Category Archives: Blind Skiing

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50 years of Being BOLD

“Maggie- did she say nude kayaking?” With that, I thought Maggie Ostrowski was going to fall laughing on the floor. Maggie was one of our best blind skiers back in the day, a Para-Olympic medalist from the Atlanta Games, kayaker, rower, and all- around great athlete. We just heard Nancy Leverett, the President of BOLD, telling the crowd at the 50th anniversary party at Boyce Park, that we had a lot of “new” events. Aside from the “nude” comments, there were a lot of laughs at this event held last Saturday. BOLD athletes and guides are such fun people with really great senses of humor. BOLD stands for Blind Outdoor Leisure Development which was established back in the 70s by a French ski instructor in Aspen- Jean Eymere. His mission was to develop skiing for visually impaired folks not only in Aspen, but nationwide and Pittsburgh had one of the first chapters – established in 1975. 50 years later, BOLD has had a lot of fun with visually impaired athletes and guides taking part in activities such as alpine skiing, cross country skiing, water skiing, tandem bicycling, camping, hiking, ice skating and lately kayaking and tennis. You have to have a good sense of humor to try these sports with vision issues. Also, the guides have to be patient and have a good sense of humor too. I ran the ski program for 34 years and always told my skiers to ” watch where you are going, will ya?” I always got a laugh out of that one.

Fred Siget, Tom Burgunder and me at the National Blind Skiing Championships back in the day at Blackjack, Michigan

Today the BOLD ski program is run by Scott Gray and his lovely wife Leslie. They both do a great job and took over for me a number of years ago as I retired from BOLD after 34 years of running the ski program. I could write a book about BOLD. Some of the fun times we had, like when I let Fred Siget, our best blind skier, drive my International Scout in the upper parking lot at Seven Springs. It was snow covered and I let him do donuts at night. The first time I guided him was at Snowshoe and the only tree on the slope was like a magnet. It sucked him right in due to my guiding and we laughed as he crashed right in front of the tree. I told him it was the only tree for hundreds of yards.

We had another guy, John Good, who used to ski with a flask of booze, cigarette hanging out of his mouth, and didn’t know his right from his left. I would tell him right turn and he would go left. I laughed and said ” the other right, John.” We would laugh and narrowly escape disaster. Or John’s good friend J.R who could see partially on cloudy days and not at all on sunny days. He always wanted to race John and people were afraid to guide him because he skied so fast and often out of control. I think I was the only one who could really keep him in check.

How about at the National Blind Skiing Championships? The hardest week of my life with 13 visually impaired skiers under my watch due to a bad snowstorm and wicked cold conditions. Minus 40 straight temps on a lot of days – not windchill- straight temperature. 40 below. I taught skiing in Maine but never had cold like that in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

I went on a blind skiers camping weekend one time and one of my visually impaired pals, who will remain nameless, drank most of the beer I had in my backpack and began putting the moves on a girl in the lean to right next to me. I told him he was blind drunk. We both laughed.

Maggie Ostrowski and Nancy Leverett are both wonderful skiers, even though Mag is now retired from skiing. Lots of fun with those two flying down North Face at Seven Springs much to the amazement of the folks riding up the North Face lift. Both ladies regularly skied out west and had the skills to ski blues and blacks. I am told that their guides out west were always amazed at their skill levels and when they told them that they learned to ski in Western Pa, they were truly astonished.

We used to use radios to transmit and receive voice commands. The guide had the transmitter and the skier had the earpiece. One time, I used the devices to guide Fred right up to Herman Dupre- the owner of Seven Springs, and tell him what a nice, red, flannel shirt he had on. Herman looked kind of sideways at Fred and told me later, after the gag, that “after all the years of giving Fred a free season pass, he tells me what a nice red shirt I have on.” ” I have to tell you Pat, I was getting a little hot under the collar.” We all laughed at that one. I used the transmitter one time and let Fred ski Stowe slope at Seven Springs all by himself. I guided him all the way to the bottom with me standing up at the top. People came up to me later and said, ” Pat………we saw Fred skiing by himself. Doesn’t he need a guide?” I let them in on that gag too. Fred was a good sport.

Nancy Leverett – current President of BOLD and my nephew Richard

Over the 34 years of running the ski program, I have enjoyed the company of so many great guides who selflessly donated their time not only to guide the skiers, but to drive them to and from the slopes. The skiers themselves have been amazing. Computer programmers, accountants, attorneys, all kinds of professional occupations and doing it while visually impaired. Incredible.

