New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) was our destination, and as soon as we arrived, the buzz of excitement hit. The staff and volunteers welcomed us like old friends, their energy as contagious as the mountain air. Kurtis and Vance, my adventure guides for the day, arrived with knowing grins and promises of adrenaline-fueled fun.
Getting me from my wheelchair into the TetraSki was no small feat. At 6'4" and tipping the scales north of 200 pounds these days, it was a team effort. They called in reinforcements, and with some serious coordination and determination, I was finally locked in and ready to roll.
Michelle and Trinity waved us off as Kurtis, Vance, and I made our way to the chair lift. Up Kissin' Cousin Double we went, the anticipation climbing with every foot of altitude gained. Our first run-down Snubber was all about calibration, but as I gripped the controls of the TetraSki and carved my first S turns, adrenaline surged through my veins. Vance followed close behind, tether in hand, ready to swoop in if I pushed things too far.
Feeling the rhythm of the snow under my ski, we hit the chair lift again, this time setting our sights on Lower Rumrunner. The thrill of carving down the mountain, gaining speed with every turn, was pure exhilaration. Confidence grew with each run, and it was time to up the stakes.
We set off on a long, winding cruise down Lower Pickled Rock, savoring the freedom of each turn as we made our way past the iconic White Mountain Express Gondola. The snow beneath us was a mix of soft, forgiving powder and glinting patches of ice—a challenge that had my pulse racing. For me, it was exhilarating, but for Kurtis and Vance, tasked with ensuring a safe descent, it was a delicate dance of precision and care.
Each time we reached the base, we were greeted by hundreds of smiling faces, their joy as contagious as the mountain air.
Getting out may not sound like much to some, but for me—a person who spends the bulk of my life indoors, confined to a wheelchair or hospital bed—it’s monumental. The warm sunshine on my face, the crisp mountain wind whipping against my skin, the sight of snow-laden trees sparkling in the sun—it’s almost surreal. Out here on the mountain, surrounded by breathtaking beauty, I felt truly alive.
The next day we picked up where we left off with Kurtis and Vance and headed over to the south peak which was completely new to me considering I had not been to the mountain in over 20 years.
I’m endlessly grateful to Vance and Kurtis for spending time with me and providing an extraordinary experience that I will carry with me forever.
As if the last day couldn’t get any better, I returned to the lodge to realize just how special this trip truly was. Michelle had spent the afternoon with Trinity, who had become the unofficial mascot of NEDS that day. The joy on the kids’ faces was only rivaled by the warmth and energy of the staff, creating a moment that touched my heart in a way I’ll never forget.
Surrounded by the stunning beauty of the New Hampshire White Mountains and the incredible generosity of the people here, I was reminded of how special this part of the world truly is.
From myself, Michelle, and Trinity, we wish you all an amazing 2025!