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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.
Most of us don't wear rear-view mirrors while cross-country skiing (though maybe I should these days, for safety, given how often I'm passed on the trail by much faster skiers, many of them blind). Still, as volunteer leaders of Ski for Light, we do try to be mindful of what's behind us, while moving forward. That's especially true right now, at the midpoint of our fiftieth year: peak planning time for our next Ski for Light International Event, set for Feb. 1-8 in Granby, Colorado, but also far enough past our Golden Anniversary celebration in Provo to gain some perspective on that event.
I want to thank the many attendees who took part in our 2025 post-event survey. Here's some of what you had to say:
Other respondents were frustrated by the shortage of beginner terrain (an unfortunate result of low-snow conditions at Soldier Hollow last season), the daily commute to the ski area from our hotel, some evening programs that went on perhaps too long… All points well taken. Overall, though, 9 out of 10 survey respondents said they were either very satisfied (62 percent) or somewhat satisfied (28 percent) with their SFL 2025 experience in Utah. By comparison, the very/somewhat satisfied rate from our even more snow-challenged 2024 event in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, was 67 percent; for SFL 2023, the last time we were in Granby, it was 98 percent. Even allowing for a post-COVID honeymoon effect—we were all just so darn happy to be together again!—our events at Snow Mountain Ranch consistently rate high with participants and guides alike. What's best of all, according to you? The skiing itself, which is central to our mission.
We are taking all your feedback to heart as we finalize plans for SFL 2026 (more on that below, from event chair David Fisichella and his tireless team), explore an exciting new site for SFL 2027 (contracts are still being hammered out, so I can only say this: it's a place whose average seasonal snowfall tops 13 feet), and lay the organizational groundwork for the years beyond.
Speaking of trail-setting at Ski for Light: If you've been thinking seriously about Board service, I encourage you to reach out to Sheri Richardson r.sheri@icloud.com who will be administering our upcoming elections this January. She can walk you through the process and answer any questions.
We're also seeking donors as well as SFL participant and guide ambassadors to be part of our outreach efforts at the 2026 American Birkebeiner in Hayward, Wisconsin, Feb. 18-22. If you've always wanted to experience "Birkie Fever"…Or maybe you've already caught the bug, and can support our sponsorship of the adaptive ParaBirkie event with a gift of $250 or more, please reach out to Michael Evelo at evelosfl@charter.net.
In closing, and in the spirit of looking back while forging ahead: I have to say a few words about Gordon Larson, a 39-year veteran guide and longtime Ski for Light leader whom we lost earlier this summer. In addition to being an exemplary instructor-guide, a generous supporter, and a dear friend to so many in our community, Gordon was my own wise, patient "SFL uncle," always there when I needed advice or encouragement. To his surviving wife Jean and son Patrick, two other outstanding Ski for Light guides, let me say how blessed we've all been by your family, and how greatly Gordon will be missed.
We all have that favorite pair of jeans, or well-worn sweatshirt that we reach for in the closet when wanting the comfort of something familiar. It is no different with Ski for Light and our relationship with YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch, near Granby, Colorado. Snow Mountain Ranch is our go-to location for friendly hospitality, a wide variety of skiable terrain on site, expert trail grooming, and most of all, reliable snow conditions. I expect our 2026 event to feel like those beloved jeans, but with some happy surprises found in the pockets. One such surprise will be a handsome new building near the Nordic Center for our lunches each day, featuring more space and easier access.
Anyone who has been attending SFL for more than a few years has probably experienced the magic of the Colorado Rockies. The clean, fresh (though somewhat thin) air is always guaranteed to awaken the senses, while the trails take us through aspen and pine forests, along iced-over streams, and up to panoramic vistas. It's not unusual to encounter the occasional rabbit, fox, or even a moose near the trail.
If spectacular skiing all day isn't enough, apr?s ski activities this year include access to a pool and indoor rock climbing facility, music, and dancing plus sessions presented by your fellow SFLers. It always amazes me how talented and interesting our SFL community is, so if you have a topic to share, please let us know.
