In each issue of the Bulletin, we will turn the spotlight on one of the nine Regional programs. 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.
In this issue, we travel northwest to the Puget Sound Regional Ski for Light.
Rain? Wind? Wet Snow? Klister? Well, maybe all of those things! But, it doesn't really matter, because we have so much fun that we ski in all kinds of weather! The Puget Sound Regional Ski for Light Program is a wonderful example of a regional program that works well. In fact, many of its attendees often refer to it as "the best regional!"
The program began in 1976 after Svea Karlsen went to the first Ski for Light event in Colorado. Svea, along with many others, worked very hard over a number of years to make the program we have today.
>From early January until the end of March, buses roll out from Seattle every other Saturday morning in order to take up to 20 visually and mobility impaired skiers, along with 20 guides, to the Cascade Mountains. The Sons of Norway District 2 has kindly allowed us to store our ski equipment, and ski on the trails around Trollhaugen Lodge. Trollhaugen has had ski trails of varying degrees over the years. Thanks to local Ski for Light members, the Parks Service and Trollhaugen there is now a system of trails named the "Erling Stordahl" Snow Park. These trails are open to the public for cross country skiing. The partnership that made these trails possible is amazing in that it includes skiers, the state and the lodge members. The gain that was made by creating this wonderful trail system is that we are able to share the sport of cross country skiing all winter long in an interesting terrain.
The regional model of taking day trips all winter long works really well for us. We are able to teach many people how to ski and are also able to form long lasting relationships. So many people have spent hours organizing, guiding, trail blazing, fundraising and of course skiing! If you have any questions about the program, you may contact Co-Presidents, Maida & Rudy Pojtinger at:
Phone: (253) 631-7904.
And if you find yourself in the area on the right days, we'll make sure there's room on the bus for you!