So, when the opportunity came up to attend the 50th anniversary of BOLD, I jumped at the chance. I got to see a lot of old friends, met new people who are involved in the “new” sports for BOLD, and in short, participated in a great event. As the folks came in from a hike at Boyce Park, they had smiles on their faces and as always with BOLD events, lots of stories to tell. I cherish my years with BOLD and hope that it can continue for another 50 years. I told everyone at the event that BOLD did a lot more for me, than I did for it. And that is the truth. Please consider donating to their cause. Western Pa. BOLD PO Box 9101 Pgh, Pa. 15224. Thanks for reading.

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Overcoming Adversity With A Smile

Recently I have been thinking about how things can change in life. How circumstances can alter your course. I was thinking about my days back at Allegheny College and how I was almost oblivious to what could have happened. I was on the young side of the Vietnam generation but if that war had continued on for one more year, I may have been plucked out of Meadville and sent to destinations unknown in the far east. I had a #11 draft number and although the war was over, we still had to register. But it was not until many years later that I thought about what might have happened had the war continued. I have a lot of respect for the men who enlisted or were drafted into service and still do today. I also have a lot of respect for the wounded warriors who forge on in life even after life altering events.

Fast forward, I had the opportunity to meet some of the members of the U.S Disabled Ski Team a number of years ago at an event sponsored by Harmarville Rehabilitation. Several of these highly skilled skiers had injuries as a result of motorcycle accidents and other assorted catastrophic incidents. But many of these skiers were former U.S Military servicemen who had lost limbs as a result of I.E.D attacks in Iraq and Afghanistan. Paralysis and or missing limbs did not keep these guys from pursuing athletic achievement and it was never so evident as that day when their skills were on display.

The equipment that was used varied from outrigger ski poles as seen in the photo above to sleds that housed the skier with one ski attached to the bottom of the sled with a motorcycle shock. It was amazing to see these guys ski and also self-load on the chair lift. They needed no assistance as they unlocked the shock, hunched up when the chair came behind them and then attached a safety carabiner and safety cable to the chair lift on the way up. Truthfully, they can ski with anyone and their skill was amazing.

Skier competing at the Para Olympic Games

Lunchtime was a real visual as I sat and talked with these guys as they removed their prostheses and set them aside. Ski boots with the prostheses inserted covered with ski area stickers was actually kind of amusing. It showed the relaxed attitude that enabled them to understand their condition,yet continue to strive to ski better with confidence. Several of the ski team members had competed in the Para Winter Olympics and other international ski races for the disabled. They were a great inspiration that day not only to the general skiing public, but also to a group of visually impaired skiers that I had with me. I will never forget one of the ski team guys asking me to show him how to guide a blind skier. After about an hour session, he asked if he could guide one of the visually impaired skiers and we selected a guy who was not only blind but a paraplegic as well. To see the U.S Disabled Ski Team member in his sled, guiding a blind skier in his sled, stopped many onlookers in their tracks. The two sleds made their way down the mountain and it was truly a spectacle. The guys had the opportunity to guide several other visually impaired skiers and at the end of the day, I was totally blown away by what had happened and the success of the day with Harmarville Rehab. Visually impaired skiers, skiers with one ski and outriggers, skiers with sleds and outriggers, truly a heartwarming event.

I spent 34 years with visually impaired skiers and believe me when I tell you, I got more out of it than they did. These people are truly remarkable and their “can do” attitude should be a lesson to all of us. The guys in the sleds that day were inspirational as well and every time I see a disabled skier on the slopes in my ski travels, I make a point to talk to them and encourage them to show the rest of us how positivity can win the day. An uplifting message to all of us. Thanks for reading and think snow!!

Skier extraordinaire Nancy Leverett on the left with me and my nephew Richard- who was truly amazed by what he saw.
The National Blind Skiing Championships many years ago with Fred Siget and Tom Burgunder.

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Remembering Fred

A day on the ski slopes never goes by when I ride the chair lift and don’t think about Fred Siget. Fred was our original blind skier around here that passed away two years ago in his early 90s. He skied well into his 80s and whenever I think about the times that I spent with him, I smile. Fred is seen on the left here in the picture at the National Blind Skiing Championships in Blackjack, Michigan. I was his guide. Fred was an interesting guy. He was a retired bus driver. He was also a volunteer fireman who lost his sight as a result of a high pressure water hose accident that detached both retinas instantly. All of a sudden he was in darkness. At the time, Fred was in his 50s and wondered what would happen now. After a stint at the Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind, Fred learned to function as a visually disabled person and became the first blind computer programmer for Koppers Corporation. An amazing feat as he was well respected for his work and positive attitude.

