The contents of this column reflect the letters we had received by the time we went to press, Feb. 25, 2019. Letters are limited to 300 words or fewer. All submissions must include the author’s name and location. Opinions expressed are those of the authors.
First-Time Skier Thanks SFL
I attended Ski for Light for approximately 2.5 days. Unfortunately, I broke my ankle in four places. For most of the first two days, my trainer, the food, and environment were awesome. Everyone there was positive, kind and very giving of themselves. The first-timers couldn’t have had a more fulfilling experience.
Skiing is quite challenging, requiring balance and coordination. One must maintain the right body posture; positions are different for level ground versus sloping terrain. Instead of my feet forming a V to get into a snowplow, my right foot went the other way, and down I went. The volunteer doctors and other staff took me by sled into the Novacare Center to assess the situation. I then went by ambulance to the local medical center, where the doctor reset the ankle, and informed me it required surgery. The nursing staff and x-ray technicians were extremely competent and caring. A volunteer brought my trainer and me back to the lodge, but they had to return to the pharmacy to get my pain medication.
The two days on the mountain were spectacular. Monday was cold, but Tuesday, the day of my injury, the sun beat down on us; it almost felt like a spring day. Three guys, one from Washington state and two from Norway, took me early in the morning to the airport. One Norwegian gave me a hug and strongly stated, “You have to promise me you’ll come to Norway.” I responded by saying, “If I can, I’d like to be there.”
The next SFL event will be in Wyoming, so I hope I can return, with many other folks.
— Harry E. Herzek, Philadelphia, Pa.