Ski for Light Bulletin

Fall 2008

News and Information about the People and Programs of SFL International

Skiing. Sharing. Learning

The 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.

President's Message


By Marion Elmquist

As I sat down to write this note, I began to hear a noise coming up from my basement -- a plaintive, calling sound. I couldn't figure out what it was. I went down to check it out, and all I saw at first were, well, piles of laundry awaiting attention. But then, I looked around a bit more. Ah. There it was, my Nordic Track. It was calling to me to remind me it's long past time to begin training for the 2009 Utah SFL International event.

Don't you just hate it when these inanimate objects we acquire, with all the best intentions, start to think they should run our lives? Well, maybe they should. At least for just a bit each day to keep us in shape for all year 'round, but especially for our wonderful week of skiing.

Members of the Event Planning Committee spent the weekend of October 10-12 in Utah, visiting Soldier Hollow and meeting with the staff of the Marriott in Provo. It promises to be a really good event. You will find more information about Utah in this edition of the Bulletin, and additional info about the Marriott in Provo, where we will be based.

The folks at Soldier Hollow make snow on many of the traails and by the time it's time to ski, there should be a base of about 18 inches. And, better yet, they track every night!

The lodge itself is built out of timbers from a 1902 railroad trestle. It's warm, rustic, traditional. And, it's big: 5,500 square feet on each of the two levels. There's a huge fireplace at one end of the lodge, a deck around two sides of the lodge and large windows that look out to surrounding mountains and the ski trails. A bit down the valley below the lodge is the area where the shooting portion of the 2002 Olympics biathlon was held. Soldier Hollow is surrounded by national forest land and the Wasatch State Park. When I skied the area with Larry last January, the day was spectacular, with bright sun and deep blue skies. We asked the area to include that weather guarantee in the contract, but they respectfully declined. We'll keep our fingers crossed.

The drive between Provo and Soldier Hollow is a bit longer than we might like, about 45 to 50 minutes, but oh what a drive it is. Provo Canyon is just beautiful. It's a wide canyon, with striated rock formations and a creek or river running along the highway. Also along the way is a pretty large lake where summer boating and camping take place. When we drove it last January, Larry teased me because I kept oooing and aaahing as I drove. You will love it.

I realize that it's a bit scary in these uncertain economic times to think about spending for a vacation, but remember two things. One, it's Ski for Light, which we all agree is a magical experience, and, two, as vacations go, it's a deal. Think about what you get for the week: Great skiing, great camaraderie, a lot of laughs and hugs, tons of fun, seven nights of lodging, a week's worth of meals, ski passes, and all of the memories and stories to take back home---priceless.

As always, we're grateful for all the support we receive at Ski for Light, whether it be monetary, in-kind, or sweat of the brow volunteer assistance, both at the event and during the year in the various organizing, planning, fundraising and other activities that keep us thriving as a unique program for visually and mobility-impaired folks who love to cross country ski.

Please contact me if you have questions, suggestions or hours or dollars to keep Ski for Light healthy.

In the meantime, join me in working out on the Nordic Track, the running track, the pool, the wall slides or whatever we need to do to get in shape to ski those great Soldier Hollow tracks.

Go SFL!

More on SFL 2009


By Judy Dixon, Event Chair

Here it is, October again, so the Ski for Light planning committee must be hard at work on the 2009 event. And, in fact, we are. We just completed our planning committee meeting in Utah and were extremely pleased with everything we found, both at the ski area and the hotel.

In her President's letter, Marion told you about the ski area and what a great venue it is. Here, I will give you a few more details about the Provo Marriott and the town of Provo, Utah.

The Provo Marriott is located right in the heart of downtown Provo. It is only 43 miles (about an hour's drive) from the Salt Lake City airport so there won't be any long bus rides this year to and from the airport. The hotel is a modern, straightforward hotel and is very simple to navigate. There are two towers, the North Tower and the South Tower. Almost all SFL attendees will be housed in the North Tower, but we will be using meeting space in both towers. At the moment, there is wired Internet connection in the sleeping rooms and wireless elsewhere in the rest of the hotel. By the time we are there, they plan to have high-speed wireless Internet available throughout the hotel. The hotel has a fitness center and an indoor swimming pool.

Provo is Utah's third largest city, with a population of about 120,000 people. It is a clean, pleasant city situated between the Wasatch Mountains and 250-square mile Utah Lake. Provo's main claim to fame is Brigham Young University, a 30,000-student university. Founded and run as the leading Mormon institution of higher learning, it is the largest church-affiliated university in the country. You will no doubt encounter many young people during your stay in Provo, both as staff members at the Provo Marriott and in the shops and restaurants around town.

