FROM THE STAGE TO THE SUMMIT
YOUR GIFT KEEPS THE TRAILS GROOMED AND THE COMMUNITY CONNECTED!​

DONATE NOW!

For generations, Mt. Ashwabay has been a place where friends and families come together to ski, ride, hike, and explore — a year-round hub for outdoor adventure and community connection overlooking Lake Superior.

Your gift keeps the lifts turning, the trails groomed, and the programs thriving. It supports youth lessons, volunteer efforts, and the shared joy that makes Mt. Ashwabay such a special place for all who call the Northwoods home.

​When you give, you’re part of something larger — a year-round alliance of recreation, culture, and community that reaches from the summit to the stage.

​MAKE A GIFT

Your gift keeps the trails groomed, the lifts turning, and the adventure alive at Mt.Ashwabay

Your donation keeps the trails groomed, the lifts running, and the adventures alive. Every dollar you give supports the volunteers, equipment, and programs that make Mt. Ashwabay a place for everyone to ski, ride, hike, and connect year-round.

DONATE NOW!

To make a gift through a qualified charitable distribution, donor-advised fund, or stock transfer, please contact Director of Advancement, Jackie Moore, at 715-779-1101 for more information.

JOIN THE STAGE TO SUMMIT COMMUNITY OF STARS!

Help sustain the music, the mountain, and the magic that define our region
The Stage to Summit Community of Stars brings together those whose generosity sustains the Ashwabay Alliance — the nonprofit home of Big Top Chautauqua, Mt. Ashwabay, StageNorth, and The Backstage.
From summer nights under the Big Top to crisp mornings on the ski trails, every experience shines a little brighter because of you.
Your annual gift supports everything we do — live music, local theatre, trail maintenance, youth programs, and community connection. Every contribution helps keep the stage lights bright, the trails groomed, and the spirit of the Bay alive.

​GIVING LEVELS
Each giving level recognizes the total annual support you provide across all Ashwabay Alliance venues — whether through donations, event sponsorships, or recurring monthly gifts as a Stage to Summit Sustainer.
Listing of giving levels, invitations, and perk credits. 

$500 TWINKLE
5 Day early access to ticket sales, Listing in donor reignition areas, invitation to virtual organizational updates - 1 Credit

$1,000 RISING STAR
All benefits of Twinkle plus: one-week early access to ticket sales and invitation donor receptions. - 2 Credits

$2,500 SHINING STAR
All benefits of Rising Star, plus: Priority Seating at StageNorth and Backstage Ticketed events. - 3 Credits

$5,000 SHOOTING STAR
All benefits of Shining Star, plus:VIP Parking at Big Top Chautauqua Events. - 4 Credits

$10,000 GUIDING STAR
All benefits of Shooting Star, plus: Invitation to exclusive virtual donor round table with Alliance Board. One annually. - 6 Credits
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$25,000 SUPERNOVA
All benefits of Guiding Star, plus: Pick: 1 General Admissions Season Pass to Big Top Chautauqua - Admits 2 or 1 All Mountain Season Pass for 2.
 
Gifts to any program of the Ashwabay Alliance are fully tax-deductible to the extent of the law. Contact Jackie at Ashwabay Alliance to learn more about making gifts of securities or from an advised fund: [email protected] or 715-779-1101.

PICK YOUR PERKS!
Anyone who gives $500 or more—through sponsorships or general donations—qualifies for the Pick-Your-Perks program. The more you give, the more credits you receive to redeem for the experiences and benefits that matter most to you. 

Choose from lift tickets or lawn passes, premium seating, exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, and sound-check opportunities (as available), and other ways to enjoy the trails, the tent, and the community you help sustain.

This flexible menu is our way of saying thank you—and giving you the chance to shape your own adventure. All benefits are subject to change and adjustment. Contact Jackie at 715-779-1101 or [email protected] for more information. 


​AVAILABLE PERKS - PICK ONE PERK PER CREDIT
$500+ - 1 Credit
2 Tickets to BCO Show any time of year, 2 Individual Alpine or Nordic Day Passes, 2 Drink Vouchers (good at all venues), 1 Family All Mountain Day Pass.

$1,000+ - 2 Credits
2 Tickets to BCO Show anytime of year, 2 Individual Alpine or Nordic Day Passes, 2 Drink Vouchers (good at all venues), 1 Family All Mountain Day Pass, 2 Lawn Passes to any Summer 2026 Big Top Show (as available).

$2,500+ - 3 Credits
2 Tickets to BCO Show any time of year, 2 Individual Alpine or Nordic Day Passes, 2 Drink Vouchers (good at all venues), 1 Family All Mountain Day Pass, 2 Lawn Passes to any Summer 2026 Big Top Show (as available), VIP Parking at 1 Big Top Show. 

