Class of 2025
Educator • Race Official • Ski Instructor • Founding Leader of the Snow Sports Museum of West Virginia
Monica Williams
Monica Williams has spent more than four decades growing the culture of skiing in West Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic, first as a participant and instructor, and later as a leader dedicated to preserving its history.
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Monica began skiing in 1984 at Massanutten Resort through a Learn to Ski program offered by Germanna Community College. What started as a recreational experience quickly became a lifelong passion. Working with program administrator Paul Volkman, she helped organize a Culpeper-based Learn to Ski program that grew from 40 Friday night participants to more than 175 skiers, making it the second-largest program hosted at Massanutten.
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A weekend trip to Snowshoe in 1986 marked her first experience skiing in West Virginia. By 1990, Monica had joined the Snowshoe
Ski School, deepening her involvement in the sport. She became a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America in 1992 and was recognized that same year as a Most Valuable Part-Time Instructor.
Racing, Leadership, and Professional Excellence
As her son became involved with the Snowshoe Junior Race Team, Monica was introduced to the world of competitive ski racing. In 1994, she and Kim shifted their focus to Canaan Valley, where they became officers of the Canaan Timberline Race Team.
Both earned their USSA officials licenses and played active roles in race events across the region. Monica stepped in wherever needed, including serving as the official pace setter for a Giant Slalom race on White Lightning. Their leadership helped secure the first SARA Championship, hosted jointly by Timberline and Canaan Valley, bringing 175 racers from J6 through J1 to compete across both mountains.
In 2005, Monica joined the Timberline Ski School, where she was consistently recognized among the top instructors in lessons taught. She earned her PSIA Level I and Level II certifications and became a Children’s Specialist Level I. In 2018, she became the first Children’s Specialist Level II in West Virginia. She was named Timberline Ski School Instructor of the Year in 2015.
Founding the Snow Sports Museum of West Virginia
After retiring from 42 years in the classroom, Monica and Kim moved full-time to Canaan Valley in 2017. The following year, they helped organize the Snow Sports Museum of West Virginia.
At the organizational meeting in March 2018, Monica was elected as the Museum’s first secretary, a role she continues to hold. She has worked every fundraising event, symposium, and recognition ceremony since the Museum’s founding.
At times, she was the only woman serving on the board.
From the earliest planning meetings through the establishment of a physical museum location, Monica has been deeply involved in building, sustaining, and growing the institution. Her steady administrative leadership and behind-the-scenes dedication have been essential to the Museum’s success.
Legacy
Monica Williams has contributed to snow sports in West Virginia as a skier, instructor, race official, leader, and preservationist. Her commitment spans more than 40 years and reflects both professional excellence and community service.
Her role in helping establish and sustain the Snow Sports Museum of West Virginia ensures that the history of the state’s ski industry will continue to be shared with future generations.
Inducted into the Snow Sports Museum of West Virginia Hall of Fame in recognition of her leadership, service, and lasting contribution to snow sports in the Mountain State.