The Craftsbury Outdoor Center began in 1976 when Russell Spring and his family purchased the Cutler Academy campus and began remaking the facilities into lodging for guests and athletes. A Nordic trail network was cut on the land, with sculling and running camps founded shortly after, providing year round training and athletic opportunities in a beautiful natural setting.

After over thirty years of growth and guidance under the Springs, the Center began a new chapter in its life in November 2008 when Dick Dreissigacker and Judy Geer purchased the Center. Dick and Judy promptly reformed the company as a non-profit organization with a new mission

For more than 20 years, runners and triathletes of every level and all ages have come to Craftsbury for expert coaching, camaraderie, healthy food and an unmatched natural environment. Since being reorganized as a non-profit in the fall of 2008, the Center's mission has grown and it now works to:

• support and promote participation and excellence in lifelong sports with a special focus on rowing and Nordic skiing;


• use and teach sustainable practices; and


• protect and manage the surrounding land, lake and trails.