Highlights, Reflections and Remembrances of the 2015 Ski for Light Event

As many of you will recall, when Ski for Light last visited Colorado in 2011, we experienced a week of frigid temperatures and held our race/rally in near blizzard conditions. Thankfully, the temperatures during this year's event were in the 30's and low 40's, and all readings were above zero. The very competent and very friendly staff at Snow Mountain Ranch accommodated all of our needs and the grooming of the trails was immaculate. The combination of solid tracks, abundant sunshine, beautiful surroundings, and enthusiastic participation from more than 250 members of the SFL family, helped to create a joyous celebration for our 40th anniversary.

As an all-volunteer organization, we rely on the commitment and dedication of many. This year we were led by event chair Cara Barnes. Over a period of 10 months, leading up to the International Week, Cara was constantly making necessary arrangements, solving problems, assisting and motivating other members of the planning team, and always leading by example. Thanks Cara and planning committee.

"The joy of skiing" was expressed through the energy and enthusiasm that filled the tracks on the Snow Mountain Ranch trails. Throughout the week, first time visually and mobility impaired participants and guides embraced the SFL philosophy and spirit. SFL veterans greeted one another with hellos and hugs and enthusiastically welcomed first timers into our community. Of course we also experienced plenty of joy off the snow through evening programs and many social activities. One of the highlights was a concert by special long-time friend Jim Salestrom. Jim debuted a new song written in honor of our 40th anniversary. You can listen to this song and view photos from the event by following links on our home page www.sfl.org.

There was one major disappointment. Due to the lack of accessible rooms at our event hotel, members of our mobility impaired group and their guides were housed at the YMCA of the Rockies. Cara and several very dedicated volunteers arranged for and provided special transportation that made it possible for the entire group to be together for dinner and evening programs. However, this was not an ideal arrangement and our leadership learned some important lessons from this experience. Special thanks to Marie Houston for facilitating our housing at the Y and to housing coordinator Nicole Haley for her assistance - and to all of the mobility impaired participants and their guides who accepted this situation.