Why I volunteer
Tales from the chairlift…
Foresight Ski Guides' mission is to promote fitness, athletic skills, personal achievement, and self-esteem for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. It’s this mission that is woven into my approach to challenging recreation opportunities for our participants. Further, every VIP, (visually impaired participant) is unique, and focusing on their individual abilities rather than their limitations, defines my approach to a safe and awarding experience. As a Senior Guide for Foresight, I have nearly 30 years of guiding visually impaired skiers which includes time with the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) in Winter Park, Colorado and Foresight Ski Guides in Vail.
My first experience of guiding a blind person was hands-on, as I received personal instruction and pointers from my VIP, as he and I boarded our gondola cabin. As we slowly approached the mid-way point on Mount Werner (Steamboat), I knew I was committed. With certainty, I knew I’d face “trial by fire”.
Weeks earlier, I was asked by my friend Anne to ski with her boyfriend, an attorney from Seattle who lost his vision from an automobile accident on his high school graduation day. Peter was an accomplished skier in his youth and learned to ski again after his accident, often guided by his brothers at resorts in the Pacific Northwest. Peter was coming to Colorado for a long weekend. Anne was excited to introduce Peter to me as we were finalizing plans in Steamboat.
My first thoughts when asked to guide Peter? “Wow. What could I do or say (gracefully) to decline the request without getting into an uncomfortable predicament, especially while still demonstrating warm Colorado hospitality, especially over Thanksgiving dinner”?
With no previous experience, preconceived ideas, and ideas how to make an awarding outing safe for both of us, I was apprehensive and nervous, but onboard for the challenge. Besides, Anne was confident in my abilities, and I didn’t want to let her down.
There we were, standing at 9000 feet at the top of Valley View, a groomed, steep, expert run at the top of the gondola when Peter provided some last-minute advice. “Whatever you do, don’t fall.” Ready, set, go! Quickly, and surprisingly, I witnessed how a blind person adapts to their environment, the variations in the terrain, the wind, and their communication style. After a few runs and some fine tuning of calling turns, I knew I’d continue to be his weekend guide. I was hooked and intrigued to learn how I could further my participation, while continuing to develop my guiding skills.
Guiding Peter was instantly a life changing experience and I was now interested to expand my knowledge and acquire the necessary skills to adapt to new challenging opportunities on the snow. I joined NSCD where I developed an affection for volunteering as a guide for the “Blind Bus”. A weekend program for children with unique cognitive and some physical limitations, and adults with traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s).
Volunteering was a break-through for me. It is, and continues to be a way for me to give back to the sport that has been a significant part of my life for five decades. Volunteering enriches my life in so many positive ways. I’m rewarded every time I meet, greet and guide a VIP. Their unwavering enthusiasm and willingness to challenge themselves is what keeps my passion alive and strong for what we all do as volunteers.