It takes a team of a few dozen dedicated volunteers to make an event come together. You'll be in contact with many of them from the application process throughout the SFL week, and many more are working behind the scenes to make sure we all have a fun, safe, and memorable experience. No matter how many times SFL returns to Colorado, there's always something new to discover and lasting friendships to be made.
So be sure to go to our website at www.sfl.org/events/next to learn the latest details and to submit your application online.
I look forward to skiing with all of you this winter in Granby!
Did you know…SFL has a formal Code of Conduct policy that all program participants agree to when we submit our event applications? I know from personal experience that it is easy to overlook this and the other policies we agree to in the excitement of applying for the upcoming event. That is why I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight these important documents. After all, it is the code that supports the safety and camaraderie that we all cherish so much at Ski for Light!
Codes of Conduct are found in many organizations and are considered to be a best practice. Several years ago, a formal Code of Conduct policy was written and adopted by the SFL board with the goal of defining the expectations that we all share for a positive, respectful and safe experience when we participate in any SFL event. The current code was adopted in 2022 and includes a provision to review and refresh the policy every three years. This means the policy is due for review and possible revision this year. As Vice President, I am currently responsible for overseeing the administration of the Code of Conduct. If you have any suggestions for improvement, please send them to me at r.sheri@icloud.com. Of course, no one can suggest improvements without first reading the code, so here's the link: www.sfl.org/board/policy/conduct.docx
I encourage all of you to read the Code of Conduct, along with the other policies relating to communicable diseases and the general waiver, before you complete and submit your application. These policies are easily found as links on the event page and near the end of each application.
Now let's all have the most fun, safest, and most respectful 2026 SFL event at Snow Mountain Ranch!
Each year, the SFL Executive Committee and the Board agree on the number of individuals to send to the Ridderrenn, the annual cross-country ski program held at Beitostolen, Norway. The team is usually made up of two guides and two visually or mobility impaired skiers, but the number varies from year to year. For the 2025 Ridderweek and in honor of SFL's 50th anniversary, the "official" team was eight; four guides and four participants. There was a lot of interest from others to join the group, and we had a whopping group of 24 folks who made the trip.
The snow conditions were challenging, and the ski venue was moved from its usual location near the Health Sports Center, a rehabilitation facility in Beitost?len, to a venue where World Cup competitions are held. The skiing there is a bit more challenging, but the organizers did the best they could with what snow they had. Also, the road that goes beyond the village was open this year due to the lack of snow, enabling skiers to be bussed to an area called Valdresflye for two days; it's an area higher up and where the snow conditions were much better. Tracks of 5 and 8 kilometers were set and there was a small cafe at the site. It was an experience that few SFLers who have attended the Ridderrenn over the years have had the opportunity to enjoy.
The team members were: VIPs Susan Bueti Hill, Karen Burke, Audrey Farnum and Lillian Goodman. The guides were Julie Coppens, Ted Ellickson, Lynee Forsyth and Karen Ishibashi.
Several of the members of the team have shared their recollections of their time in Norway in late March/early April. Read below.
Ted Ellickson. It was an incredible opportunity to be part of the SFL team there, and something I will always cherish.
Audrey Farnum. Since this was my first trip outside of North America, I took the opportunity to add a few extra days before and after the Ridderrenn to explore Oslo where I visited many museums, did lots of shopping and enjoyed incredible food. The Ridderrenn, despite the lack of snow, was a fabulous event. I was impressed with the effort that went into improvising activities to make the event fun for everyone, even with the limited opportunities to ski. I entered the biathlon having zero experience in the event. After some practice and advice from the wonderful Norwegian military personnel who gave me a crash course in shooting, I went into the event hoping to have fun and not embarrass myself. Much to my surprise, I hit 9 out of 10 shots during the race and came away with a bronze medal. I was enthralled by the King's Guard drummers and buglers who serenaded us everywhere. I enjoyed meeting people from so many different countries, learning new things and discovering how much we all have in common. I enjoyed so many adventures with my SFL friends and have memories I will cherish forever. Thank you, SFL, for this amazing experience and thanks also to my wonderful guides, Lynee Forsyth and Joan Holcombe, who got me through challenging conditions and shared lots of laughs.
