trail information, insider tips, and a genuine connection to our community. And the people who make that experience special? Our ambassadors.
Whether you’ve lived here for forty years or forty days, you have something valuable to share. As an MRV Ambassador, you’ll welcome visitors, answer questions, share your favorite local spots, and help people experience The Valley the way locals know it best. Maybe that’s your go-to breakfast spot, a favorite swimming hole, the perfect gravel ride, or the trail that never disappoints.
And volunteering couldn’t be easier. Ambassadors can commit to as little as two hours a week, with flexible scheduling designed to fit busy lives.
The Welcome Center offers good Wi-Fi, comfortable workspace, free coffee, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere—making it a great option whether you’re looking to get out of the house, meet new people, or simply spend a little time giving back.
Our current ambassadors come from every corner of the community:
- Remote workers looking for a change of scenery.
- Retirees eager to stay connected and involved.
- Students completing service hours.
- Business owners wanting to connect with visitors.
- Members of local nonprofits groups.
And the best part? No experience is necessary. We’ll provide all the training and support you need.
What we’re really building is more than a volunteer roster. We’re building community ownership of one of the Valley’s most visible and important visitor resources.
We’re creating a place where locals connect with locals, visitors feel genuinely welcomed, and the unique spirit of the Mad River Valley comes alive through real human connection.
With summer arriving fast, we’d love to continue growing this incredible team. If you’ve been looking for a fun, meaningful, and flexible way to give back, this might be your moment.
Join the team. Take a shift. Help welcome the world to the Mad River Valley. To learn more, contact
Friedman is the executive director of The Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce
