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Ski for Light Bulletin Fall 2024
News and Information about the People and Programs of Ski for Light, Inc.
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 Julie Coppens
Vårhilsener til alle våre Ski for Light-venner!
If you’re wondering why I’m greeting you all in Norwegian, it’s because I’ve lately returned with a big, happy group of SFLers from the 2025 Ridderrenn, held March 30-April 6 in Beitostølen. This is the adaptive Nordic event that inspired our own, five decades ago-and in honor of this shared history, we sent a team of eight athlete-ambassadors (twice the usual number) to carry the Ski for Light flag: visually impaired skiers Karen Burke, Susan Bueti Hill, Audrey Farnum, and Lillian Goodman, along with guides Karen Ishibashi, Lynee Forsyth, Ted Ellickson, and fortunate me. We were joined on this Scandinavian adventure by sixteen SFL friends, including Marilyn Gerhard, recipient this year of the Brit Peterson Award for her extraordinary financial support of our program. Once again we were grateful to the good folks at Borton Overseas for contributing a number of Ridderrenn team flights; our team jackets were provided by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Let me also thank our intrepid trip leader, Marion Elmquist, who organized some fantastic sightseeing in Oslo and kept us all on track over there, during a snow-challenged yet deeply rewarding event that has stayed with me. (Here’s proof: Jeg lærer å snakke norsk, using the Pimsleur language-learning app. Super-fun, I highly recommend!) You’ll be hearing more Ridderrenn stories, in English, in the next issue.
Reflecting on our own SFL 2025 International Week, held recently in Provo, Utah, I am overwhelmed with pride and gratitude for everyone involved-from our tireless event planning committee led by Sheri Richardson and Nancy McKinney Milsteadt, to our excellent hosts at the Provo Marriott and at Soldier Hollow, all the guides and other volunteers, and every participant who pushed themselves, skiing outside their comfort zone (but safely) on Olympic-level trails. You’ll be hearing many of those stories later in this Bulletin, so I’ll just add a few Golden Anniversary shout-outs…
It was an absolute joy to hand this year’s Bjarne Eikevik President’s Award to Melinda Hollands, a beacon of positivity, care and capability on the SFL Board. We were delighted to welcome Anniken Huitfeldt, Norway’s Ambassador to the United States; Sons of Norway stalwarts Merv Erikkson and Ron Stubbings, and other special guests for our 50th festivities, which included the launch of the book Ski for Light at 50, edited by Laura Oftedahl (purchase links for various formats on our homepage). And for the first time we had two Jan Haug winners: visually impaired participants Talia Woodard, of Houston, Texas, and Christine Jodoin, of Lansing, Michigan, showed so much rookie enthusiasm that we had to award both ladies packages of skis, boots, and poles, to encourage their continued involvement and enjoyment of the sport.
“As the Ski for Light week progressed, my desire to connect and become an integrated member of this extraordinary organization grew,” Christine wrote. “I had no idea whatsoever of the humbling recognition that Talia and I would receive through the Jan Haug Award. Thank you very much for seeing the ‘light’ in us! An amazing gift of gear to ski!”
It is amazing, what the generosity of the Ski for Light community makes possible, season after season. And you know what? We’re just getting started. Plans are well underway for our next International Event, February 1-8, 2026, at YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch, in Granby, Colorado. We are always looking further down the trail, scouting new event sites, finding new friends and funding sources, and exploring new ways to grow in our mission of skidelingslæring: skiing, sharing, learning.
Another Fine Ski Week at Soldier Hollow
By Sheri Richardson, 2025 Event Chair
The SFL 2025 event at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center was an amazing experience for everyone who attended. The event featured challenging skiing on the Olympic trails, surrounded by beautiful scenery and plenty of sunshine. The apres ski sessions were filled with engaging and fun topics like travel adventures, athletic competitions, guide dogs, and even backyard chickens.
Evening activities were just as exciting, with a lively line dancing class, a silent auction that was anything but quiet, a trip to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir rehearse and record their music, and a dance featuring the Gina Marie Osmond band.