Lynee Forsyth. Traveling to Norway to represent Ski for Light at the 2025 Ridderrenn was a huge honor for me! In addition to the official 8-member Ski for Light team, there were several other Ski for Lighters in attendance. I am grateful to have shared this experience with all of them, and I had a blast guiding Audrey Farnum for part of the week and Jesse Mabry for part of the week. Besides getting to spend the week with my awesome teammates, the highlights for me included meeting new friends, seeing the beautiful Norwegian countryside, sightseeing in Oslo, watching the King's Guard Band perform, eating amazing food, and skiing up in the high country at Valdresflye. The landscape was stunning and skiing up at this magical place is my favorite memory from the week. Overall, it was a wonderful experience and I hope to go back someday!
Karen Ishibashi. What an amazing week! What an amazing group of visually-and mobility impaired skiers! What an incredible aura and energy within the group! Skiing at the Ridderrenn was such a wonderful experience. To be among such a high-energy group of enthusiastic skiers was so rewarding. Even with the scarcity of snow, the organizers were able to offer a fun-filled and challenging alternative, which we all enjoyed. It was fun to meet skiers from several other countries, and share stories and experiences. I hope to meet many of them again, at our SFL events in the U.S.!
Thank you, SFL, for this wonderful opportunity.
Karen Burke. There were a lot of things I thoroughly enjoyed in Norway. First, the people were extremely nice and made me feel welcome. It all started when we got off the bus at the Radisson Blu in Beitost?len and were greeted by the military. They were extremely helpful in assisting with luggage. I also enjoyed learning how to do the biathlon target shooting. Of course, we can't forget the mountain skiing at Valdresflye. I also got to experience dogsledding, and even though I fell off the sled and got scraped up pretty well, it was fun to feel the wind in my face as the dogs were pulling the sled. I had such a good time that I'm thinking about going back next year. Oh, and one last thing, the food was phenomenal! I will never forget all the desserts we had to pick from every night at dinner.
Susan Bueti Hill. One of the most meaningful parts of the trip was connecting with other participants who have albinism, like I do. It was incredible to share stories and experiences with others from around the world who understood not only my visual condition but the unique identity that comes with being albino. I was especially sparked by a fierce competitor who shared that she introduced the sport of Goalball to Scotland. Her passion and leadership left a lasting impression on me. And then there was dogsledding - what an unforgettable experience! I was lucky to ride with a kind local musher whose beloved dog team carried us up steep snowy trails, raced down hills with joyful chaos, and soared across a frozen lake under the bluest sky. It felt like something out of a Nordic fairy tale. One of the most powerful moments came at the finish line of Saturday's Ridderrenn. As each skier returned, our group was there: cheering, clapping, celebrating each other's accomplishments. I was bursting with pride for all our medal winners (you rock!), and I'll never forget the love and encouragement I felt as Julie and I crossed the finish line together. It was a wonderful celebration of community and the shared love for Nordic skiing!
Greetings Ski For Light community!
Have you ever thought of getting involved in the work of our amazing organization? There are many ways you can contribute. One way is to get on the Board of Directors. The SFL Board is a wonderful group of twenty-five volunteers who do the heavy lifting so that our organization can continue to provide the terrific ski events we all enjoy each year.
A term on the Board is four years. Approximately half of our board members are elected every two years. We are a working board. This means that we commit to serving on at least one committee and to doing our share of the work that is required to run the organization. This is a great way to give back to SFL and to feel even more connected to the community.
Karen is stepping down as the Chair of the Board Development and Elections Committee due to SFL constitutional requirements. Sheri is now the new committee Chair. Our next board election process begins this fall. if you are interested in learning more, or if you have questions, please contact Sheri at r.sheri@icloud.com
Be on the lookout for the Fall Bulletin, which will include an article with more details informing you about the nominations process.
In recent months, Ski for Light has lost several people who were important to the program for many years and in many ways. Please join us in mourning the passing of these dear friends.