We plan to offer many of the traditional SFL happenings again this year, the talent show, the silent auction, Norway night, and, of course, the banquet. We are also scouring the community to find entertainment with a local flavor. But, as we all know, what really makes a Ski for Light event is the people who attend. As always, some of our best memories are created by our own friends. So, I am counting on each of you to help us make this one another great year at Ski for Light.

Utah Fun Facts

By Cara Barnes

Here are a few fun facts about the place we will be visiting in 2009.

Utah was the 45th state to enter the United States (January 4, 1896). The name "Utah" comes from the Native American "Ute" tribe and means people of the mountains. The 2000 Census lists the population of Utah on April 1, 2000 as 2,233,169. The state bird is the California Seagull. The state dance is the folk dance and the state cooking pot is the Dutch oven. Utah also boasts a state insect, a state star, two state vegetables and even a state tartan.

Utah is 84,900 square miles and ranks as the 11th largest state in terms of square miles. The Great Salt Lake covers an area of 1,060,000 acres. Approximately 65% of Utah's land is owned by the federal government. There are 43 state parks and 5 national parks in Utah.

Yes Virginia, there really is a Big Rock Candy Mountain near Marysvale, Utah. The mountain gained fame in the 1950s when Burl Ives recorded the namesake folk song written by Harry McClintock.

North America's first ski tunnel can be found at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort near Salt Lake City. The 600-foot tunnel is located below a ridge that separates Peruvian Gulch and Mineral Basin ski areas. The tunnel transports skiers and snowboarders between the two areas on a moving conveyor belt ride that takes four minutes.

And don't worry about whether there will be enough snow. The highest average annual snowfall in Utah can be found in Alta: 516.3 inches. Alta also claims the record for the recorded maximum winter snowfall in Utah: 846.8 inches (1982-1983).

See you in Utah!

Ridderrenn 2009

By Marion Elmquist

The 46th annual Ridderrenn 20 kilometer race will be held March 28, 2009. Ridderweek, the week-long fun and ski filled event in Beitostolen, Norway is March 22-29.

This year, SFL will be sending one skier/guide team to Norway, and a number of other folks will go to share the fantastic skiing and friendship with skiers from Norway and a host of international countries. The week is made up of three Nordic ski competitions: the biathlon, a 5 or 10 K race for women and men, and the Ridderrenn. Friday is a picnic day and a competitive downhill slalom ski race at the small alpine ski area just outside the hotel. It's fun to watch the skiers race, and hang out with the crowd. The skiing at Beitostolen is fantastic! Groomed 2, 5, and 10 K tracks are available during the week for practicing your technique, for skiing and enjoying the scenery. Some folks pack a lunch so they can have a trail-side picnic. Technique sessions are available during the week, as well.

The hotel, the Radisson SAS, is comfortable and friendly; the food is fantastic and so plentiful that you'll want to ski some extra kilometers to work it off!

The week boasts a talent show, music, dances, award ceremonies with the musicians of the King's Guard drumming and trumpeting to celebrate the winners, an auction to raise money for the RRV (Ridderrennets Venner - Friends of the Ridderrenn), and receptions.

After Ridderweek, many folks stay a few extra days in Oslo to sightsee with a long time SFL friend and Oslo tour guide.

Plan to arrive in Oslo no later than Saturday, March 21st (leave the U.S. no later than Friday, March 20), and then spend a few days in Oslo after Ridderweek to see the beautiful and historical sights it has to offer.

I will host a Special Interest session on Ridderweek during SFL International Week if you would like to learn more. Or, if you can't wait, please contact me via e-mail at mlelmquist@aol.com or by phone at (515) 279-3681.

The SFL Silent Auction!

Listen carefully! Do you hear it? The SFL Silent Auction is now calling for donations. The Silent auction is a fun and very important part of our week. Please help us by donating items--large or small. A couple of years ago, a single jar of homemade raspberry jam sold for $40 and a box of Norwegian chocolate sold for $120. Handmade items, something local from your area, unique items for dogs, specialty foods--all are welcome and are sure to be popular in this year's silent auction.

The auction plays an important role in financing our Ski for Light events, and you can have a fun afternoon on auction day previewing the goodies you'll bid on later. During the auction itself, get into the spirit and enjoy the rush that comes from out-bidding other bidders.

You can bring your donation with you or you can send it to: All Star Storage 136 SW Century Drive Bend, OR 97702 Attn: Ski for Light

Your item will be stored until the SFL week. We can't wait to find out what you are bringing!!

Any questions? Contact: Rich Lindholm E-mail: richlindholm@comcast.net Sheryl Lindholm E-mail: sheryllindholm@comcast.net Phone: (941) 926-9276

Have Fun with Funding

By Suzanne Brown

Hey all you SFL party animals out there - listen up! In our summer newsletter, we suggested how you can help build our SFL endowment fund by having a party/fund raiser in your own home or community. Be sure to recruit other SFLers in your neighborhood to help you out and to pass the good word to your guests about SFL. We also mentioned that we will have party starter packets available to give you some ideas and get you up and running. These packets are now ready for distribution by request.