Norway night exceeded all expectations with a delightful array of surprises this year. The evening began with an engaging exhibit set up by members of a nearby Sons of Norway lodge. Located just outside the banquet hall, the exhibit provided attendees with a fascinating glimpse into Norwegian heritage and culture, setting the tone for the festivities to follow. As we all settled in for a delicious salmon dinner, we learned some exciting news: two surprise visitors from Norway had joined the celebration. Svein Thorstensen and Reidar Storvik, renowned figures from the Ridderrenn, made an appearance, much to the delight of many attendees who recognized and admired them. Their presence added a special touch of familiarity and warmth to the evening, making it even more memorable. In fact, there were 9 Norwegians in the Norwegian contingent this year, all but one who have been at past SFLs. And the surprises didn’t end there. We were also joined by a distinguished guest: Anniken Huitfeldt, the Ambassador from Norway to the United States. She arrived on Thursday evening and actively participated in the remainder of the event.
Everyone enjoyed the comfort and excellent service provided by the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center throughout the event. Special recognition goes to Haley Amasiu, the Event Manager for the Marriott, for her exceptional dedication, responsiveness, and attention to detail. She was always there when we needed her.
The success of the SFL event is truly due to the hard work and dedication of the many volunteers who make the SFL organization great. I want to especially thank the event planning committee, with a big shout-out to Nancy McKinney Milsteadt, vice-chair, for her invaluable contributions.
I am also grateful to our special guests from Norway, and Ambassador Huitfeldt, for joining us to help celebrate 50 years of Ski for Light. Their presence underscores the heritage, friendship, and support we share with Norway and the Ridderrenn and made the entire event especially memorable. So here’s my toast to the first 50 years of Ski for Light and to the new friendships and memories of the next 50 years!
More Than the Skiing
By Adelina (Lily) Holloway
In February 2025, I had the extraordinary privilege of joining Ski For Light in Utah for what turned out to be one of the most transformative and unforgettable experiences of my life. Coming all the way from Australia, I wasn’t sure what to expect – and truthfully, I didn’t do a lot of research beforehand. I just knew I wanted to push myself and connect with something bigger. What I found was a family.
From the moment I arrived, I was wrapped in a warm, collective hug by the Ski For Light community. People were drawn to the Aussie accent – I could barely make it down a hallway without someone stopping me to say hello or share a story. Whether in the hot tub, on the slopes, or over dinner, I was constantly surrounded by people who were genuinely kind, curious, and full of joy.
What makes Ski for Light so unique isn’t just the skiing. It’s the people – the volunteers, guides, organizers, and fellow participants – who make this community what it is. Back home, we have a few small programs, but nothing like this. The level of organization, the camaraderie, the inclusive spirit, and the sheer determination of everyone involved is extraordinary.
I came into this adventure thinking it was all about learning to ski. What I really learned was about connection, courage, and resilience. I fell – a lot – but every fall was met with encouragement, laughter, and support. I’ve never worked so hard physically in my life, even as a para-athlete. There were moments when I wanted to give up, to take off the skis and walk away. But then there was Joanie – my incredible guide.
Joanie was my rock on the trails. From the moment we met, I knew we were kindred spirits – two Aussies at heart, mad as cut snakes, laughing the same laugh. She believed in me when I didn’t, and her encouragement carried me through every challenging moment. I was told I had the best guide at Ski for Light, and now I know it’s true.
And of course, a special shout-out to Kris and Nancy – two singing angels I met during a Camino walk across Spain. Without them, I never would’ve found my way to Ski for Light in the first place. Their belief in me opened the door to this experience, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.
Ski for Light has changed me. It reminded me that travel isn’t about what you see – it’s about how you connect, how you grow, and how you embrace challenge with open arms. I left Utah with sore muscles, a full heart, and friendships I’ll carry for life. If Colorado is calling next year, I’ll be there – skis on, ready to fall and rise again.