Gordon Larson first attended SFL as a guide in 1985, and guided at 38 subsequent events. During each of these 39 years he was accompanied by his wife, Jean, and in recent years by his son Patrick, as well. In the late 1980s, Gordon was elected to the SFL Board of Directors, on which he served for many years. For several of those years, he also served on the SFL Executive Committee as a Director at Large. Gordon was awarded the Bjarne Eikevik President's Award in 1993 for his service to SFL. He last attended SFL in 2023, and passed away on June 14, 2025, at the age of 85.
JoAnne Jorud first attended SFL as a guide in 1982, and attended 27 additional events as a guide and volunteer after that. She was elected to the SFL Board of Directors in 1984, and became Secretary of SFL shortly thereafter. She remained on the Board for about 20 years, many of them as Secretary. In addition, JoAnne served as the Guide Applications Coordinator for many years during the 90s. For more than 30 years, JoAnne was the person who received all SFL donations made by mail. She prepared a report of funds received for the SFL Treasurer and then deposited the funds received into the SFL checking account. During the early years of this activity, she went weekly to the Sons of Norway office in Minneapolis (where she lived) to gather the SFL mail; in later years after she had moved away from Minneapolis, the mail was forwarded to her for this same purpose. JoAnne was awarded the Bjarne Eikevik President's Award in 1995 for her service to SFL. JoAnne last attended ski week in 2015, and died on April 29, 2025 at the age of 81.
Patience Barnes was a guide at 25 SFL events, the last in 2009. She often guided her husband of 69 years, visually-impaired skier James Barnes. She was a Research Associate at Wabash College in Indiana, where Jim was a Professor, and among other accomplishments, was the editor of 12 of his books. She passed away on March 31, 2025 at the age of 94.
Vicki Post attended SFL seven times as a visually-impaired skier, the last in 2009. For most of those years she was the editor of the SFL Bulletin. Vicki was a leader of the Sierra Regional SFL program, and for more than 25 years was involved in every aspect of the program, including serving several terms as President. Vicki passed away on May 12, 2025 at the age of 71.
Editor's Note: Beloved SFL blind skier, Charlie Wirth, died October 31, 2024 at age 103. Immediately below is an article written by Karen Anderson, which appeared in the commemorative book, "Ski for Light at 50." Karen was Charlie's guide at a number of SFL events. Following Karen's recollections is an obituary that has been edited for length and clarity.
As we all know, the Ski for Light organization has no shortage of interesting characters in its midst. But Charlie Wirth stands out as extraordinarily interesting. Not just because he doesn't think there's anything noteworthy about a 103 year old blind man skiing. Charlie stands out in that he brings joy to any gathering because he is a real gentleman who genuinely cares about others. It's his sense of humor that also brings us joy. For example, talking about a spill he took off of a tandem bike at the regional event in Pennsylvania, he said it was a "real down-to-earth experience." No whining for Charlie! Ask him his special secret to longevity? His reply: "Just keep breathing." As for his skiing - a guide could not ask for a more ideal participant. He has all the skills required to navigate just about anything. Especially when he hits his bent knee downhill position - very little will upend him. If you're working on technique, he listens intensely and is very coachable. Best of all, his default facial expression while skiing is a joyful grin. He is tenacious. On a long uphill, he might be breathing hard, but won't ask "how much farther?" When he falls, not only does he manage to right himself independently, but the guide is entertained by him swearing in French.
For about 20 years, Charlie has barely missed the Ridderren (Norwegian ski event), and has participated in the international and regional events. Before becoming a ski bum, Charlie was an advertising copywriter in New York City.
Ski For Light has much to celebrate on our 50th anniversary, not the least of which is our own Charlie Wirth, an amazingly inspirational friend!
Charlie grew up in Brooklyn and spoke fondly of his childhood. From birth he had poor vision which created challenges for him. But Charlie persevered and built a career as a copy editor. By the time Charlie was in his 40s, he had completely lost his sight.
Charlie met Verne Sobeck, the love of his life, and they married in 1958. Verne had served as a Navy nurse in the early 1950s. She was an extraordinarily warm and caring person and together they built a marriage of deep love, respect and affection. Together they traveled the world, taking advantage of Verne's service to take military flights and stay on U.S. military bases for a fraction of what commercial travel would cost. Charlie was always careful with a buck. Verne passed in 1992.
