From the Ski for Light Bulletin - Spring 2003
by Vicki Post
In each issue of the Bulletin, we will turn the spotlight on one of our nine Regional Affiliates. These regional groups were established by people who were inspired to recreate their own SFL experiences in a more local and intimate setting. It is our hope that you will enjoy their stories, and that you will support them in their efforts. We begin our series in California, with the Sierra Regional Ski for Light!
Imagine yourself in California in Mid-March. You are high up in the Sierra mountains; the sun is shining; you are practically in shirt sleeves; and yes, you are skiing. This is often how it is during the three-day annual event with SRSFL. Skiing at around 7000 feet, you might opt to ski around loops near the lodge, descend down into a valley for a scrumptious lunch at the Cookhouse, or climb to the top of a ridge and feel the howling, blustery wind! For a change, you might decide to try snow shoes for an afternoon. It could be sunny one moment and snowing the next; and during your tour, the snow could change from rock-hard to fluffy to slush in no time. But whatever the conditions, you would hear a lot of laughter and good cheer!
Sierra Regional Ski for Light was founded by Betsy Rowell and a small group of friends, after they attended SFL International in 1992. In the spirit of SFL, Betsy wanted to share this experience, along with her own enthusiasm for cross-country skiing, with others. Betsy recalls that during that first year, only seven skiers applied, so the event was considered "unofficial." But the little regional has continued to grow and expand ever since. Most years, SRSFL averages about 25 skiers for its three-day event. For the last three years, the group has also been hosting three day-trips a year plus one day of on-the-snow guide training. SRSFL's three-day event draws many people from out of town and out of state. In fact, many skiers gather in Sacramento on Friday evening, and convoy up to the ski site on Saturday morning. Skiing is always held at the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Resort, chosen for the variety of skiing options, great soup and muffins and friendly staff. Participants in the Event then stay at the nearby Best Western Hotel. Saturday and Sunday dinners are catered by an excellent local company; Sunday and Monday breakfasts are continental and good. And yes, we ski on Monday! For the most part, this event is held during the second weekend of March. Transportation is arranged for day trips and for the event; this is one of the more challenging jobs for a smaller regional.
For many, including SRSFL's current president, Ken Scott, this regional offers an excellent and less intimidating introduction to cross-country skiing. "I figured I could handle three days," Scott says. "But it took about three years or so before I felt ready to do a whole week!" And for the more advanced skiers, you can find lots of challenging hills and possibilities for long tours. SRSFL is also developing its program for kids. This includes teaching visually-impaired children to ski, and training junior guides to ski with them. The junior guides are largely responsible for their own recruitment and fund-raising, and it is proving very successful.
For more details about this regional, you may check out their web site at: www.srsfl.org. You may also contact Betsy Rowell by Phone: (916) 362-5557 And from President Ken Scott: "Come give us a try!"