Thank you, Ski for Light. You’ve given me far more than a ski trip. You’ve given me family.
Curious About Ski Week 2026? Read On!
By David Fisichella, SFL 2026 Event Chair
The snow in the tracks at Provo, Utah, hasn’t yet melted and the SFL planning committee has already begun preparing for SFL 2026. If you haven’t yet heard, we will be returning to one of our favorite event sites, Granby, Colorado, and to the hospitality of the YMCA of the Rockies—Snow Mountain Ranch. New for next year will be a change in lunch location from the Nordic Center to a new building constructed at the youth camp.
There are three components to a successful SFL event, a dedicated planning committee, snow, and you. We have a great team place for the first, and no control over the second, but rely on you, our skiers, guides, and volunteers, to bring it all together. So, bring your skis, warm clothes, and a positive attitude to Granby and join us for what I know will be a memorable week.
It takes a team of almost thirty people to bring our annual events to life. If you would like to contribute some of your time and talents to help making it happen please contact me. No prior experience necessary. Are you new to SFL and don’t feel comfortable taking on a planning job? No problem, we can use your help this year assisting in various roles, which will provide you with the opportunity to learn about the job for next year. Don’t be shy. Contact me at to find out how you can help to make SFL 2026 a success.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in Granby February 1-8, 2026
SFL’s Family Tree, Norwegian Roots
By Einar Bergh
Newcomers to Ski for Light may wonder at all the talk about Norway. Here is a bit of background on why that is so.
Archaeologists have found 2,500 year old, well-preserved pieces of skis in marshes around the country. Even older evidence has been discovered in the form of a rock-carving at a place called Rødøy in Northern Norway. It shows clearly a human figure on skis.
In more modern times, explorer-humanitarian Fridtjof Nansen said in his 1890 book, “Skiing Across Greenland,” that, “Of all the sports of Norway, skiing is the most national, and a magnificent sport it is, thoroughly deserving of the title “Sport of Sports,”
Skiing as a sport was born in the mid-1800s, primarily as a result of the efforts of people from the Telemark area. Its valley of Morgedal has come to be known as the cradle of skiing.
So, when Norwegians joined the mass migration to North America 200 years ago, it was only natural that they should bring their knowledge of skiing with them. Some of the Norwegian settlers became known as pioneers of skiing in their respective areas in the New World.
It is appropriate to begin any mention of these men with Sondre Norheim, who has been called the Father of Modern Skiing. He was born in Morgedal in 1825, the same year the sloop Restauration left Norway with that first shipload of Norwegians headed for a new life in America. As he became an accomplished skier, he decided to improve the state of the art by developing a binding that made it possible to make turns at high speeds and even to jump on skis. Although many an athletic feat had been delivered on skis over the centuries, it was only now that skiing became a competitive and popular sport. With his new binding with a heel strap, Norheim has been given credit as the originator of slalom skiing.
In 1884, he immigrated to North Dakota, where he continued skiing and even making skis. He died and was buried in Denbigh, ND, where a plaque was erected in his honor in 1966.
Another famous Norwegian immigrant skier from Telemark was born two years after Norheim. His name in the first part of his life was Jon Torsteinsson Rui, which he changed to the more easily pronounceable John Thompson , and he was to become a legend as a one-man postal service, carrying heavy mail bags over the Sierra Nevada mountains in winter. People in that part of the continent didn’t know about skis, but they were familiar with snowshoes, so they called the Norwegian-American volunteer mail carrier “Snowshoe Thompson.” He skied a 90-mile route from Placerville, California to Genoa and Virginia City, Nevada. Today there is a brilliant bronze sculpture of him, his mailbag and his skis at Boreal Ridge in the Sierra Nevada.