At a time when many would be considering slowing down, Charlie continued to embrace life and embarked on new adventures, meeting new people and developing lifelong friendships. He enjoyed tandem biking and even completed the Five Boro Bike Tour when he was well into his 80s.
Some of Charlie's closest friends in recent years were forged through Ski for Light. Charlie is survived by countless close friends around the world.
To memorialize and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Ski for Light, we have collected memories, stories, and photos from many program participants over these 50 years and compiled them into a book, Ski for Light at 50, which is now available for order.
We've squeezed half a century of history into 292 print pages and 135 photos. The book includes summaries of each Ski for Light event, brief biographies of all our presidents, all of our Ridderrenn teams, award winners, and more. Plus a smattering of SFL trivia, such as who got married at Ski for Light and which year were we in the same hotel with a movie crew? Best of all, the book is available in four formats: print, braille, audio, and electronic. You'll find complete ordering instructions for each version on the SFL website, at www.sfl.org/publications/book. Don't delay, order your copy today.
Editor's Note: Lily Edwards is a student at the University of Utah as a communications major. Lily is a member of Delta Gamma Sorority, which has been a supporter of SFL for some years as part of their Service for Sight program. She attended SFL in Provo/Soldier Hollow for the 2025 event as an intern, assisting in public relations activities including taking photos and writing articles. She received 3 semester hours of credit for her work with SFL.
When I first applied for the Communications and Marketing internship with Ski for Light, I imagined I'd be doing the typical intern things like posting on social media, creating content, or maybe editing some photos. What I didn't expect was to be changed by the experience, to walk away with a new understanding of accessibility, independence, and what it really means to be part of a community.
Ski for Light is an international nonprofit that pairs visually-impaired and mobility impaired individuals with sighted guides to learn and enjoy cross-country skiing. Every year, people travel from around the world to participate in a week long event, and this year was especially meaningful. It was their 50th anniversary. Participants and guides came from places as far as Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Norway. Some had been involved for decades. Others, like me and many of the skiers, were brand new.
In the weeks leading up to the event, I was busy helping to coordinate marketing materials and finalizing schedules to make sure everything would run smoothly. I worked with the social media team to plan out content for the week and collaborated with organizers to better understand the flow of events. I was excited, a little nervous, and deeply curious about what was ahead.
But nothing could have prepared me for the real thing. Once the event began, everything shifted. Suddenly, I was on the ground every day, bouncing between the ski trails at Soldier Hollow and the Marriott Hotel in Provo, capturing the magic in real time. I created two to three posts daily for Ski for Light's Facebook and Instagram, documenting everything from high-energy ski races to quiet conversations over dinner. I also took hundreds of photos to help tell the story visually - images that captured not just action, but emotion. It was fast-paced, a little chaotic, and incredibly fulfilling.
There's one moment that keeps coming back to me. All week long, I noticed a participant named Lily--who, funny enough, shares my name. She had traveled all the way from Australia and had never even seen snow before. At the start of the week, she was hesitant and unsure, cautiously stepping into a world that felt completely foreign. She clung tightly to her guide's arm, visibly nervous. But each day, I watched her shift. I didn't guide her myself, but I witnessed her transformation from the sidelines--first a small smile, then a more confident stride, and eventually, laughter as she skied freely down the trail. By the end of the week, she radiated joy.
Watching her become more confident reminded me that outdoor recreation is so much more than sport or fitness; it's about discovery, courage, and freedom. It's about proving to yourself that you can do something you never imagined. That feeling of transformation wasn't just something I observed--it happened to me, too. Before this internship, I had never cross-country skied either. I spent most of the week capturing stories through my camera lens, but one afternoon, I stepped away from the screen and onto the snow. Nervously, I strapped on skis and joined a small group on the trail. I fell. A lot. But skiing alongside participants, especially those navigating without sight, was a deeply humbling experience. Their perseverance, humor, and trust in their guides gave me a whole new appreciation for the strength it takes to try something new. They weren't just learning to ski. They were learning to believe in themselves. And in turn, I was learning to believe in myself, too.
