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News and Information about the People and Programs of Ski for Light, Inc.
Skiing. Sharing. LearningThe mission of Ski for Light is to enhance the quality of life and independence of visually or mobility-impaired adults through a program of cross country skiing.
As I sit in record high 90 degree temperatures in Iowa, in mid- June, no less, it's hard to imagine playing in the snow on cross-country skis. Nevertheless, our 2019 event planning committee, headed up by Krista Erickson, is already mapping out trails, discussing a biathlon and thinking of other ways to play in the snow for the upcoming International Week, January 27 to February 3. We will be returning to one of our favorite ski areas, Snow Mountain Ranch, near Granby, Colorado. Read more about the event later in this Bulletin
It's never too soon to start a training program to get ready to ski. Many of us are out on our bicycles, hiking or walking or jogging or thinking of other ways to either stay in shape or get in shape for our favorite winter sport. Feeling strong and fit makes that 5 or 10 k route all the more fun and invigorating. And heck, after doing the 10 k before lunch, why not another 5 or 10 or 15 kilometers after lunch?
Oh! What's that noise coming from downstairs? Ah, it's my bike saying, "Come on, Marion. You promised a ride today. Let's get going!" I've learned to listen to my bike because, once I get out on the trails, it makes me happy to be riding, to be listening to the birds, and to enjoy being outdoors. I hope you're having that opportunity as well.
I hope everyone has an enjoyable summer, filled with fun activities. I look forward to seeing you in January for our 44th annual Ski for Light week.
Cheers,
Marion
As the heat of summer bears down on us, it can be hard to conjure images of mountains covered with dry, fluffy snow, or to recall the whoosh, thrust, and drag of skis and poles pushing powder. For most of us, though, it isn't nearly as difficult to imagine a week of laughter, camaraderie, and the satisfaction of achieving more than we may have thought possible. The 44th annual Ski for Light International Week promises all this and more!
The event will run from Sunday January 27 through Sunday February 3, 2019, in Granby, Colorado. We are thrilled to once again be skiing and staying at Snow Mountain Ranch, part of the YMCA of the Rockies, located near Winter Park. In addition to the great time we will have on 90 kilometers of wide and wonderfully groomed Nordic trails, participants will have the challenge and fun of honing their auditory laser rifle skills in a biathlon experience facilitated by the United States Association of Blind Athletes, and of competing in the Olav Pedersen Race/Rally.
As always, we will have our usual variety of Off-snow activities: We will hold Special interest sessions on a variety of topics usually ranging from ski waxing, to technology, to presentations of world-wide travel adventures people embark upon outside of SFL. Evening activities may include dances, trivia contests, and old favorites such as the silent auction and Norway Night.
If you have never before attended what many have called "the experience of a lifetime," perhaps this is the year to do something bold and different! The two most common refrains we hear from first-time attendees are: "I wish I'd heard of Ski for Light sooner!", and, "I can't wait to come back next year!" Never skied before? No problem - We offer technique sessions for both beginner and intermediate skiers.
If you are at least an intermediate level cross-country skier interested in becoming a guide, SFL provides a day of interactive, skis- on training just prior to the start of the week.
Applications for skiers, guides and volunteers are available now at www.sfl.org. Single, double, triple, and quadruple rooming options are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's not too early to begin planning!
We look forward to skiing with you on the snow in Colorado
Ski for Light, Inc., was presented the Bolotin award at the annual convention of the National Federation of the Blind, July 8, in Orlando, Florida.
The award is named for a pioneering blind doctor, Jacob Bolotin, who lived from 1888 to 1924. Born without sight, Dr. Bolotin broke barriers to enter medical school, and to become a physician who specialized in diseases of the heart and lungs. Demonstrating that blindness was not an impediment to success, his example inspired many to build independent and productive lives. Dr. Bolotin was among the first to raise awareness of the true capabilities and strengths that blind individuals bring to the work force, in general, and to the professions of medicine and science, in particular.
Six awards were given this year. The awards "seek to honor initiatives, innovations, and individuals that are a positive force in the lives of blind people and advance the ultimate goal of helping them transform their dreams into reality."
Judy Dixon, Ski for Light Secretary, proudly accepted the $5,000 award on behalf of Ski for Light.
