Ski for Light 2026 International Week
Snow Mountain Ranch – Granby, Colorado
February 1 – 8, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the application deadline?
- When is my payment due?
- Is my payment refundable if I have to cancel and not attend the event after I have paid?
- Is financial assistance available for attendees who need such assistance in order to attend the International Week?
- The application for guides says that all first and second time guides need to arrive at SFL on Saturday January 31st for guide training, but my schedule won’t allow me to get there that early. Is this a problem?
- I will not be staying with the SFL group at Snow Mountain Ranch, but would like to be a guide for the week. What options are available for me?
- At what time do I need to arrive at the Denver Airport on my day of arrival? At what time should I plan my return flight on Sunday February 8th?
- If I cannot arrive in Denver in time to take the SFL bus to Snow Mountain Ranch, or need to schedule an early morning return flight on Sunday February 8th, how can I get to and from Snow Mountain Ranch?
- What is the altitude of Snow Mountain Ranch?
- Could the altitude of Snow Mountain Ranch cause me any problems, and if so, what can I do to minimize them?
- Will rental cross country skis be available at Snow Mountain Ranch?
- If I select the standard menu option for the week’s meals, can I switch to one of the other menu options on those nights when I decide that the other option looks better, or vice-versa? If I don’t like the looks of any of the options can I just ask the wait person to bring me something else?
- I have heard that alcohol is not allowed at Snow Mountain Ranch, which is the YMCA of the Rockies. Is this true?
- Is there a store nearby where I can buy snacks or other items to have in my room?
- Will I be able to use my credit card to charge purchases that I make during the week?
- If I bring my guide dog to the event, will someone be available to walk and relieve the dog for me while I am away skiing?
- Will before breakfast stretch and yoga groups be offered at Snow Mountain Ranch for those who wish to participate?
- If I arrive a day or two before the event starts, can I crash in the room of a friend who is already checked in, without either of us having to pay anything extra?
- I would like a double occupancy room but don’t have anyone in mind with whom I could share a room. Can someone help me find other attendees in the same situation and put us together in a room for the event?
- I have a special request regarding my room and my meals. Should I just call Snow Mountain Ranch to tell them what I want?
- May I arrive at Snow Mountain Ranch a day or two before the event starts?
- Is there someone I can contact with additional questions?
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Question: When is the application deadline?
Answer: The deadline for the submission of applications from prospective visually- or mobility-impaired participants is October 1, 2025. Applications received after this date will be considered only on a space available basis.
Guides are encouraged to apply as early as possible, since the number of VIPs and MIPs who can be accepted at any point in time is dependent on how many guides have applied.
The application deadline for worker-bees, companions and guests is also October 1, although it may be possible to consider applications submitted after this date if there is still space available in the hotel.
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Question: When is my payment due?
Answer: Full payment of your event fee is due by November 15, 2025. Payment instructions will be sent to you after you are admitted, and you can pay on line using the link in your acceptance email. You may also pay by check if you prefer. If your payment is not received by November 15, SFL may release your space to another applicant on the waiting list.
Question: Is my payment refundable if I have to cancel and not attend the event after I have paid?
Answer: If you cancel on or before November 15, 2025 you will receive a refund of fees paid minus $25. If you cancel from November 16, 2025 through January 24, 2026 you will receive a refund of fees paid minus $100. If you cancel after January 24, 2026 no refund will be given. In the event of a major medical or family emergency causing you to cancel after January 24, 2026 the President may authorize a refund of fees paid minus $200.
Question: Is financial assistance available for attendees who need such assistance in order to attend
the International Week?
Answer: All guides, all visually impaired participants and all mobility impaired participants with a financial need who reside in the United States are eligible for a stipend to partially defray the cost of attending the annual SFL event. Applicants requesting a single room or arriving early at the event hotel, other than people arriving early on SFL business, are not eligible for stipends. Stipend amounts will usually range from 30% to 60% of the event fee, with the actual amount of any stipend based on the funds that SFL still has available for this purpose, the applicant’s stated financial need, and any other relevant considerations.
Question The application for guides says that all first and second time guides need to arrive at SFL on Saturday January 31st for guide training, but my schedule won’t allow me to get there that early. Is this a problem?
Answer: Yes, it is a problem, for two reasons. The first is the safety of our blind and mobility impaired participants. The communication and guiding skills needed to safely guide such skiers are unique to the SFL program and have been developed over the 40 plus years of the program. They are proven and necessary skills that you must be taught by certified SFL Guide Trainers before you can be matched with a skier.
The second is liability. Quite bluntly, we cannot pair you with a blind or mobility impaired skier without knowing from our own observation that you can do so safely. So even if you have guided in your regional program for years, or have other comparable experience, you must go through our guide training program at the beginning of the event.
Question I will not be staying with the SFL group at Snow Mountain Ranch, but would like to be a guide for the week. What options are available for me?
Answer: If you are an experienced classic cross- country skier and can commit to guiding for the entire six days of the event, from morning until late afternoon each day, we welcome your participation as a guide, even if you are not staying with the SFL group at Snow Mountain Ranch. Before you apply, however, we want to explain some aspects of the SFL program that are probably different from what you may have experienced with other events for which you have volunteered in the past.
