Every year since 1978, accessible Nordic-ski gathering Ski for Light Canada has welcomed visually impaired skiers and sighted guides to the mountains. To learn more, we spoke with Peter Quaiattini, a passionate cross-country skier who is blind and depends on the assistance of sighted guides to navigate the trails, and who has attended Ski For Light for 25 years.
What is Ski for Light?
PQ: Ski for Light is an annual week-long event held in Western Canada, offering blind and visually impaired adults the opportunity to participate in cross-country skiing with sighted guides. It promotes inclusivity and community-building, with skiers and guides forming strong bonds. The week concludes with just-for-fun races of varying lengths, followed by an awards ceremony.
How are guides and athletes paired?
PQ: Guides are paired with athletes based on mutual ability and connection, each partnership being vital for the skiers’ security and enjoyment, with some partnerships lasting for years.
How do guides ensure safety?
PQ: Guides begin with a basic equipment introduction on flat, straight trails. As the visually impaired skiers ski within tracks groomed into the snow, guides ensure their safety by following behind, ahead or beside the skier, providing verbal cues about the upcoming environment.
The 2025 Ski for Light Canada event runs Feb. 2 to 8 at Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park. skiforlight.ca