Alumni Business Spotlight: Corrine Levinthal at J skis

Corrine Levinthal graduated from Champlain College with a degree in Computer Forensics and Digital Investigations. She runs the J skis and Ski The East Intergalactic Headquarters in Burlington, Vermont, a unique space that combines a ski shop, bar, and community gathering place for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts from around the world.

Twenty-five years ago, Corrine made what she thought would be a temporary decision and moved to Vermont. Growing up in Worcester, Massachusetts, skiing culture wasn’t part of her life. But when she discovered the sport in her early twenties, she immediately fell in love. The sport, the culture, everything about it consumed her in the best possible way. But even as she built a life in Vermont, indulged in her newfound hobby, and became a mother, something felt incomplete.

Corrine had attended college for a couple of years but had never earned a bachelor’s degree. Despite the new life she had built, she decided it was time to go back. After researching nearby schools and programs, Corrine decided upon Champlain. “I looked at a lot of the schools and what was available for the degree that I was primarily looking to get into. And Champlain just checked all the boxes. It was such a well-run program, with the instructors having hands-on knowledge,” she shared.

Corrine’s experience at Champlain massively influenced where she is today. “I honestly would not have gotten to this spot without going back to Champlain College and having that experience of being able to accomplish anything, because it really did teach me that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Once I graduated, once I had that degree, I just felt like the world was mine.”

Building a Community Space

Corrine’s husband, Jason Levinthal, had always been in the ski industry, creating and designing skis. After starting Line Skis, he wanted to venture out on his own again, launching J skis as a direct-to-consumer online business. Eventually, Corrine and Jason realized they wanted and needed something more. “We decided that it would be great to have a space to not only showcase the skis, but also to give back to the community and have this space where people can come and congregate and, you know, just talk about skiing and snowboarding,” said Corrine.

The Intergalactic Headquarters now includes a bar and entertainment, regularly hosts events, and shares the space with another local ski business, Ski The East. This partnership happened naturally, Corrine shared, “We were already really good friends with the owners of Ski The East when we opened. So when we got the building, it created an opportunity for a perfect collaboration, because everyone who comes here really loves Ski The East too.”

Vermont’s mountains attract skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. But until J skis and Ski The East Intergalactic Headquarters opened, there wasn’t really a place where everyone could gather, have fun, and immerse themselves in ski culture all in one space. Now, every week brings new faces, people who’ve never seen the space before and are thrilled to be there.