Chris Del Sole was an amazing son, husband, father, and coach. He lived every day with with passion, purpose, and an unyielding love for nature and the outdoors. One quote that resonated with him, "into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul". Chris always reminded everyone around him how important outdoor adventures are for our health and happiness.

 

From a young age, Chris found solace and joy in nature—whether it was carving down snowy slopes, biking along rugged trails, or simply breathing in fresh mountain air. These experiences were more than just hobbies for Chris; they were his way of life, a way to connect with something larger than himself, to maintain his mental and physical health, and to find happiness in life, every day. 

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​As a teenager in 1998, Chris began teaching ski school at Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow, Vermont. His innate athletic ability, paired with a patient, perceptive attitude made him a natural coach. What started as a teenage job for spending money, grew into a lifelong passion. Witnessing the excitement and camaraderie developed on the slopes, Chris never stopped coaching ski school. Long after he had started his career and "real job", he continued to show up on weekends coaching this year’s “groms” (an affectionate term for those pint sized kids ripping down the mountain). He earned his PSIA certification for ski instructing, and AASI certification for snowboard instruction. Not content merely teaching his class how to get down the mountain in one piece, Chris enthusiastically transitioned to Okemo's seasonal “Amplitude” coaching program after fifteen years of instructing the children's program. Amplitude focused on elevating young skiers by taking advantage of all the mountain has to offer: bumps, jumps, rails and tree runs. His Amp-experience culminated with pride in 2020, when his oldest son matriculated into the program and Chris became his coach!

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Chris was not content enjoying these activities alone. He met his wife Meghan (O'Toole) Del Sole through their shared passion of the outdoors and adventurous activities. He knew the impact these experiences had on his life and family, and dreamed of sharing the transformative power of the outdoors with children who might never have the chance to experience it. Chris believed every child deserved the opportunity to learn to ride a bike, experience the exhilaration of biking in the woods, the thrill of making sweeping turns down a snowy mountain, or to experience the peace of a quiet hike through the woods; to connect with ones self and nature. Chris knew first hand that these experiences delivered incredible, life changing benefits to both physical and mental health. Outdoor experiences offer kids not just fun, but also a sense of confidence, freedom, and connection to the world around them, sparking their passion, helping uncover their potential, and positively impacting the trajectory of their lives. 

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In July of 2022, Chris took another coaching step and earned his PMBIA (Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Certification), adding to his long-standing PSIA and AASI credentials. This was a significant step toward building on his dream of providing access to youth programs for all. His vision was clear: to create opportunities for children that would provide free, accessible experiences to engage with the outdoors, take the adventure, and #getoffthecouch! Regardless of financial means or physical abilities.

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Chris began laying the groundwork for this vision in his own community by introducing the Learn to Ride (bike) program at the local elementary schools in his district. The program was approved by the Board of Education, and this first step of his vision began to take shape. Unfortunately, just as the momentum was building, Chris was diagnosed with cancer in October of 2022. Despite his fierce determination and the support of his loved ones, Chris passed away on December 9, 2022 shortly after his diagnosis. He leaves behind his young, active, and adventurous family that includes his children Matthew, Lucas, and Natalie along with a legacy of love, adventure, and unfinished dreams.

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In the wake of his passing Meghan teamed up with close family and friends, founding the Get Off the Couch Foundation. The Foundation is dedicated to bringing Chris’s dreams to life, ensuring that all children have the chance to experience the outdoors. The Get Off the Couch Foundation is more than just a tribute to Chris’s life; it’s a continuation of his work, a living embodiment of his belief that every child deserves the chance to explore, discover, and grow through outdoor activities. To always be encouraged to #getoffthecouch.

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Through the Get Off the Couch Foundation, Chris’s legacy lives on, inspiring us all to embrace life, get off the couch, and make the most of every day. His dream of access to the outdoors for all children is now becoming a reality, and his spirit continues to guide and inspire everyone involved in this important work.