This week on View from the Top, Sky Barsch shares her incredible journey as a journalist, entrepreneur, and outdoor enthusiast. From her deep love of Vermont’s mountains to her pivotal role as publisher at VT Digger, Sky offers inspiring insights into her career, passion for community, and drive to make a difference.
Sky’s connection to Vermont runs deep. A Castleton State College (now Vermont State University) graduate, she knew the Green Mountain State was where she belonged the moment she set foot here. Her love for the outdoors—whether hiking, mountain biking, or simply soaking in the woods’ serenity—has shaped her life. For Sky, mountain biking isn’t just a sport; it’s a state of Zen, a flow state where the rest of the world melts away.
Her dedication to community is equally inspiring. As the publisher of VT Digger, a nonprofit newsroom with over 9,000 annual donors, Sky is leading the resurgence of local journalism. The organization, known for its independence and donor-supported model, focuses on delivering meaningful stories that resonate across Vermont without the pressure to chase clicks. With a young, passionate team of reporters embedded in the communities they cover, VT Digger brings an authentic, grassroots approach to news reporting.
Sky also speaks about overcoming challenges, including the devastating Vermont floods that affected her home and VT Digger’s offices. Despite these obstacles, she continues to focus on building a welcoming, barrier-free environment for Vermonters—whether it’s through impactful journalism or her cycling studio, Alpenglow, in Montpelier. At Alpenglow, Sky fosters a space where fitness is accessible and community thrives, all set to a soundtrack that features Sabrina Carpenter, Britney Spears, Queen, and more.
Tune in to View from the Top to hear how Sky balances her love for storytelling, fitness, and the Vermont way of life—all while leading with passion and purpose. Listen below to be inspired by Sky’s journey and her vision for Vermont’s future!
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