Each year the SFL Executive Committee selects two guides and two visually or mobility-impaired individuals to attend the Ridderrenn, in Beitostolen, Norway, the program upon which Ski for Light is modeled. That team officially represents Ski for Light as a way to maintain and enrich the bonds between the two programs. Including the selected representatives for the 2018 Ridderrenn, there were 14 guides and skiers in this year's contingent. The 2018 team was composed of VIPs Eric Bleich and Kevin Whitley, and guides Julie Coppens and Patrick McManus. They each sent along memories of the week. Here are their impressions of a memorable event:
Eric Bleich -I can only describe my experiences in Norway as magical. But what else could be expected in a land so based in myth and legend. The snow was so abundant and perfect that Julie described it as so much glitter strewn across a breathtaking landscape. The tracks were so impeccable that guiding was almost unnecessary, and most of the time spent on the trails was in conversation with good company. The competition, so full of rush and energy, left me exhausted and breathless, but with a need for more. Beitostolen was simply a skier's dream come true. Though our time together was short, Oslo stole my heart. For someone from such a young country, I found the contrast of the historical and the modern so intoxicating. Not to mention how desperately I wanted to feel what it would be like to fly out over the city off the ski jump at Holmenkollen. On our last night, as I sat at the edge of my bed, breathing in the cool night air through an open window and listening to the distant chime of church bells, I could not believe my time in Norway was over. A part of me was not yet ready to leave and a small part of me never wanted to go. It was the trip of a lifetime and I am so grateful to my friends at Ski for Light for making it possible. Thank you so much.
Kevin Whitley -The hospitality of the Norwegians was great. What impressed me the most was that the first person I spoke to when I got off the bus into our hotel at Beitostolen was the director of the Ridderrenn, Anne- Kristin, in her traditional Norwegian clothing, greeting new arrivals. That set the stage for the week for me. The skiing was great fun and I was able to set a personal best on the 10 K of 65 minutes. I was able to do a 20 K race, which is the greatest distance I've ever covered on cross-country skis. Meeting other people from different countries and interacting with them was wonderful; the talent show was entertaining. Also, there was the gathering we had on Thursday night with Norwegian friends and our Ski for Light family. There are so many things that I really enjoyed about the trip and I don't have enough time or space, so my famous last words will be that this is the first of many trips to Norway to ski in the Ridderrenn.
Julie Coppens -As the sole female member of the 2018 SFL Ridderrenn Team, I felt an obligation to keep the guys entertained and in line-goals I achieved through various means, athletic and otherwise. A few excerpts from my Facebook journal:
March 10, reporting from Peppe's Pizza at the airport in Gardermoen: Finally arrived in Oslo after four flights and multiple weather delays totaling 12+ hours on top of... I can't calculate the actual travel time from Juneau, none of us have our luggage, and my wallet with passport somehow slipped out of my backpack on the last flight- so after multiple appeals to the airline, airport police, etc. I'm camping out here hoping it turns up in the next few hours. (It did.) Cheers!
In Beitost?len, Ridderrenn 2018, Day 1: Eric and I still don't have our luggage, so we couldn't ski today, unfortunately, but we were able to practice the target- shooting portion of the biathlon, with assistance from the King's Guard. Using an audio-signal laser rifle, Eric shot two perfect rounds; the best I could do blindfolded was 2 of 5. And that?s without sprint-skiing 2.5K first. Later: Still no luggage, but it's OK: wearing the same outfit five days in a row is pretty much what I did for eleven years of Catholic school. At least now it's pants. P.S. I recommend blow-drying sink-laundered underwear before putting them back on, although... whatever you're into. Tusen takk!
Ridderrenn Day 2: We broke down this morning and rented skis (also bought some very high-end Norwegian underwear, yay!), and had a spectacular 18k day under mostly sunny skies. Eric suffered from leg cramps toward the end, probably due to dehydration, and spent a little time in the First Aid tent warming up and refueling with some very cool medics. They are fans of Alaskan reality TV... I'm afraid I may have disillusioned them. But I spent most of the day just trying (failing) to keep up with Eric on the impeccably groomed trails here - luckily there's a much faster guide in our group, Kent Moore, who can race with him, so he'll be able to ski full-out for the timed events. Maybe our suitcases and gear will show up tonight? At the Ridderrenn, anything is possible!