First, at SFL each guide is paired with a single visually- or mobility-impaired skier for the entire six-day event. This means that you will need to be able to commit to guiding all six days of the event. You will need to be able to meet your skier at breakfast each day, or shortly after, and be available until mid to late afternoon. This week-long pairing is necessary to form the bond of trust and communication clarity that are so important to a visually- or mobility-impaired skier skiing safely and enjoyably during the week.
Next, as a guide who is new to SFL you will need to participate in the guide training program on Saturday evening and Sunday at the start of the week. Even if you are a very experienced guide we require that you attend these training sessions for reasons of legal liability.
Next, Ski for Light is much more than a learn-to-ski program. If you have not already done so, please read the New to Ski for Light page for a good description of the entire program. What this means for local guides is that to truly be part of the SFL week you need to attend at a minimum the opening and closing night dinners, other group meals if possible, and as much of the late afternoon and evening programs as your schedule permits.
Last, at SFL every attendee, able-bodied or disabled, pays the expenses of their participation in the week
Accordingly, the registration and meal package options available for local guides all include the opening and closing night dinners, all cross-country trail and other resort fees, and all late afternoon and evening programs and activities. Beyond this set of items, you may choose to add additional meals during the week if you so desire.
If the above expectations do not fit your schedule or wishes, please consider applying as a Worker-Bee for the week instead of as a guide.
QuestionAt what time do I need to arrive at the Denver Airport on my day of arrival? At what time should I plan my return flight on Sunday February 8th?
Answer: You should schedule your flight to arrive in Denver no later than 1:30 pm on your arrival day, and not schedule your return flight for earlier than 10:00 am on Sunday February 8th. Your event fee includes the cost of charter bus service between the Denver airport and Snow Mountain Ranch, at designated times and on designated days. You will need to arrive in Denver by 1:30 pm to take the last bus to Snow Mountain Ranch at 3:00 pm. The first bus will depart Snow Mountain Ranch at 6:00 am on departure day, February 8th, and should arrive at the airport by 8:30 am. If you schedule your return flight for earlier than 10:00 am you may not make your flight if weather is inclement, causing the bus trip to take longer than planned, or the airport is congested when you arrive.
Question If I cannot arrive in Denver in time to take the SFL bus to Snow Mountain Ranch, or need to schedule an early morning return flight on Sunday February 8th, how can I get to and from Snow Mountain Ranch?
Answer: If you need to arrive late in Denver you will need to take the Home James van service to Snow Mountain Ranch at your own expense, or make other arrangements that meet your needs. Home James operates 11 trips daily from the Denver airport to Snow Mountain Ranch, at a one-way cost of about $90 per person. To learn the exact Home James current rates and schedule, and to make a reservation on their van, call (833) 274-3397 or visit their website
There is one other alternative that you should consider. If you must arrive late in Denver, consider changing your schedule to arrive one day earlier. Stay at one of the many hotels at the Denver airport and take the SFL bus the next day. The advantage of this plan is that it would allow you to more gradually adjust to the Colorado altitude. The Denver airport is about 5,200 feet in altitude, while Snow Mountain Ranch is considerably higher (see next question for details).
If you wish to depart the Denver airport earlier than 10:00 am on Sunday February 8th please remember that the SFL charter bus will not get you to the airport in time for an early-morning flight. You will want to check with Home James to determine if their scheduled service from Snow Mountain Ranch to the Denver airport will meet your needs. If not, your options will be to rent a car, or alternatively plan to leave Snow Mountain Ranch on Saturday via Home James, and couple that with an overnight stay at a Denver airport hotel or a departing flight on Saturday.
Question What is the altitude of Snow Mountain Ranch?
Answer: The altitude of Snow Mountain Ranch is 8,750 feet (2,667 meters).
Question Could the altitude of Snow Mountain Ranch cause me any problems, and if so, what can I do to minimize them?
Answer: If you are not accustomed to high altitude you could experience some problems at first, commonly referred to as “altitude sickness”, but there are a few proven things you can do to avoid or minimize the effect of such problems. You should know that altitude sickness can affect anyone, no matter what age or fitness level, so it is not a matter of physical condition. Visitors from lower elevations may notice shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, headaches and/or nausea. This is because at the altitude of Snow Mountain Ranch oxygen is approximately 45% less dense than at sea level, and there is 50% to 80% less humidity.
To alleviate these symptoms, we recommend the following for the first two to three days of your visit:
- Drink plenty of water (64 ounces daily)
- Get lots of rest and do not over exert.
- Avoid heavy meals.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Question Will rental cross country skis be available at Snow Mountain Ranch?
Answer: Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center has cross country skis, poles and boots available for rent at a cost of $110 for the week. They accept cash or credit card for your rental fee.
Question If I select the standard menu option for the week’s meals, can I switch to one of the other menu options on those nights when I decide that the other option looks better, or vice versa? If I don’t like the looks of any of the options can I just ask the wait person to bring me something else?
