Question - How is cross-country skiing different from downhill skiing?
Answer - Cross-country (or Nordic) skiing differs from downhill (or Alpine) skiing in several
important ways.
In cross-country skiing, the skier's boot is attached to the ski by only the toe, with the heel
of the boot "free". The unconstrained heel allows a cross-country skier to climb hills and
traverse level terrain, as well as to travel down hills, making the sport a truly "cross-country"
activity. In downhill skiing, the entire boot is attached to the ski, which limits the skier to
downhill terrain.
The equipment for cross-country skiing is much lighter in weight and more comfortable than
downhill ski gear. A downhill skier wears insulated clothing to stay warm, while a
cross-country skier wears lighter clothing because of the body heat generated by the activity.
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Question - I am visually- or mobility-impaired, but have never cross-country skied before. Is SFL for
experienced skiers only, or is there room for beginners like me?
Answer - SFL was created back in 1975 to teach visually- and mobility-impaired people how to cross-country
ski, and that focus has remained constant over the years. As a result, you will be right at home if you have never skied before. You will be taught the
basics of the sport and given the chance to develop your skills. Many experienced and
advanced skiers also attend each SFL event, but our priority and focus is on beginners, not
on advanced skiers.
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Question - I am interested in being a guide, but have never skied with visually or mobility impaired
people before. Do I need prior experience? Will I receive any training?
Answer - You do not need prior experience guiding a visually- or mobility- impaired person to be a
guide at Ski for Light. You need to be an intermediate or advanced classic cross-country
skier, with the desire to be a guide, that is all. We will give you the training necessary to
safely guide a visually- or mobility-impaired skier on the Saturday evening and Sunday at
the beginning of the week.
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Question - If I don't have my own cross-country skis, will they be available for me to use at the event?
Answer - Poles, boots and classic cross-country skis will be provided free of charge for the week to
first-time visually-impaired participants. All MIP ski equipment will be provided free of
charge.
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Question - Will I be able to skate ski and/or downhill ski during the week, as well as cross-country ski?
Answer - Ski for Light is a classic only cross-country skiing program. This is the skill that Guides
have, and this is what is taught to blind and visually-impaired participants. You may skate
ski on your own during non-SFL hours, of course.
Downhill skiing is a totally separate activity and not part of the SFL program. Most Ski for
Light events are held in proximity to good downhill skiing, however, and many attendees
plan their trip to SFL to allow time for downhill skiing before or after the SFL event.
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Question - What kind of clothing will I need during the week?
Answer - For cross-country skiing you will want to bring lightweight underwear and outer garments
that can be layered to suit the conditions, and which allow moisture to wick away from the
body. You will also need gloves, a hat or headband, and socks with the same properties.
If you have never cross-country skied before and do not know what any of this means, talk
to your Application Coordinator for guidance, or to a cross-country or sporting goods store
in your area. Make sure that the store knows that you will be cross-country skiing, not
downhill skiing.
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Question - What type of clothes should I bring for the non-skiing parts of the week?
Answer - Attire for the non-skiing parts of the week is casual. However, many people dress up for
Norway Night on Friday and the Banquet on Saturday, so you will want to bring one or two
outfits that are a bit more dressy for these evenings.
You will also want to bring a bathing suit, as the hot-tub and heated pool are a favorite
congregating place in late afternoons.
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Question - Can I bring my non-skiing spouse or partner with me to Ski for Light?
Answer - As long as there is space available in the hotel, you may bring a non-skiing companion with
you to Ski for Light. Your companion will need to pay the same event fee that you pay,
whether he/she is a skier or not. A few non-skiing companions attend every year as "worker
bees," helping out in the SFL Information Room or store. Most people who come to SFL
do not bring a companion, since they find that they are busy almost all of the time with the
various activities of the SFL week. If you do bring a companion, he/she needs to submit the
separate application that is available on the SFL website.
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Question - Is financial assistance available to anyone who is not a resident of the United States?
Answer - No. Because nearly all financial and volunteer support of Ski for Light comes from foundations, organizations and individuals located in the United States, we cannot offer financial assistance to anyone who is not a resident of the United States.
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