$5,000+ - 4 Credits
2 Tickets to BCO Show anytime of year, 2 Individual Alpine or Nordic Day Passes, 2 Drink Vouchers (good at all venues), 1 Family All Mountain Day Pass, 2 Lawn Passes to any Summer 2026 Big Top Show (as available), 2 Tickets to Big Top, StageNorth, or Backstage ticketed event.

​$7,500+ - 5 Credits
2 Tickets to BCO Show anytime of year, 2 Individual Alpine or Nordic Day Passes, 2 Drink Vouchers (good at all venues), 1 Family All Mountain Day Pass, 2 Lawn Passes to any Summer 2026 Big Top Show (as available), 2 Tickets to Big Top, StageNorth, or Backstage ticketed event. Invitation to exclusive access tour hosted by Ashwabay Alliance Staff.

$10,000+ - 6 Credits
2 Tickets to BCO Show, 2 Individual Alpine or Nordic Day Passes, 2 Drink Vouchers (good at all venues), 1 Family All Mountain Day Pass, 2 Lawn Passes to any Summer 2026 Big Top Show (as available), 2 Tickets to Big Top, StageNorth, or Backstage ticketed event. Invitation to exclusive access tour hosted by Ashwabay Alliance Staff. Invitation for 4 to Sound Check and VIP seating at one Big Top performance. Spaces limited and only available at discretion of the artist.

$25,000+ - 7 Credits
2 Tickets to BCO Show, 2 Individual Alpine or Nordic Day Passes, 2 Drink Vouchers (good at all venues), 1 Family All Mountain Day Pass, 2 Lawn Passes to any Summer 2026 Big Top Show (as available), 2 Tickets to Big Top, StageNorth, or Backstage ticketed event. Invitation to exclusive access tour hosted by Ashwabay Alliance Staff. Invitation for 4 to Sound Check and VIP seating at one Big Top performance. Spaces limited and only available at discretion of the artist. Custom curated experience for you and your guests up to a party of 6.

$50,000+ - 8 Credits - All benefits of $25000 gift level plus: one more credit to use! 

HOW TO JOIN
You can join the Community of Stars in three ways:

1. Make a gift(s) of support of at least $500 in a fiscal year to any Ashwabay Alliance program, event, or fund. Ashwabay Alliance’s fiscal year is October - September. This includes general operational support, sponsorship support, contributions to Keepers Fund, or the Ed Olson Scholarship. 
   
   
2. Set up a Monthly Recurring Contribution as a Stage to Summit Sustainer that totals at least $500 a year. Benefits are available once the full dollar amount is received. 
   
   
3. Sponsor a show or event that brings your total giving to a recognition level. Learn more about sponsorships below under Sponsorship Opportunities. 

​Join the Stage to Summit Community of Stars today — and help keep the lights glowing under the Big Top, the trails open on the mountain, and the creative spirit of the Northwoods shining bright.

JOIN THE STARS

BLUE CANVAS CLUB

Where Music, Mountains, and Community Come Together!

The Blue Canvas Club is the heartbeat of the Ashwabay Alliance — a family of supporters who help keep our stages bright, our trails groomed, and our community thriving year-round.

The Alliance unites Mt. Ashwabay with Big Top Chautauqua, StageNorth, and The Backstage under one mission: to connect people through music, culture, and outdoor adventure.

You don’t have to do anything special to join the Blue Canvas Club — simply make a gift of $150 or more to Mt. Ashwabay, or any Ashwabay Alliance program or event sponsorship, and you’ll automatically become a member for the year.
Your generosity keeps our nonprofit strong and the experiences you love alive — from winter days on the hill to summer nights under the stars
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WHY IT MATTERS!

Blue Canvas Club members play a vital role in sustaining the programs, performances, and places that bring people together across the Bayfield Peninsula.
Every ski run, every show, and every shared moment happens because of your support.

MEMBERSHIP PERKS

As a Blue Canvas Club member, you’ll enjoy benefits designed to connect you with the community you help sustain:

🎟️ Early Ticket Access: Purchase Big Top Chautauqua tickets before the general public.
💸 Exclusive Discounts: Save on select shows and Alliance merchandise.
🌟 Special Previews: Be the first to hear lineup announcements and event news.
🛍️ Merchandise Discount: Enjoy 10% off select Big Top merchandise online and on-site.
💙 Community Connection: Support the nonprofit that keeps live music, outdoor recreation, and cultural experiences thriving in the Northwoods.

