Ski for Light Elects New President
Marion Elmquist Leads Renowned X-C Ski Program for the Disabled
Aug 8, 2008
In February 2008, Marion Elmquist became the 10th president of Ski for Light, a nonprofit that, since 1975, has introduced thousands of blind and mobility impaired persons to cross country skiing with the help of sighted guides.
Elmquist, an Iowa native, has had many lives: ad production (she has a Master’s in Advertising from Northwestern University), features editor for Advertising Age, entrepreneur, ski instructor—even a maid, cleaning the Vail home used by Gerald Ford and family during his years as president. “The Fords were just lovely people,” Says Elmquist. “President Ford and I compared knee scars.”
Like many Alpine skiers, Elmquist has her share. Ironically none of her accidents necessitating knee surgery (including being flipped off a dogsled in Sweden’s Artic Circle) were ski-related.
President Elmquist to Set SFL Priorities
Her focus now is promoting Ski for Light and its signature International Week (The next is Feb. 1-8, 2009 in Provo, Utah) that each winter draws hundreds of blind and visually impaired skiers and guides from around the world.
What has Ski for Light taught you and how has it changed your life?
M.E.: It’s taught me not to sweat the small stuff. It’s made me look at the bigger picture and realize all obstacles are surmountable. People ask about my recovery from knee surgery (I’ve had several) and I think of the fortitude of Ski for Light’s mobility impaired participants and think, I’m walking, what do I have to complain about?
What do you see as Ski for Light's role in the blind community?
M.E.: Our ongoing mission is to introduce blind people to the sport of cross-country skiing, letting them know there are opportunities to go out and try new sports. The hope is that the confidence gained through the experience carries over into other parts of peoples’ lives.
Ski for Light's Popularity
Ski for Light has many 20+-year veterans: what creates such loyalty?
M.E.: The Ski for Light International Week is a magical week. We form lifelong friendships. For me, it’s like returning to summer camp: I couldn’t imagine not going.
How do you reach out to younger skiers and is this a priority?
M.E.: Attracting younger skiers is a priority and something we talk about all the time. We’re very aware of our aging population. I think it is a challenge for young people to attend: they have a lot going on with school, marriage, or family to devote a week each winter. Many lack the money; we try to offer stipends based on need, and give first-time skiers free ski renatls. But we continue to reach out with announcements and ads in publications serving the blind.
What tops your agenda for developing Ski for Light?
M.E.: I think the program works pretty well, so my priority is to keep putting together an exciting week. In the past, we’ve talked about shortening the program (e.g. a long weekend), but we’ve found five or six days is essential for skiers and guides to develop a trusting relationship. We’ve also discussed establishing a permanent venue, such as Granby, Colorado, but found people like experiencing different ski areas, so we’re looking at Lake Placid, Bogus Basin, Idaho, and others.
What is the biggest single challenge to organizing a Ski for Light International week?
M.E.: The challenge is finding a hotel that can accommodate 300 people under one roof with function space that enables us to eat together and provide space for our special interest sessions. We also need a Nordic center that can track the trails the way we need them. Transportation between airport, hotel, and lodge is another challenge.
But I am proud that Ski for Light continues to attract skiers from around the world, and a host of dedicated volunteers who enrich the program and strengthen our community.
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