Ridderrenn Day 3: Everyone got their suitcases, yay! Except... me. Somehow one piece from our group's waylaid pile got lost between Oslo, Bergen (an unexplained DHL detour) and Beito, and that one piece happened to be mine. My ski gear bag did make it, though, so: priorities... Tonight at the hotel we heard two comedy acts, one in Norwegian and one in English, and uh, the Norwegian guy was funnier.
Ridderrenn, Day 4: Kevin and I had a blast racing in the 10k. He skied clean and achieved a personal best for that distance, 64:05, so we were very happy with that.
Ridderrenn, Day 5: A fantastic long ski with Eric - 20k goes by fast with good company* - then a hike up the alpine slopes to check out the snow sculptures. Tomorrow is the official Ridderrenn: Eric will race the 20k with Kent, and Patrick McManus and I will tag-team-guide Kevin. Hope the legs hold out! Eric is now a celebrity thanks to our talent show triumph (we had the whole crowd singing along to John Denver's "Country Roads"), and my suitcase finally showed up - at the Oslo airport.
* Later we realized why that 20k went by so quickly: we took a big shortcut by accident, probably only skied about 12k, but who's counting?
Ridderrenn, Day 6 (final day): It was so cold this morning they delayed the start of the Ridderrenn by one hour, and still it was a push getting to our spot in line on time- the arena was packed with hundreds of skiers, guides, spectators, volunteers and armed services personnel including two great military bands, and having all the announcements in Norwegian didn't help. Kevin wasn't even going to attempt the 20k, having originally opted for the 10k, but earlier this week I talked him into the longer distance-dude, we're in Norway! With help from my co- guide Patrick, Kevin overcame some equipment issues early on, kept up a steady pace, dug deep on the last lap, and finished with an impressive first time of 2:39:07. Speed demons Eric and Kent, meanwhile, finished ninth in a tough division with 1:29:43. The day ended with a fantastic group dinner with our American friends and an awards ceremony in which our own Charlie Wirth, 96-year-old blind skier and all-around charmer, received special honors. Awesome day, unforgettable experience. ...
Looking back on the Ridderrenn now, a few months later, reviewing my stunning photographs-so many beautiful people in one beautiful place!-I can still hear those brass bands and cowbells and unintelligible race announcements, still feel the crisp air and the thrill of skiing and guiding at my best among such dear friends, on a vast international stage. Finally being at the Ridderrenn in person, after so many years with Ski for Light, highlighted for me what I love about our own event (more intimate, more social, less competitive), while impressing me with the Norwegians' extraordinary resources, organization, hospitality and warmth. They do what they do exceedingly well, to the benefit of so many athletes of diverse backgrounds, ages and abilities. It was wonderful to be a part of it. Whatever I was wearing. By the way, if you're stuck with only one piece of outer-wear on a Scandinavian adventure, it should be a Patagonia Nano-Air Hybrid jacket in a flattering jewel tone. Thank you, Patagonia! And thank you, Ski for Light and Borton Overseas, for sending me on this journey. I'll never forget it.
Patrick McManus -It all started with a surprise phone call in November to invite me to be on the Ridderrenn team. I met Kevin, Eric and Julie at SeaTac for the flight on Iceland Air to Norway (there might be something in that name that would come in to play a few time zones later when we were making our connection in Reykjavik). As we were about to land, the pilot mentioned that the runway was a bit slippery and we would not be able to make it to the terminal. Next, the emergency vehicles showed up and crews shoveled 6 to 10 inches of snow so we were able to get to the three buses to take us to the terminal. It seems the trusty Washington-made 757 had slid off the runway into the snow. We boarded our Oslo flight, but it seems we were on that plane for three hours while the crew made it safe for us to take off. We made it safely to Oslo, but it took several days for our luggage to finally catch up with us in Beitostolen.
Sunday was the bus ride to Beitostolen, with a lunch stop. I thought more than once that the scenery is great and this would be a great motorcycle ride; that would include much of the backroads of Norway. When we checked into the hotel in Beitostolen, we were escorted to our rooms by the very helpful members of the military; men and women, who, at age 18, are required to serve their country for two years.
The food (including the desserts) was pretty near anything you wanted and was outstanding, and the volunteers and servers spoiled us.
What a great ski week. Conditions were great the whole time; there was only one hill that got the heart rate up. At the end of the 20 K race, there were medals, hamburgers and hotdogs and drinks. And, along the way there were warm and cold drinks served by the military.