JOIN THE CLUB
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Be part of the community that keeps the mountain alive in winter and the music alive all summer.
A single act of generosity — a gift of $150 or more — automatically makes you a member of the Blue Canvas Club for the year.

JOIN TODAY!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!

Partner with Mt. Ashwabay to Keep the Trails Groomed and the Community Growing

Each season, Mt. Ashwabay brings people together through outdoor adventure, shared experiences, and community connection. From skiers and snowboarders to hikers and mountain bikers, thousands of visitors explore the mountain every year — and your sponsorship helps make it all possible.
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Sponsorship is your opportunity to support this mission while gaining meaningful visibility for your business or personal brand. As a sponsor, you help offset program and maintenance costs, support year-round recreation, and ensure that Ashwabay remains a welcoming space for all.

Whether you’re a business seeking creative marketing exposure or an individual passionate about the mountain, your sponsorship helps ensure that the trails stay open, the programs thrive, and the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts discovers the joy of the mountain.

Sponsorship OpportunitiesSupport Mt. Ashwabay while putting your name where the action happens! Each of these opportunities offers high-visibility recognition in the heart of our recreation area — seen by families, friends, and visitors all year long.

LEVEL	INVESTMENT	HIGHLIGHTS
TRAIL SIGN PLAQUE SPONSOR	$250/YEARLY	Leave your mark on the mountain with your name or logo on a trail sign plaque — a small but mighty way to be part of every adventure.
CHAIRLIFT SEAT BACK SPONSOR	$350/YEARLY	Put your logo where every rider will see it — on the back of a Mt. Ashwabay chairlift seat. High visibility and lasting exposure all season long.
NORDIC TRAILHEAD SIGN SPONSOR	$500/YEARLY	Guide every journey with your logo displayed at the Nordic trailhead base — seen year-round by skiers, snowshoers, hikers, and bikers.
ALPINE FENCING SPONSOR	$5,000/5-YEAR	Gain long-term, high-visibility recognition along alpine fencing all winter long. Every skier and snowboarder will see your support as they carve down the slopes.

To learn more about these sponsorship opportunities, contact Jackie Moore, Director of Advancement, at 715-779-1101 or [email protected].
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event sponsorship opportunities

Mt. Ashwabay hosts signature events that bring our community together — from races and challenges to family-friendly fundraisers. Event sponsorships include recognition in event promotions, signage, and on-site visibility, and help make these experiences possible for everyone.

EVENT	DESCRIPTION
SUMMIT NORDIC SKI RACE	A high-energy winter tradition that draws hundreds of Nordic skiers to compete on Mt. Ashwabay’s beautiful trails.
THUNDERBIRD WARRIOR CHALLENGE	A rugged trail run honoring veterans and outdoor adventure, winding through scenic Northwoods terrain.
EVENING UNDER THE TREES	A premier summer fundraising dinner and silent auction celebrating community, music, and the magic of the mountain
SLASHWABAY HAUNTED TRAILS	A family-friendly Halloween event that transforms the trails into a spooky, laughter-filled night of fun and fundraising.

To explore current sponsorship availability for these events, please contact Jackie Moore at 715-779-1101.

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WHY IT MATTERS
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​Sponsorships at Mt. Ashwabay sustain everything that makes this community mountain special — from volunteer-powered grooming to youth programs and trail maintenance. Every partnership keeps the spirit of outdoor adventure alive and ensures that this mountain remains a place for everyone, all year long.

BECOME A STAGE TO SUMMIT SUSTAINER!

Steady support that keeps our mountain thriving.

When you become a Stage to Summit Sustainer, you join a circle of supporters whose monthly gifts keep Mt. Ashwabay strong all year long.

From freshly groomed Nordic trails to summer hikes and mountain bike rides — and every volunteer hour and youth lesson in between — your recurring contribution provides the reliable foundation that keeps this community mountain alive and accessible to all.

Make a recurring gift directly to Mt. Ashwabay or any Ashwabay Alliance program. Your ongoing support sustains:

• Outdoor recreation that welcomes everyone to explore, play, and connect.
• Year-round operations that keep the lifts turning, the trails open, and the lights glowing at the chalet.
• Community events and programs that bring people together in every season.

Whether you give $10, $25, or $42 a month (the minimum to join the Stage to Summit Community of Stars), you’re helping ensure that the mountain we all cherish continues to thrive — from the base to the summit.
Benefits of Becoming a Sustainer

• Recognition as a Stage to Summit Sustaining Member.
• Early access to event announcements and special invitations.
• A single annual tax receipt for easy recordkeeping.
• The knowledge that your steady generosity keeps Mt. Ashwabay strong every month.

Join the Stage to Summit Sustainers!

