Liberty Mountain Resort in the New Year, by Connie Lawn

January 2, 2015

  On a beautiful, mild Friday, I just discovered another season of skiing! I enjoyed a wonderful day at my favorite local resort ”“ Liberty Mountain, near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. I admit that I approach the start of each ski season with fear. Skiing has been a major part of my life for over 50 years, and I have skied some of the best mountains in the world. But it has been a challenge since I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s  Disease five years ago.

 Friday’s experience proved again I can ski better than I can walk or stand. I may not get beyond the green slopes, but that is good enough for me at my age! My adventure was made possible by the wonderful snow makers at Liberty, who produced good, clean snow in erratic conditions. (It may be a week or two before the climate settles down for winter).  It was also made possible by my husband Charles Sneiderman, who does the driving, photography, and helps me with my clothes and ski equipment. Poor Charles!

 A wonderful assist came from instructor Mike Caselle, who volunteers his efforts in the Adaptive programs (as do many other skilled instructors). Mike’s three objectives for his lessons are “be safe, have fun, and learn something.” He thought I might ski better with outrigger poles but after observing me ski and turn, decided I did not need them now. He gave me compliments and confidence. Mike has spent much of his life in the military, and has worked with many  “warfighters in transition” He is a highly sought  adaptive instructor across the county and a great addition to the Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports program at Liberty Mountain. He gave me invaluable tips. The Adaptive programs at all ski areas deserve full support. Now go play in the snow!

Way to get out there Connie and Charles!  You beat me to the slopes this winter.  But I hope to ski soon, maybe at Liberty.

Connie, that is insipiring. thanks very much for keeping us informed.I have always enjoyed your reports and appreciated the attention on the Wounded Warriors projects.  Best wishes in 2015.  And yes you beat me to the slopes also.  

Connie, 

Wonderful to hear from you again!  You and Charles inspire us all.

May 2015 be a fantastic new year for you all.  Beat me also!

The Colonel

From our friends Montse and Aina who joined us at Liberty,

Today was a fantastic day to ski at the Liberty Mountain! We skied with perfect 40-degree temperature, blue-sky weather and unexpectedly amazing snow. The powder snow fabricated nightly by the resort allowed a great experience on the back of the mountain; we flied down the upper and lower Eastwind and Ultra runs several times without interruption.  The lift staff was joyous and kind, offering the crowd a memorable experience for a great start of 2015!

Wow! When I hear stories like yours, I always wonder if I could be so brave! You set a shining example for the rest of us and am glad you have such a support system around you. Thank you for sharing!