I also took advantage of two hours of downhill skiing to have a closer look at the ice carving of a church, done by some Chinese folks, up the downhill ski area at the top of the chairlifts.
One thing I recall is that our tour guide in Oslo used to race cars and had an Alfa Romeo that would do 200 k. It seems like she is 70+ and gave up racing a few years ago.
What a memorable week. Then, back to Seattle!
Have you ever wondered how sites get chosen? There are many beautiful ski areas in this country that are appealing and seem like a great place to hold an event: Charming New England hotels; spectacular Rockies ski areas, the list goes on. So many possibilities, it seems.
So, where do you start looking? What do you look for? What makes a site work for our unique program? Here are some factors to consider:
As you can see, finding a new site is not an easy proposal. We strive to get just the right hotel, the perfect snow, and the ideal location, but there often are compromises to be made to get a site that works well for us.
There is a Site Selection Committee, but we also like to think that all of the Ski for Lighters are on that committee. We've given you a little taste of the criteria that we look for in choosing an event location. Let me know if you know of a spot that would fit the criteria! My e- mail address is NanoMcKinney@Gmail.com
Cross-country skiing is a great way to exercise and to experience the outdoors in winter. It can be as mellow as a casual hike, or as vigorous as a 10 km road race. Regardless of how you approach it, Nordic skiing is a total-body activity involving some level of balance, coordination, strength, and endurance. You can maximize your Ski For Light experience by engaging in some training and conditioning before you arrive at the SFL venue for a week of fun on the snow. This is true for visually-impaired skiers, sit-skiers, and guides. We are developing some conditioning and training guidelines as a way to help you prepare for the Ski For Light International week, whether you are a casual or first-time skier, a serious experienced 10-km powderhound, or anything in between. We will include a training schedule and conditioning examples as guidelines. These will be suggestions, not mandatory steps. Of course you can also make up your own program. For now, exercise on your own, or join a fitness group, class or facility. Work out with a friend or a family member. Think "Fitness is Fun" and remember "I will ski better because I am fit". Stay hydrated. Eat well. Rest and recover. And play it safe. Consult your physician before increasing your exercise intensity or duration. And, visit the SFL website in late August for conditioning and training suggestions.
This past February, veteran Ski for Light guide, Rich Mah, was honored as the first recipient of the Birkie 2018 Al Down Spirit Award. In his remarks presenting the award, Central Division Nordic Supervisor, Jeff Schmidt, explained, "This award is a tribute to one of the most dedicated and passionate ski patrollers that I have had the privilege to ski with. Al was always positive and constantly trying to recruit new Nordic ski patrollers into the National Ski Patrol. Al patrolled the Birkie, several Olympics, was a torchbearer for the Olympic torch and was an advocate for the sport.
I am proud to announce that Rich Mah is the first winner of this award. Rich has a similar passion for ski patrolling and Nordic skiing. Rich has patrolled more Birkie's than any other active patroller, 34 years. Rich has also patrolled two Olympics and Paralympics and is currently the Patrol Representative of the Michiana Bike patrol.
Rich also volunteers for Ski for Light, which is an organization that enhances the quality of life and independence of visually impaired adults through cross country skiing.
Rich always has a laid back, positive attitude and is always willing to pitch in and help." Congratulations, Rich.
It took Bud Keith seven years to recruit me to guide at Ski for Light. After all, I was not a goodie and that must be the only reason why people would guide blind skiers. However in 1992, after several years of bad snow in the mid- Atlantic region, I agreed to go to Colorado for a week. How bad could it be? At least I would get to ski on some good snow. Well, I have missed only two years of guiding since then. The reason is simple. I like it. No, that is wrong -- I love it.
OK. Why do I love it? It took me some soul searching to figure that out. I have to admit that it does feel good to help other people, but most of my reasons are more selfish. Of course, even feeling good about yourself for helping people is selfish, but here are the real selfish reasons why I love being a guide.
First and foremost, I love cross country skiing. Going to Ski for Light forces me to make time in my life for a full week of skiing no matter what. But I could go skiing for a week without being a guide, so there must be something else. A major reason at the beginning was that I liked racing. I was never a successful competitive racer and when I started SFL, I was already in my mid 40's and so my prospects for winning races did not look good. However, in my first year, I guided Janice Newman and she was the first woman finisher in the 10K race. Boy was that a rush. My second year was even better, I guided Laura Oftedahl to first place overall, finishing ahead of several Norwegian men. That was my peak success as a racing guide. I was hooked.
