Trip Reflections & Participant Dispatches
-
Trip Reflections by Jessie Mabry
Filed in Trip ReflectionsI am blind and joined NESFL in 2018. When I attended my first Craftsbury trip an learned how to cross-country ski, I had little idea of the world that awaited me on and off the trails. This community and the experiences we share have only become more precious to me over time. I have always…
-
Craftsbury Outdoor Center Ski and Snowshoe Trip: March 5-8, 2026. By Asim B.
Filed in Trip ReflectionsAs a complete beginner, my first skiing experience at Craftsbury was both challenging and deeply rewarding. Coming in with no prior exposure to skiing, I was initially uncertain.However, the organizers ensured a seamless and thoughtfully coordinated trip from transportation to programming (allowing me to focus entirely on learning and enjoying the experience). Skiing proved to…
-
Eleven Blind and Low Vision Climbers Break World Record Summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro. By Susan Bueti Hill
Filed in Participant DispatchAt the edge of northern Tanzania, where the plains stretch toward Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro rises—unyielding, solitary, and powerful. At 19,341 feet, it is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. But for us, Kilimanjaro became more than a peak. It became a testament to grit, resilience, and the unbreakable strength of community. Sixteen friends from…
-
A Week That Moves You: The Spirit of Ridderrennet Adaptive Cross Country Ski Week in Norway. By Susan Bueti Hill
Filed in Participant DispatchEach year, Ski for Light International selects a team of four to represent them at the world-renowned Ridderrennet—and this year, I had the incredible privilege of being one of them. Held in Beitostølen, Ridderrennet is the largest annual adaptive cross-country ski event in the world, bringing together up to 450 participants from 12 to 15…
-
Ridderrennet
Filed in Participant DispatchRidderrennet is the world’s largest annual winter sports week for people who are visually impaired or disabled, and is the program upon which Ski for Light, Inc., is modeled. Erling Stordahl started the first Ridderrenn in 1964 with 57 participants, and it was only for blind skiers. Today, there is a full week of skiing…
-
Summer Adventure Weekend 2025
Filed in Trip ReflectionsSummer Adventure WeekendAugust 22-24, 2025AMC Highland Center, Bretton Woods, NH Report by Jessie Mabry, Co-Organizer This trip was a highlight of the summer for us and a chance to try some new things. It marked our first summer weekend at the AMC Highland Center, where we’ve spent a few winter hiking weekends. The summer trip…
Participant Quotes
-
Aaron S.
“New England Ski for Light gives me the opportunity to push beyond what I think is possible and experience the outdoors with confidence, independence, and support.”
-
Debbie M.
“Endless memories! Weekends of laughter, enormous challenges in the outdoors, and stories, stories, stories.”
-
Audrey F.
“Each time I have made the trip, I have enjoyed wonderful trails and amazing guides who have helped me continue to work on technique and improve my skiing.”
-
Joan H.
“Sixteen years of NESFL and SFL guiding has been sheer delight; I am a better skier and happier person with each new adventure, for sure!”
-
Diane M.
“I have met so many new and excellent friends, both skiing explorers and guides, true skiing addicts and lovers of outdoor activities, just like me!”
-
Karen W.
“I am in a community of beautiful people who get it, who trust me, who respect me as an equal, who are there to share a love of skiing and the great outdoors.”