Operators are standing by...Please either call or e-mail Suzanne Brown at (770) 438-0101 or send an e-mail to Suzannehb@bellsouth.net.

COLORADO SKI FOR LIGHT 25 YEARS AND GOING STRONG

By Scott Bertrand, President

In the spring of 1982, Olav Pedersen called me and asked if we could get together and have a conversation about the possibility of putting together a Colorado Regional Ski for Light. This conversation came about just a few weeks after Ski for Light International was held in South Dakota. It was decided that the program be held at the Breckenridge Nordic center that next spring.

So in March of 1983 Colorado Ski for Light had its first event. The event was tailored after the first few International events. Host families were used to house both guides and skiers for the weekend event. The host families provided breakfast and lunch, which was donated. Saturday's dinner was a potluck held at the Nordic center's lodge by many local families from the Summit County area. The event was a great success with six skiers and guides and great tracks set by Gene Dayton, the owner of the Nordic center.

In the years to come our numbers would grow. Our weekends were moved to the Frisco Nordic Center just nine miles to the north. This was where the first Ski for Light International had been held. This Nordic center allowed us to accommodate mobility impaired participants for the event. We continued to use host families until 1996. It was decided during that same year that we should consider incorporating as a 501 (c) (3) program and in the summer of 1996 that all came together. Since we have been incorporated we have had five presidents.

During our first official board meeting in the fall of 1996 it was decided as a board that we had outgrown the capabilities to use host families and needed accommodations to house the mobility impaired. The program was then moved to Snow Mountain Ranch, just outside of Granby, Colorado. We have been using the cabins there ever since. These cabins allow us to walk right outside and start cross country skiing.

Since our program has been around we have also created a week long Trekk with Llamas called Trekk for Light. This program is held in the summer. It is a program that has a guide, a visually impaired person and a llama paired together with a group of other pairs that are hiking and camping for a whole week in the wilderness.

Colorado Ski for Light has also created a Kids program. Each winter a day is picked to put on this event. It is held at the Frisco Nordic Center. The kids range from fifth grade up to high school level. Each visually impaired participant is paired with a guide.

Colorado Ski for Light Regional will hold its 26th annual winter event from January 23-25, 2009. The event will be held at Snow Mountain Ranch near Granby, Colorado. Please come join us for a great weekend of cross country skiing. For details about all our events, visit our web site at www.cosfl.org, or go to the Ski for Light International web site at www.sfl.org and click on the regional roundup page.

Regional Round-Up

The following is a list of winter events hosted by Ski for Light's nine regional affiliates. These regionals offer you the chance to experience the great outdoors in some interesting local and intimate settings. The regionals are an important part of the SFL experience, and we encourage you to take advantage of them and to support their efforts in whatever way you can. Happy dreaming and planning!

Black Hills Regional Ski for Light Thirtieth Anniversary Event Dates: Saturday, January 24 through Thursday, January 29, 2009 Downhill skiing at Terry Peak Ski Resort Cross country skiing at reclaimed mining land owned by Wharf Resources Lodging will be in Deadwood, SD, located about 20 minutes from the skiing. We are anticipating a big crowd so apply early. For more information, go to: Web site: www.bhrsfl.org

Colorado Regional Ski for Light Snow Mountain Ranch, Granby, Colorado Dates: January 23-25, 2009 For more information, contact: Brenda Bertrand 3425 South Clarkson Street Englewood, Colorado 80113 Phone: (303)789-8342 E-mail: bertrand@denveronline.net Web site: www.cosfl.org

Michigan Regional Ski for Light Higgins Lake, Roscommon, Michigan Dates: January 16-18, 2009 Lodging and meals at the Ralph A. McMullan Conference Center Transportation to and from the race course courtesy of the Roscommon Lions' hay wagon

For more information and on-line applications go to: Web site: www.msfl.org Or contact Jim Ellickson: Phone: (989) 224-8288

Montana Regional Ski for Light West Yellowstone, Montana Dates: March 1-5, 2009 Cost: $312 (double occupancy) The well-known "rendezvous ski race" will be held on March 7th, just following the regional, so you might consider staying longer to take part in an exciting citizen's race. For more information on the regional event, contact Ed Durbin: Phone: (406) 366-0491 Web site: www.sflmt.org

New England Regional Ski for Light First Trip Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Craftsbury VT Dates: Friday to Monday, January 9 to 12, 2009 Cross country skiing and snowshoeing at one of our favorite locations. Dormitory style accommodations with hall baths. Ski directly from the lodge. All meals are included; food is hardy, healthy and plentiful. A sure cure for the post-holiday blues! Cost: $250 if received before December 1, 2008; and $265 thereafter. For more information, contact Dave Fisk: Phone: (802) 333-9607 E-mail: lutefisk_us@yahoo.com

Second Weekend Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe at Bretton Woods Lodging: Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center, Crawford Notch, New Hampshire Dates: Friday to Sunday, March 6 to 8, 2009. Cost: $70 per person per night (double occupancy); $117 per night for private room

The Highland Center provides breakfast and dinner, our own meeting room and free loaner snowshoes and outerwear. Lodging is adult bunk rooms with shared bath, or private room with private bath. Bretton Woods has many trails from flat to challenging, and a pleasant lodge. Be prepared, though; the flatter trails are on a golf course and can be quite windy and cold.