I am no longer able to guide the fastest skiers at SFL, but still thoroughly enjoy guiding and take great pride in doing it well. Now my competitive juices are stoked by helping skiers who want to ski better than they have before. This year, I helped Ron Baron, who had never skied 10K, reach that milestone on Thursday. The next day, race day, he did it again, but was 30 minutes faster. I vicariously shared Ron's sense of accomplishment and took pleasure in the look on his face when we finished, but I can't deny how much I enjoy the personal triumph of being a good teacher and spurring him on to do his best.
So I seem to like guiding. Is there something more at SFL? We all know there is. The atmosphere at our events is totally unique. I have never been in a more supportive and positive environment. For 51 weeks a year, I tend to be a little cynical, to see the glass as half empty, and to fret about where the world is heading. I simply can't do that at SFL. I get caught up in the passion of everyone helping everyone else, hugging, and spreading positive cheer. All of the glasses at SFL are at least half full, if not brimming over. People are there to have a good time and won't let anything spoil that. As Gib Gibney says, "If you cut through it all, SFL is just one big party." What's not to like about a big party.
After 25 times at SFL, I have made dozens (if not hundreds) of good friends. By now I would be going if for no other reason than to have a good time with my friends. On top of that, I get a new person to guide and to bond with each year, and form a new friendship.
But there are even more things I like about SFL. Before I came, I never could have imagined the personal inspiration I would get from spending time with people who refuse to let their disabilities keep them from achieving remarkable things. I am not talking just about skiing, sit skiing, traveling, finding their way around hotels, running meetings, and organizing the event. I am amazed at the lawyers, scientists, business owners, consultants, entrepreneurs, judges, teachers, bankers, and high level government workers I have met at SFL. If even a tiny amount of "if I can do this I can do anything" has found its way to me, I am a winner. Blind people take miner adversity completely in stride. Bump into a pillar -- don't complain --that just becomes a reference for future navigation.
I have left my most selfish and embarrassing reason for last. Of course I have learned that every blind person is unique and has their own mind, wants, and desires. As a guide, I respect and support that; however, when we are walking and they are holding my arm, or when we are skiing and I am guiding, they depend upon me and I am leading the way. I never had children, and the idea that someone would rely on me and allow me to make decisions about their safety and well being is something that a control freak revels in. I have several other reasons I like being with blind people. They tend to be open, honest, unpretentious, vulnerable, free to ask for help, appreciative of things that I can do easily, and willing to help me when they can.
There you have it. I am still not a goodie. Rather I like skiing, I take pride in being a good guide, and I am a control freak who likes to be in charge. I also like being appreciated and hugged, getting a vicarious thrill from other people's achievements, and getting caught up in the magical positive spirit of SFL. All of that, and seeing my good friends is why I keep coming back.
There are nine local affiliates of Ski for Light, Inc. scattered throughout the United States. All of them have a winter program centered on cross-country skiing, and several of them also have a summer program as well. The summer programs range from week-long programs to single day trips or hikes. The Regionals that usually offer summer activities are the Black Hills, Montana, New England, Northeast Pennsylvania and Sierra affiliates. You can learn the details of what each Regional is offering this summer by visiting their respective websites for their latest news. Each is linked directly from the Regionals page on the SFL website at www.sfl.org/events/regionals.
Our thanks go to the following companies that have provided products or services to help support Ski for Light. Many of these companies have stood behind us for years - and we're grateful. Be sure to think of our friends when you're gearing up for your next adventure.
JanSport * Black Diamond * Blue Ridge Chair Works * Borton Overseas Travel * Chums * Clif Bar * Columbia * Crazy Creek * Dansko * Darn Tough Socks * Eagle Creek * Energizer * Farm to Feet * Find Me Spot * Fjallraven * Fox River Mills * Haiku * Injinji * Kavu * Leki * Lodge Cast Iron * Mountainsmith * Native Eyewear * Nite Ize * Olly Dog * Patagonia * Peet Shoe Dryers * Ruffwear * Spyderco Knives * Travelon * Turtle Fur * Zuke's
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Andrea GoddardThe deadline for the Fall 2018 Bulletin is October 1, 2018. We look forward to hearing from you.
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