Embeded with the Wounded Warriors at Wintergreen

All right, the title is dramatic, but Wintergreen is a dramatic place. With it’s sweeping vistas of the undulating Blue Ridge mountains, a visitor gains inspiration and optimism with every view. We try to visit Wintergreen at least once a season, and would go more often, if it did not take three hours to get there from the Washington area. Maybe someday we will buy one of the beautiful Wintergreen condos, and then spend more time there. Wintergreen says it was voted the “best area ski resort for 2 years in a row by readers of Washingtonpost.com.” I agree, for the many facilities, the manicured runs (when the weather cooperates), and the variety of family activities. But, like all resorts, it can get very crowded on a weekend, and Saturday was no exception. Sunday, the rain and thick fog discouraged all but the most gung ho. But, we still had a great weekend!

The reason for this visit was to ski with, and visit our friends who are involved in the Wounded Warrior programs. This was Wintergreen’s annual Wounded Warrior Weekend. They started one of the first such programs in the nation. This year, there were 22 warriors and 35 guests. The resort was festooned with yellow ribbons, and huge banners which proclaimed, “Welcome to our Wounded Warriors.”

My husband Charles and I attend as many of these events as we can, in different resorts in the country. We meet more of the warriors and their families each year, and are honored to feel we are part of their group. This event is also a joyous occasion – the warriors bring their families and friends, and they hit the slopes! Special equipment and instruction are provided for the warriors who have lost limbs, in some cases, or sustained grievous injuries. They are assisted by Wintergreens incredibly skilled and dedicated instructors. Michael Zuckerman started their adaptive program, and is away receiving even more training. 27 year old Massey Teel and other young people are running the program at this time. They were brought into it by Michael, who taught some of them in school.

The non-adaptive skiers receive regular lessons, and there are games, competitions, and activities for all. Wintergreen contributes the facilities, and serves delicious buffet meals for the group. They are assisted by hundreds of volunteers, who open their homes and prepare gifts for the warriors and their children. There are major donations from the wider Mid Atlantic community; it takes more than a village to make this happen.

Over the years, the disabled skiers and snowboarders have become so skilled, many are instructors in their own right. Most volunteer their services, and do not get paid for their teaching. The number of their students is growing, all over the nation. They know they are lucky to be alive, but most have endured numerous painful surgeries, and years of strenuous rehabilitation. The outdoor activities help them adjust to their new bodies and new lives. In addition to the skiing and snowboarding, there is a full range of summer sports. They can do anything a non wounded person can, and often do so with more skill and passion.

While the warrior programs were going on, the rest of the mountain was also swinging! The weather was in the 40’s and partly sunny. Special races were underway for the younger set, with teams from Virginia and West Virginia competing. They were fast, fearless, and adorable, but best to get out of their way! Lines were long on Saturday, and we could not take as many of the runs we enjoy at Wintergreen. I managed a few on the Big Acorn/Eagles Swoop side, but could not make it to the black diamond Highlands. The snow was tricky – thick in many places, and then a few surprise patches of ice. The trees were coated with snow or ice, and were exquisite to behold. The next day, the Sunday rain melted much of the ice and it crackled as it crashed to the ground.

Many of the trails and mountain ranges are visible from the condos, and we had an exceptionally beautiful, modern unit at The Highlands. The condos can be expensive, but make sense if you have a large group or family. It is always best to buy a package deal in any area. If you buy lodging, lifts, and rental equipment (if needed), you save money on the deal. You can also use the other facilities, such as spas and swimming pool. The condo we were in could sleep five or six, if you sacrifice privacy. There is a comfortable king size bed; two twins; two bathrooms, and a living room couch in front of the fire place. With a kitchen and dining room, it is easy to buy and serve your own food.

So try to remember my recommendations – avoid weekends, if at all possible, and look for package deals or specials. Most resorts list them on their websites. You will love Wintergreen, if you have a chance to visit. And, while you are there, pay a visit to the Adaptive Skiing hut on the mountain. They are good people, and would welcome your support for their lessons for the disabled and the wounded athletes.

Connie Lawn has a passionate love for NZ. She worked for Radio New Zealand for 20 years, and then for Radio Live for a few years. Connie has covered the White House and the world since 1968. Her other passion is skiing, and she calls herself "the skiing White House reporter." Her ski stories are on dcski.com and other outlets. Connie is also heard on thousands of radio stations, but firmly believes the internet is the future. She can be reached at connie@scoop.co.nz

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