Highlights, Reflections and Remembrances of the 2023 Ski for Light Event

2023, A Magical Year for Ski For Light

As I write this, I am looking out at an 18 inch snowpack with a bright sun eagerly trying to melt it, but more snow is in the forecast. We definitely have an extended ski season in the Northwoods of Wisconsin this year. Looking out at the snow brings back magical memories of Ski for Light International Week 2023, and many of you have expressed how delighted you were to be back together. To me, the magic was how the three years without an event seemed to melt away as the Ski for Light family came together again! Mother Nature provided the main ingredient for a great week— SNOW! The snow and the weather were fantastic for getting out to enjoy gliding on the trails. Thanks to the great grooming by the staff at Snow Mountain Ranch, the tracks were awesome. Other than some of the area moose trying to take over the trails, everyone was enjoying a great week Skiing, Sharing and Learning.

After having a blast on the trails, many of you took in the great line up of Special Interest Sessions: The amount of talent out there in the Ski for Light family is absolutely fascinating, matched only by the degree of passion that came through as those talents and stories were shared. From the accomplishments on far away trails, to trips taken and the interesting hobbies many are involved in. After the afternoon activities, gathering for a sing-along, reuniting at the Skiing Moose Bar, and shopping for souvenirs, Norwegian chocolate, or other essentials at the Sales Room were high on the list of things to do.

Following a tasty dinner, the variety of evening entertainment was always a highlight: It Included dancing the night away, figuring out who did it, laughing and singing along with the Cowboy Poets and listening to the inspirational music of Nordic Daughter. The Silent Auction was a huge success as bidding wars for the donated items raised a lot of funds for Ski for Light! Thank you to everyone who donated many great items, making this another successful auction!

A big thank you to everyone on the planning committee and to all of you who volunteered your time in the months before and during ski Week. Your dedication made this event go as smoothly as could be expected.

Also, I can't say thank you enough to all the staff at Snow Mountain Ranch. You continually went out of your way to make our event a huge success! Yes, there were hurdles to work through leading up to the event, but you were always willing to work with us to make for a great week. The grooming of the trails was fantastic, the food was tasty, shuttle drivers were awesome, and your response to the many requests that came up was prompt and showed you really wanted to make us feel welcome during our stay with you.

And a Couple More Fond Memories of the Week in Granby

From first-time MIP Scooter Hayes: "I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for my first Ski for Light event. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! All of the staff and volunteers were wonderful to work with. I met so many genuinely warm and caring people that made the week something I will never forget. Getting to ski during the snowstorm was like being in a snow globe. The beautiful evergreen trees covered with fluffy white snow were gorgeous. Something I don't see in Florida. My guide Ted was excellent showing me the ropes and giving me tons of tips and pointers on how to sit ski. I had so many laughs and wonderful times. The last dance was a blast! I can't wait to come back."

Guide Kathy Kelly fondly remembers: "My ski partner finishing his race strong, smiling and crossing the finish line nearly an hour faster than earlier in the week. And my attending the auction— always a display of SFL's generosity and creativity— and winning the bid on the flying pig hat! Yes, winning and carefully carting that little pig hat home, the flying pig hat, was exciting! Why? Because of the joy in finding the perfect gift for someone. John and I dance at the Flying Pig Studio; what could be a more appropriate gift? Erika, owner and instructor loved it, overcome by laughter as she donned it. A bit of SFL now decorates her Minneapolis studio."

From Yours Truly: I'd come down with a cold near the end of ski week, and didn't think it wise to hit the trails on the final, two days. Feeling a little down, I was laying low that Friday night. I remember opening the door of my room and standing out in the hall to listen wistfully to the jam going on in the Indian Peaks lobby. As Karen Burke's keyboards bolstered a chorus of voices harmonizing on beloved old songs, accompanied by makeshift percussion and Sarah's gorgeous fiddle, my rather heavy heart began to lighten and my spirit gentled for a moment. Even though I wasn't out there making music with them, I could still hear and take comfort from it. The sound reached out across the space, drew me in, and held me close. Hoping no one was passing just then and with a small lump in my throat, I whispered, "Thank you," and went back into my room.