Lighting The Way
Blind Skiers Guided On Cross-Country Ski Tours
You know what I love about winter the most?
Not the cold so much, but the sunny crisp days that comes with living in the west and that is the perfect recipe for cross-country skiing.
I didn't grow up with skiing but introduced to it as an adult in my 20's while living in Denver. Lots of snow in the Rockies! However, it wasn't till I moved to North Lake Tahoe in California, that I met Betsy and Monte Rowell. They have been instrumental in creating Sierra Regional Ski For Light (SRSFL), a volunteer non-profit organization that offers a cross-country ski program to blind/visually impaired individuals from California.
Betsy, while visually impaired herself, (though you would never know it!), loves the outdoors and took up the challenge to offer this outdoor sport to others of similar disabilities.
Since 1993, Betsy and her husband, Monte have organized Ski for Light events at the Tahoe Donner Cross-Country ski area in Truckee, CA. Several one day events and an annual three day ski event are offered where blind/visually impaired skiers and their sighted guides ski in pairs.
Guides Make It Easy For Blind Skiers
Three Ways To Get Involved
1) Be a volunteer Ski instructor/Guide- You will get so much more than you receive. Each blind/visually impaired person is paired with a volunteer instructor/guide who donates his/her skill and expertise in cross country skiing.
2) Be a participant - Learn new skills far beyond what you thought you were capable of
3) Be a donor- Become a financial donor so that scholarships can be offered to those that would not otherwise be able to attend. Funds are also used for guide training, outreach, transportation, braille and audio materials.
Help SRSFL provide this special program by making your tax deductible donation to:
916.362.5557
or contact Betsy- montbets@pacbell.net
Free Guide Training Is Available
Prior to the scheduled events, a free two part training clinic is set up for guides.
The first part is a two-hour session that includes classroom work focusing on sensitivity training, guiding techniques and terminology. In the second meeting, guides pair up and practicing guiding each other while the other is blind folded.
In addition to free training sessions, all guides will receive free ski passes from Tahoe Donner during the three-day event.
Cross-country Info
Winter of 2020 Ski For Light Events
Come join us this year!
Saturday Events:
Feb. 20th
Contact Betsy Rowell- 916.362.5557 or montbets@pacbell.net
Three Day Ski Event
March 7-9, 2020
or visit Sierra Regional Ski For Light for more information
All events will be at the Tahoe Donner Ski Area in Truckee, CA
Bringing People Together For Positive Social Interactions
It's all about the friendships you create. And lasting ones, if you volunteer year after year.
Your personal problems seem trivial when compared to what some of the participants deal with on a daily basis.
Beautiful Day for a Ski Tour
Friendships Are Forever
Time To Party!
At the end of the 3-day event, a huge buffet dinner and awards ceremony is set up.
You don't want to miss this!
Sunning on the Deck
