Experience grant recipient Michelle Maslanka

Gohawkeye awarded Michelle an experience grant for skiing with lessons at different ski resorts in New Hampshire. This is her report on the experience.

Cover Photo: New England Healing Sports Association (NEHSA) –Michelle and her coach, Kevin, at Sunapee Resort, Newbury NH. Courtesy photo.

My favorite aspect of skiing at Mt. Sunapee is the view. On a clear winter day you can see all the way to Vermont. The long winding trails grant a pleasure skier many opportunities to stop and enjoy the beauty of nature. I find my day with NEHSA exactly what the name implies; healing.  After a day on the slopes enjoying good company and all the beauty nature offers us I am ready to face another week and all the ups and downs that come with life.

The best thing about skiing with Lakes Region Disabled Sports is the camaraderie.  I ski with the same 3 volunteer instructors over the course of the season.  Even though we are only together for a brief time each lesson and only for a couple months out of the year it is like skiing with old friends.  The jokes, playful teasing, and our general enjoyment of each other’s company is what I most look forward to.  The speed induced adrenalin rush and my general love of all outdoor activities are just icing on the cake.  When I ski with this awesome group of people I can forget my physical limitations and just enjoy being one of “the guys” for an afternoon.

Thank you for providing the funds for this invaluable experience.
Michelle Maslanka

Michelle with her adaptive coach and volunteers from Lakes Region Disabled Sports at Gunstock Ski Resort in Gilford NH. Photo by Paige Davis.