In each issue of the Bulletin, we will turn the spotlight onto 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 travel this time to the east for the New England Regional Ski for Light.
Imagine gliding through the woods, flexing your knees as you go over the many rolling hills, trying a bit of snowshoeing or tubing down a hill! Imagine skiing in a place that guarantees snow, with a group of people that guarantees an experience of real New England hospitality! Chances are, you would be spending a winter weekend with the folks at the New England Regional Ski for Light!
New England is where it all began for this country; it is also the site of the first SFL regional. New England Regional Ski for Light (NERSFL) was incorporated in 1977. Earlier that year, members of the Norumbega Lodge in Boston were approached as potential guides for Ski for Light International, which was held in Woodstock, Vermont. That experience led one of the guides, David Bergesen, to found the regional. So in the beginning, most of NERSFL's guides were members of the Sons of Norway, which gave this regional a distinctly Norwegian flavor. Nowadays, guides come from many different venues, and the Regional offers a unique blend of old and new traditions.
Currently, NERSFL offers two weekend trips each winter, and in the summer, one weekend and one day trip. The summer weekend includes hiking and canoeing, while the day trip is a tandem bike ride. Beginning next year, NERSFL plans to ad a second weekend trip to its summer agenda. Stay tuned for details!
But it is the winter trips which draw the largest number of people. The first trip usually takes place in early January at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Craftsbury, Vermont. Craftsbury is located in what is known as the Northeast Kingdom near Canada, and on its web site, the center guarantees snow! According to NERSFL vice-president, Cindy Wentz, the accommodations are down-to-earth, including dormitory-style rooms and a large common living room with its own refrigerator. The trails are right outside the door. During the day, you may ski or snowshoe on gentle woodsy trails, or go explore longer black-diamond routes for a challenge. Evenings feature everything from wine and cheese to raffles to "wicked" scrabble games! Wentz says this setting is especially welcoming and intimate, and most typical of old New England.
The second winter trip takes place in New Hampshire, in either late February or early March, depending on the timing of the International Event. The exact location may vary, but skiing is often at the Great Glen Trails, the site of the International event in 1998. Lodging is at the Royalty Inn, which is more resort-like, and includes a pool and hot tub. While it may be a little less intimate, this trip offers a lot of opportunity for some good outdoor fun and good community spirit!
Wentz says each trip averages about 40 people; both trips feature good food and great skiing. The VIP skiers are paired with a different guide each day for variety, and people are encouraged to ski in foursomes, although this is not required. NERSFL seems to draw very committed people to it; many now serve on the SFL Board. NERSFL treasurer, Earl Prentice, has been there since the early days, and at age 87, still participates in at least one winter trip a year.
Despite this, Wentz says the biggest problem, as with many regionals, is a lack of guides. She says there is usually a waiting list for visually-impaired skiers, but encourages everyone to apply anyway. According to Wentz, "We are a very welcoming group!"
If you would like more information about NERSFL, including dates and details about upcoming activities, you can check out their web site at www.nersfl.org.
You can also call NERSFL at (781) 667-9270.
As for me, I'm packing my suitcase!