Many more names of ski heroes from the Old Country could be mentioned here, but let us limit it to one more, namely ski jumper Carl Howelsen born as Karl Hovelsen, who lived from 1877 to 1955, and who won several medals in the Holmenkollen competitions in Oslo before emigrating to the U.S. in 1905. He worked at the Barnum & Baily Circus, “The Greatest Show on Earth.” He was one of the first who started ski clubs in the United States and was one of the founders of the Norge Ski Club in the Chicago area. He moved to Steamboat Springs, in Colorado, in 1910. He built the original ski jumping hill in Steamboat Springs, now known as Howelsen Hill and earned the nickname of “Father of Ski Jumping in Colorado.” He later returned to Norway where his son Leif was born. Leif was a member of the Norwegian contingent who joined Erling Stordahl and attended the Race for Light in Frisco, Colorado in 1975.
Olav Pedersen, our own “Father of Ski for Light,” an emigrant from Norway, was inducted into the Colorado Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame as well as the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame in Michigan. We’re in good company!
It’s Here – the Digital Recorded version of SFL at 50!
How to order all formats
Have you purchased your own copy of the “Ski for Light at 50” book? All formats are ready to ship now, including the DAISY talking book version. Print, e-book and braille formats are available to order. Read on for details.
People who have attended throughout the years submitted their stories, photos, and memories, and we have compiled them, squeezing 50 years 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.
There are photos, stories, and reflections by skiers, guides, and others—some going back decades and some new to Ski for Light in the last few years. Who got married at Ski for Light? Which year were we in the same hotel with a movie crew? You’ll find these facts and more in this brand-new book.
Best of all, the book is available in four formats, print, braille, audio, and electronic. Hardcopy print and Kindle available from www.amazon.com refreshable braille, hardcopy braille, and audio versions can be ordered from www.sfl.org/publications/book.
The team who brought this book together was led by Laura Oftedahl and included Marion Elmquist, Judy Dixon, Einar Bergh, Deborah Kendrick, Leslie Lane Hoyum, Cathie Sandell, and Scott Bertrand.
How I became a VIP/MIP and survived—I think!
By Bonnie O’Day
A lovely day greeted us as we arrived at Craftsbury Nordic Center to ski with the New England Ski for Light in early January. I consider myself to be a reasonably good cross-country skier, but I hadn’t gotten out on the trails for two years due to some family issues. I was a bit wobbly at first but soon hit my stride. The tracks were clean, the sun was bright, and I was flying along. The bright sun made seeing the tracks easier for me, so I told my guide I didn’t need much help in sunny areas.
I was speeding down a sunny hill and the tracks curved right. I missed the curve, and I went straight-splat! I landed face first on hard-packed snow, with my right ski and ankle turned at a funny angle in the track. I knew I was in trouble when I couldn’t put weight on my right foot.
Upon returning from the emergency room, with a diagnosis of a broken ankle, and hearing about my husband Bob Hartt’s wonderful time skiing. I burst into tears. “International SFL takes place in two weeks, and I’m not going if I can’t ski,” I whined. “But Bonnie, you could sit-ski,” Bob encouraged. I thought about it for 30 seconds and agreed that I would attend.
A sit-ski is a sled-like device that individuals with mobility impairments use to cross-country ski. The skier’s legs are straight out in front and belted in with Velcro straps. The skier uses short poles to propel themselves along the track. Each sit-skier is assigned one or two guides, whose roles are to keep the skier from moving backwards when propelling themselves up a hill and to slow them down and steer when going downhill. Jeff Pagels, a wheelchair user, was a tremendous athlete and an avid sit-skier. I am told that he needed minimal help from his guides when he was in his prime.
Ted Ellickson and Kristen Johnson were my assigned guides for the week. They ensured that I was fitted for the right size sit-ski and poles on Sunday night after dinner. They showed me how to use my core and upper body to propel myself down the tracks. Because I said I had reasonable upper body strength (big mistake), they promised minimal assistance up the hills.
Sit-skiing was a sustained effort of hard work. My arms became sore after about five minutes, but soon I learned to use my core and keep my head up and I got into the swing of things. While I was a bit disheartened as I observed even the slowest skiers pass me on the trail, the downhills were really a blast. The weather was sunny, clear and in the upper 30s and I was very glad to be outside.