For more information, contact Dave Fisk: Phone: (802) 333-9607 E-mail: lutefisk_us@yahoo.com Web site: www.nersfl.org

Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Ski for Light Land of the Vikings, Sherman, PA Dates: January 25 to February 1, 2009 Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, hiking and other activities. Cost: $535 per person, double occupancy; $655 single, Contact for Guides: Bjorg M. Dunlop E-mail: bjorgmd@aol.com Contact for blind participants: Barry and Louise Wood Phone: (201) 868-3336

Puget Sound Regional Ski for Light Trollhaugen Lodge, Stampede Pass, WA Dates: Saturdays, January 10 and 24, February 14 and 28, and March 14 and 28, 2009 Cost: $20 per trip or $80 for the entire series Transportation provided by chartered bus from Seattle; skis, poles and boots can be provided free of charge. They are expecting plenty of snow, so the skiing should be "spectacular!" For more information, contact Doug Sundberg: Phone: (206) 297-7579 E-mail: svensun@juno.com LET IT SNOW!

Sierra Regional Ski for Light Seventeenth Annual Three-day Event Truckee, CA Dates: Saturday, March 14-Monday, March 16, 2009 Skiing at Tahoe/Donner Cross Country Resort Lodging at Best Western Tahoe/Truckee Inn Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, great food, and great fun! Cost: $200 double occupancy Extra costs: $40 if you need skis $129 for single room $39 double occupancy for Friday night lodging for out-of-towners

For applications and more information, contact: Vicki Post, President Phone: (415) 928-2711 E-mail: vickipost@earthlink.net Website: www.srsfl.org

Wisconsin Regional Ski for Light Wisconsin Lions Camp Rosholt, WI Dates: January 16-18, 2009 Contact: Bev Helland 10168 Amber Trail Edgerton, Wisconsin 53534 Phone: (608) 884-4955 E-mail: bevhelland@yahoo.com Contact for guides: Mike Graper E-mail: grapes@tznet.com

Ski for Light Canada 31st Annual Event William Watson Lodge Kananaskis Valley , Alberta Dates: Monday, February 9 - Sunday, February 15, 2009 Contact: Barry Nelson, President Phone: (604) 463-8777 E-mail: barrynel@telus.net Web site: http://members.shaw.ca/sflcanada

For the most up-to-date information of any of these regionals, go to: www.sfl.org and click on the "regional round-up" page!

Adventure and Environmental Pilot Program for Teenagers with Visual Impairments

By Brook Yates

I am seeking your help in order to get this amazing pilot program off and running. I am designing a 6-10 day adventure based program in the west for August of 2009. Our needs are backwards in that we have the funds, we just now need to hunt down participants and this is where you come in. Please read the following blurb and pass the information to any students who might be interested and capable, as well as to anyone else who might be interested. Thanks for your help!

What: A 6-10 day adventure based leadership and environmental trip in the outdoors of beautiful Colorado or Utah. Who: We are targeting highly motivated, independent high school students who have low vision or who are blind. Cost: Hold on tight because here is the most exciting news, this pilot program will be fully or in large part underwritten. We will be requesting a small contribution from the students in order to cultivate investment into the program.

*This is a pilot program because it will be the first of its specific design, and it is our long-term vision to create a program for this population that we can continue running for many years to come for students from all over the United States.

More details: The program will be run through the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (www.boec.org). I worked for the BOEC as a Recreation Therapist for 5 years so I am very connected and familiar with this world class organization. Curriculum can and will be further developed once we establish a demand, but these are the possibilities: - River rafting or canoeing multi day overnights - Camping - Backpacking - Fishing - Orienteering - Rock climbing - Environmental education (even some student led sessions) Goals: To allow young adults with visual impairments the opportunity to: - travel independently (without their parents/family) - increase their activities and daily living skills - increase their orientation and mobility skills - increase their environmental knowledge - increase their social skills - increase leadership skills - Have Fun!

Transportation: The students will need to travel to Denver.

In order for me to move forward with this project, I need to know if there is or is not a need for this type of program so please contact me one way or another. Thanks! Brook Yates WMU O&M Grad student Phone: (970) 333-4035 E-mail: brookyates@gmail.com



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