Set up your monthly gift today and help keep the trails, the lifts, and the spirit of the mountain alive all year long.

BECOME A SUSTAINER

HERITAGE SOCIETY

A LEGACY OF LOVE FOR MT. ASHWABAY

For generations, Mt. Ashwabay has been a place where families gather, friends connect, and the community finds joy in every season. From the first snowfall to the last summer sunset, countless memories are made on these slopes and trails.

A legacy gift ensures that Mt. Ashwabay continues to inspire and connect people for generations to come — keeping the lifts turning, the trails groomed, and the mountain alive as a welcoming space for all who call the Northwoods home.

Your planned gift helps sustain the recreation programs, youth opportunities, and year-round operations that make Mt. Ashwabay such an important part of our community.

ABOUT THE HERITAGE SOCIETY

The Heritage Society recognizes those who have included Mt. Ashwabay or the Ashwabay Alliance in their estate or financial plans. By joining, you help secure the mountain’s future and ensure that our mission — to provide accessible, community-centered outdoor recreation — continues to thrive.

Legacy gifts can be made in many ways, including through a will, trust, beneficiary designation, or charitable gift annuity. You may choose to be publicly recognized as a member of the Heritage Society, or remain anonymous — knowing that your generosity will have a lasting impact on Mt. Ashwabay and the generations who will discover its trails, slopes, and beauty.

Your legacy keeps the trails open, the lifts turning, and the spirit of the mountain alive for years to come.

WAYS TO ESTABLISH A LEGACY GIFT

• Bequest: A gift to Mt. Ashwabay through your will or trust — the simplest and most common planned gift.
• Gift of Retirement Plan Assets: A gift from the assets of a retirement plan made at the time of death, often a highly tax-effective way to give.
• Charitable Remainder Trust: A trust that provides income to you or your beneficiaries for life or a set term, with the remainder supporting Mt. Ashwabay.
• Simple Estate Gift: A direct transfer from bank, financial, or brokerage accounts to Mt. Ashwabay upon death — avoiding income and estate taxes.
• Gift of Life Insurance: Name Mt. Ashwabay as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy to create a meaningful gift without altering your estate plan.

LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?

For more information about the Heritage Society and how to make a legacy gift to Mt. Ashwabay or any Ashwabay Alliance program, please contact Director of Advancement, Jackie Moore at 715-779-1101 or [email protected]

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ED OLSON MEMORIAL YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP

In honor of Ed Olson’s 35+ years of devotion to Mt. Ashwabay — through his leadership in ski patrol, the ski team, and his tireless commitment to community — the Ed Olson Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to carry forward his spirit of generosity and inclusion.

Your donation provides financial assistance to youth and families, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participation in Ashwabay Alliance programs. Scholarships support all youth programming, from ski and snowboard lessons at Mt. Ashwabay to music and arts programs like Bluegrass Camp and beyond.

Every gift helps create opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and experience the joy of the mountain and the magic of the arts — just as Ed would have wanted.

Your support keeps Ed’s legacy alive — helping every child find their place on the slopes, under the tent, and in our community.

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QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DONATION INFORMATION

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTIONS (QCDs)
If you make a gift or sponsorship through a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your IRA or from a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), IRS regulations require that the contribution provide no goods or services in return.

This means that if your QCD gift qualifies you for donor recognition or sponsorship benefits that have a fair market value (such as tickets, merchandise, or event access), those benefits must be waived — or the fair market value of those benefits must be paid separately with non-IRA funds.

Your generosity through a QCD still qualifies you for donor listing and recognition without tangible benefits.

For questions about making a Qualified Charitable Distribution to the Ashwabay Alliance or Mt. Ashwabay, please contact: Jackie Moore, Director of Advancement at 715-779-1101 or [email protected].
Mt. Ashwabay is operated by the Ashwabay Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located at 84810 State Highway 13, Bayfield, WI 54814. All gifts made to the Ashwabay Alliance in support of Mt. Ashwabay are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Our Tax ID Number: 39-1605392.

IMPACT AND STORIES

share your mt. ashwabay story

Everyone has a Mt. Ashwabay story — a first ski run, a bluebird day on the hill, a summer hike with friends, or a moment of connection that made you feel at home on the mountain. These stories are what make Mt. Ashwabay more than a recreation area; they make it a community.
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We’d love to hear yours. Share your story, photo, or memory and help us celebrate the people, places, and experiences that keep the spirit of Mt. Ashwabay alive all year long.

SHARE YOUR STORY

VOLUNTEER

​Mt. Ashwabay runs on community spirit — and we need yours! From chopping firewood and grooming trails to helping at events, every hour you give keeps the mountain thriving for everyone.

VOLUNTEER