My guides, Ted and Kristen, made sit-skiing a joy, with their humor and stories of past events. On Friday, all the sit-skiers and their guides enjoyed a lovely picnic at the top of the 5-k course. It was a wonderful vantage point from which to watch the guide race, cheering them on as they flew by. I also appreciated being cheered on as I finished the 5-k rally on race day. I was proud to come in second, till I realized there were only two sit-skiers who raced that day.
I learned a hard lesson while skiing at Craftsbury. VIPs are called visually impaired for a reason. Many of us have low vision that is often unreliable. I told my guide I needed minimal guiding, and I won’t make that mistake again. I will let my guides do their job and give me the information I need. My job is to listen, follow their directions, and stay safe.
To Ski or Not to Ski?
By John Elliott
Brayan Zamarripa and I were teammates at Soldier Hollow this year. Brayan runs with his service dog, Macro, when both are at home in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but since his dog didn’t come with him to Utah, Brayan adopted me to be his guide for the week. Monday of the 50th SFL International was Brayan’s first time on skis, and, over the next five days, we made enough progress on technique that we were confident we could handle Saturday’s 5 kilometer rally. As anyone who has skied at Soldier Hollow knows, the trails have some very challenging sections, and this was true for the rally course as well.
Our rally went well until about the 3 kilometer mark when we approached the top of a steep downhill. We had practiced our snowplow on this particular descent the day before, and Brayan was ready to give it a go again. But the light drizzle on Saturday morning made course conditions faster and even more challenging, and descending that hill during the rally was not without consequence. Near the bottom of the hill, Brayan fell; one of his skis came off and I discovered that his binding had broken. Now, with 2 kilometers to the finish, we were not going to be able to ski the rest of the rally. I said “Brayan, we could abandon the rally, cut across the next three curves on foot and call it a day. Or, we could stay on the course and run.” Without hesitation, Brayan replied “Let’s run!”
We removed our remaining three skis, tucked them under our arms, and with the two of us holding a single pole, we started running the rest of the rally course. Nordic ski boots without attached skis are not the preferred equipment for crossing snow, but that’s how we covered the last 2 kilometers of the rally. Cowbells and cheers from the SFL crowd greeted us as we rounded the last curve and sprinted to the finish line, with our skis, but not with them on our feet.
We finished well behind most of the other rally skiers; however, we finished first in whatever you call this new, unanticipated, improvised event. Perhaps “Adaptive Nordic Shoe-athlon?”
Remembering Jean Replinger
By Julie Coppens
We lost one of our guiding lights when Jean Replinger passed away November 16, 2024, at age 96.
Jean served Ski for Light for nearly 30 years, starting in 1980, as a guide, guide trainer (in fact, she was the organizing force behind guide training as we know it today), Board member, Info Room coordinator, and recruiter/mentor of countless other exemplary SFL volunteers. In 1985, she received the first Bjarne Eikevik President’s Award, from Bud Keith. A professor at Southwest Minnesota State University, Jean encouraged many of her students to become guides, often paying their way, and she remained a generous donor to the program even when she could no longer attend herself.
“She was the real deal,” said Bob Norbie, one of Jean’s first student recruits who became a lifelong friend. Years before her involvement in Ski for Light, Bob added, Jean designed and directed the first women’s Outward Bound course in the Western Hemisphere, in 1965. “Understand that this happened during a time when a woman’s place was still regarded as being in the home. Jean never got that message and lobbied quite vigorously to give women the same opportunity as men to adventure and experience the out-of-doors.”
Lynn Cox, an early instructor with that program, said Jean brought that same egalitarian spirit to SFL-along with practicality, capability, and tremendous heart: “She opened many doors for us in her lifetime.”