Answer: The answer to both questions is no. Our contract with Snow Mountain Ranch specifies that only four meal alternatives will be provided at each meal. The restaurant orders food based on the number of each type of meal that we have told them will be needed, so if you switch your selection meal by meal someone else will end up with a meal they do not want and/or cannot eat.
Question I have heard that alcohol is not allowed at Snow Mountain Ranch, which is the YMCA of the Rockies. Is this true?
Answer: You are allowed alcoholic beverages in your room and the SFL meeting rooms. There will be a special SFL Lounge set up in the Indian Peaks Lodge for socializing and enjoying an “adult beverage”.
Question Is there a store nearby where I can buy snacks or other items to have in my room?
Answer: Snow Mountain Ranch has a small general store in the Administration Building that sells snacks, bottled water, soda and items that you may have forgotten to bring. There is a large supermarket and pharmacy, and an adjoining liquor store, City Market just outside of Granby, about 6 miles away from where we’ll be staying.
Question Will I be able to use my credit card to charge purchases that I make during the week?
Answer: You will be able to use your credit card for most of your incidental expenses during the week. An exception will be expenses incurred in the SFL lounge, where we will be able to accept only cash due to the restrictions of the special use permit that allows us to operate the lounge. An ATM cash machine is located in the Snow Mountain Ranch Administration Building.
Question If I bring my guide dog to the event, will someone be available to walk and relieve the dog for me while I am away skiing?
Answer: We expect to have a crew of dog walkers drawn from SFL worker bees and local volunteers. The goal is to have your dog walked by the same person each day, who will leave a text for you with details.
Deni Elliott, who handled guide dog needs last year, is also working to again provide the option to pre-order dog food locally and have it delivered to the hotel. She is also coordinating with a local vet so that there is a veterinarian on call 24/7 during the event. We will have a meeting for guide dogs, their partners, and the guide dog walkers after the opening night dinner. Please contact Deni Elliott at with any questions.
Question Will before breakfast stretch and yoga groups be offered at Snow Mountain Ranch for those who wish to participate?
Answer: Yes, before breakfast stretch and yoga groups will be offered at Snow Mountain Ranch from Monday through Saturday mornings, for those wishing to participate.
Question If I arrive a day or two before the event starts, can I crash in the room of a friend who is already checked in, without either of us having to pay anything extra?
Answer: No. Ski for Light and Snow Mountain Ranch have a contract that requires payment for every person who occupies a room. We pay by the person, not the room.
Question I would like a double occupancy room but don’t have anyone in mind with whom I could share a room. Can someone help me find other attendees in the same situation and put us together in a room for the event?
Answer: Yes, the SFL Housing and Registration Coordinator will endeavor to match you with another person or persons for the week.
Question I have a special request regarding my room and my meals. Should I just call Snow Mountain Ranch to tell them what I want?
Answer: No. All communications between Snow Mountain Ranch and Ski for Light attendees must be through the various SFL coordinators. One reason that SFL gets a good package price from Snow Mountain Ranch is that they know that they do not have to deal with upwards of 300 people individually. They deal with just a very few SFL people. Please direct all of your questions to your Application Coordinator, not Snow Mountain Ranch.
Question May I arrive at Snow Mountain Ranch a day or two before the event starts?
Answer: Some SFL Guides and participants like to arrive a day or two early in order to visit with friends. Some people also like to arrive early to acclimatize to the altitude. You are welcome to arrive early if you wish, but please be aware of the following before making such a decision or making travel plans:
- There are no event activities for you to participate in until Sunday evening, the official start of the SFL week. While there will be board and event committee members, Guide trainers, and many first and second year Guides at the hotel and ski area, they are there to do all of the many things that have to be done to get ready for a successful week. You may join the official group for meals, but apart from that you will be pretty much on your own until Sunday evening.
- Arriving early will cost you more money. Call your Application Coordinator to discuss the pre event rooming and meal plan options, and the cost of each.
- Those in a double-occupancy room who arrive before their roommate may have to upgrade to a single room for the pre event days if no roommate is available for them.
- Almost everyone arriving before their roommate for the week will have to change rooms on Sunday, when the week begins.
Reservations for early arrival must be made with your Application Coordinator by November 15, 2025. We will try to accommodate requests received after this date if at all possible, but if rooming and meal lists have already been submitted to Snow Mountain Ranch you may have to make your own private reservations for early days at a different hotel in the area.
The incremental charge for early arrival at Snow Mountain Ranch should be included with your event payment due by November 15, 2025. If you have already submitted your payment for the basic week when you make plans to arrive early at Snow Mountain Ranch, the incremental payment should be submitted as soon as the reservation is confirmed by your Application Coordinator. The fees for early arrival are subject to the same refund policy as other event fees.
Question: Is there someone I can contact with additional questions?
Answer: Yes, if you have additional questions about the Ski for Light week please contact one of the coordinators listed below.
Visually Impaired Participant Application Coordinator:
Nino Pacini
(734) 658-2919
Mobility Impaired Participant Application Coordinator:
Nicole Haley
(603) 969-4083
Instructor/Guide Application Coordinator:
Peggy Malloy
(970) 404-0043
Worker-Bee, Companion and Guest Application Coordinator
Lillian Goodman
(503) 522-5875