The week long event typically draws more than 250 attendees, all staying together in one hotel, sharing 20 meals, and commuting daily as a group to the ski trails. The logistics alone are impressive, but what makes it even more remarkable is the diversity of the group: more than 100 blind or visually impaired skiers, 8 to 10 mobility impaired individuals, more than 115 sighted guides, plus dozens of companions and volunteers from across the globe. About 25% of the skiers are first-timers, bravely learning something entirely new, while the remaining 75% return to deepen their skills or simply enjoy the snow. The level of community and care required to orchestrate a week like this is immense, and I was struck by how naturally it all came together - not because it was easy, but because people believed in the mission and in each other.
What made Ski for Light stand out wasn't just the skiing, it was the intentionality behind everything. The event was carefully designed with accessibility in mind. The signage at the venues was clear and easy to read. The hotel and ski areas were organized in a way that made movement and communication seamless. Even our website content was structured with Universal Design principles, ensuring it was readable by screen readers and user-friendly for all visitors, regardless of ability. It became clear to me that Universal Design isn't just helpful for people with disabilities. It makes everything better for everyone.
I also got to witness how sighted guides adapted their methods to support participants. Some used verbal cues like "turn left" or "bump coming up," while others developed more subtle systems, like tapping ski poles or adjusting their pace to match the skier beside them. The care and creativity behind each method were inspiring. I realized that accessibility isn't about one perfect solution. It's about flexibility, empathy, and the willingness to adapt.
Each day, the environment grew more supportive and vibrant as people bonded over shared experiences, inside jokes, and snowy adventures. While the event centered around skiing, it was also filled with workshops, dance nights, and talent shows, spaces that allowed people to express themselves beyond the ski trails. There was a contagious sense of joy that floated through the hotel lobby and onto the trails. In the evenings, the dining room buzzed with energy as skiers and guides recapped the day's highlights. I had countless conversations with people who had returned to Ski for Light year after year, not just for the skiing, but for the friendships and sense of belonging. That kind of community doesn't just happen. It's built intentionally, with care, love, and a shared commitment to making each person feel seen.
What stays with me most, though, is the sense of shared purpose I felt all week long. Ski for Light creates a space where disability isn't a limitation. It's just one aspect of the person. I saw athletes, friends, and mentors. I saw people cheering each other on, picking each other up (sometimes literally) and finding joy in the small wins. I saw what it looks like when inclusion isn't just a buzzword-it's a lived value, practiced with care and consistency.
This internship gave me far more than professional skills. It gave me a new way of seeing the world. It reminded me that accessibility, when done well, benefits everyone. That community can be built across differences. That joy can exist even in unfamiliar, uncomfortable places like a snowy trail on your first day of skiing. And maybe most of all, it gave me a story I'll carry with me forever: a story that began in the snow, with a woman named Lily learning to ski.
And another Lily—me—learning to see.
Ski for Light, Inc. is loosely affiliated with eight regional organizations around the United States that share our name, but are independent organizations. They are located in New England, Northeast Pennsylvania, Michigan, South Dakota, Colorado, Montana, Northern California and Washington. Each group holds one or more winter events that include teaching and guiding visually- and mobility-impaired adults in cross-country skiing. Many of them also offer summer and/or fall programs, ranging from single-day hikes to week-long adventures. To check out the offerings of each organization for this year visit their respective websites, all linked from the Regionals page on the SFL website at www.sfl.org/events/regionals
Editors: Andrea Goddard, a.goddard88@icloud.com
Sheri Richardson, r.sheri@icloud.com
Donna Paterson, patersond@hotmail.com
Proofing and Fact Checking: Marion Elmquist
Layout and Graphics: Susan Bridgeford
The SFL Bulletin is published three times a year. It is available in ink-print or via e-mail. If you wish to change formats, please send your request to: info@sfl.org
The current as well as past issues of the Bulletin are also available online at www.sfl.org/bulletin
Ski for Light, Inc. is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.