Here’s some of what Jean herself had to say, in a 2008 letter to Larry Showalter:
“The Ski for Light event, because of its activities, mission and participants, has been a precious gift to me personally, embodying many things I enjoy in life: Being outdoors in winter, specifically cross-country skiing in the countryside. Teaching others the skill itself, so they have that love and freedom as their own. Sharing with a population that might not otherwise be able to know of this wondrous sport. Meeting and keeping in touch with a wonderful group of friends and companions who appreciate sharing and playfulness. It is a gift that keeps on giving and multiplying.”
A Celebration of Life was held April 12 on the SMSU campus in Marshall, Minnesota., with many SFLers in attendance. After the service, Bob, and Jean’s son Erik Replinger, wrote this to Jean’s friends all over the country:
“As you welcome and enjoy Springtime, revel in the birth of all things knowing that Jean is sharing these moments with you.”
Year-round SFL Fitness? You Betcha!
By Marian Wildgruber
Open to all, our mantra is, “Modify, modify, modify.” We follow an audio, strength-training workout on Zoom, using a mat and a few dumbbells if you want. The level of the workouts is advanced beginner/intermediate, but since no one is watching, you just do what you can do! Come when you can and join us.
Wednesdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. Pacific, 6 p.m. Eastern, 45 minutes.
Mother Nature Comes Through for Birkibeiner 2025
By Michael Evelo
A week prior to the start of this year’s Birkie Week activities, snow conditions were iffy for the races to finish at their customary spot on Main Street Hayward, Wisconsin, but mother nature came through with an additional 5 inches of the white stuff, providing just enough for all the activities to be held as scheduled, with the exception of the ParaBirkie. The ParaBirkie, of which Ski for Light is the presenting sponsor, was rerouted and moved up a day. SFL skiers Melinda Hollands (guided by Mark Golomski), Lucas Rice (guided by Julie Coppens), and Krista Erickson (guided by Sara Eisenberg) represented Ski for Light in the ParaBirkie, with Melinda coming in first place! Next up was the Giant Ski race. The Ski for Light Drift Busters raced the Giant Skies up Main Street with Lucas Rice in the lead position and with me, Sara Eisenberg, Julie Coppens, Stephanie Stegman and Barry Tulkki behind him on the long Giant Skis. The SFL Drift Busters had a blazing fast speed of 2 minutes 2 seconds, accomplishing our goal of not coming in last place and not one of us falling!
Since the ParaBirkie was moved up a day, SFL was able to put together a crew to step up and help at the Hatchery Creek Aid Station Friday Morning for the 29 kilometer Kortelopet and the 15 kilometer Prince Haakon races. SFL had a crew of 2 skiers and 6 guides helping serve energy drink, water, fruit, cookies and energy packets to skiers looking for the boost needed to make the final 8 kilometers to the Main Street finish!
Saturday was American Birkebeiner race day! SFL had a crew of 3 skiers and 9 guides helping at the “OO” aid station, which is at about the half way point of the 53K race! They helped prepare and serve the energy foods and drinks to skiers heading for that exciting Main Street finish. For me, it was awesome seeing the familiar smiling faces as I passed through the “OO” aid station!
I’ve saved the best and most important part of the Birkie week for last: All of the SFL skiers and guides who came to Birkie week shared the Ski for Light story and talked to prospective future SFL guides that Thursday and Friday at the Birkie Expo. This is by far the most important part of the week for SFL. This was the fourth year of SFL having a booth at the Expo, and the Ski for Light name recognition is really increasing—we have another 28 prospective guides as a result!
SFL will be the presenting sponsor of the ParaBirkie again in 2026. If you would like to partake in spreading our organization’s story, talk to prospective guides and have fun catching what is known as “Birkie Fever,” put February 18–22, 2026 on your calendar!
Regional Events
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 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.
The SFL Bulletin
Editors: Andrea Goddard and Donna Paterson
Proofing and Fact Checking: Marion Elmquist
Layout and Graphics: Susan Bridgford
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:
The current as well as past issues of the Bulletin are also available online at www.sfl.org/bulletin
Ski for Light, Inc.®
1455 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408-2648
Phone: 612-827-3232
www.sfl.org
General Information
Ski for Light, Inc. is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
By Julie Coppens