I first met Fred at a Pittsburgh Ski Club outing. Fred was taught to ski at Seven Springs Mountain Resort here in Western Pa. by Jim Connolly, a PSIA full certified instructor. Jim developed a system and we expanded on it in the following years as Fred became famous for his prowess on the slopes with a guide following him and calling out commands. I became involved in Western Pa BOLD( Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) and taught the guides at the time how to teach skiing. They in turn taught me how to work with the visually impaired and that began a 34 year relationship which included many hours on the slopes with Fred Siget. Fred had a transmitter device for me as I guided him and he had an ear piece which made it easier to call out commands without shouting. Funny story- we were in the Foggy Goggle at Seven Springs having a beer one night when Herman Dupre- the owner of the resort at the time, walked in. I said to Fred,” Go over to Herman and tell him how much you like his red flannel shirt”. As Fred made his way over to Herman with me guiding him past the people in the bar, he said what I asked and Herman had a quizzical look on his face. After we let him in on the joke, he said” Pat- I have been giving this SOB a free season ski  pass for years and he tells me how much he likes my red flannel shirt. I was ready to murder him.” We all had a good laugh about that one and I proceeded to take Fred out to the upper parking lot because he said he wanted to drive again. We did donuts in the snow covered lot in my International Scout. I guided him from the passenger seat. He had such a good time driving again.

I had many, many good times with Fred and all of our visually impaired skiers and I always say that over the 34 years that I had been involved, I got more out of it than any of them. They were hard core and skied in the rain, sleet and snow and loved every minute of it. Skiing was Fred’s life and he made the most of his impairment. In fact, he said to me that had it not been for his blindness, he never would have done half the things that he had done post accident. How is that for a positive attitude?

One of the main takeaways that I got out of my involvement with BOLD was an appreciation for all that I see when I ski. I don’t take vision for granted and appreciate what a blessing sight really is. I sit on the chairlift and look all around at the snow covered mountains and think that today, Fred sees it all. I believe his vision is restored and he is enjoying what he missed for over 40 years, in his heavenly home. When my ski buddies ask me what I am looking at in the chairlift, I smile and think about Fred. I just remark how beautiful the mountains are and how I like to get those visions etched in my memory.

Never take things for granted folks. Remembering Fred, I see a guy who made the best out of a bad thing and it changed his life. I can still see him skiing with a huge smile on his face and skiers stopping with amazement at the courage and determination that was on display. We all should have that kind of positive attitude. Thanks for reading.

” Oh Lord, Oh Lord- how majestic is your name in all of the earth” Psalm 8:9

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Fast Freddie

The first time I skied with Fred Siget was in Snowshoe, West Virginia with Larry Walsh of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. I had some limited training but had experience as a ski instructor. So, as my maiden voyage with a visually impaired skier, I had the original blind skier in our area in front of me headed down Cupp Run. Right turn, left turn, right turn, stay, stay………..all of a sudden the only tree in play was before me as I yelled “crash” and Fred sat down on his way to running into the only tree within hundreds of yards. I felt so bad, but Fred dusted himself off with a smile and said, ” Pat- don’t worry about it at all. This will be one of many.” And we continued down the slope. This began a 40 year friendship with the one and only Fast Freddie Siget.

Fred lost his vision as a result of an accident with a high pressure hose when he was a volunteer fireman. As devastating as this injury was, he was undaunted. He became the first computer programmer for Koppers Corporation that was visually impaired. He continued dancing, and he learned to ski with guys like Larry Walsh, Jim Conley, Lynne(Kravetz) Hartnett, Shorty Leco and Micky Hutchko. People who took the time to work with Fred and make him into a pretty good skier by the time I came along. Fred always had ideas on how to make things easier for blind skiers and how to improve guiding techniques. He was the first guy I knew that purchased a transmitter where the guide had a microphone and he had an ear piece which made calling out commands easier and understandable with snowmaking machines roaring in the background. I used it one time standing on top of a slope and calling commands to Fred as he skied by himself down to the chairlift. With his” Blind Skier” jacket on, people were shocked viewing his run. In the bar afterwards, we had some fun with Herman Dupre the owner of Seven Springs Mountain Resort. I put the microphone on and guided Fred over in front of Herman and told him to tell Herman how much he admired his red flannel shirt. Herman was stunned and later remarked to me laughing that he was starting to “get hot thinking about all the free passes I gave to Fred and now he is telling me how much he likes my shirt!” Hilarious.

Fred was a bus driver in the old days and always missed driving. One night after skiing, I asked Fred if he wanted to drive again. He was puzzled. I took him to the upper parking lot at Seven Springs and guided him into the drivers seat of my Blazer and let him have the wheel. I gave him commands like skiing. Right turn, left turn, stay straight, …the smile on his face was priceless. Then we did some donuts and the laughter was infectious. Fred never forgot that night.

Fred was always anxious to help new guides. He put himself at risk during the training but always felt that it was worth it not only to train guides that could assist him, but to help the other visually impaired skiers who were beginning to show up at the BOLD( Blind Outdoor Leisure Development) outings at Seven Springs.

Fred was a local legend due to his skiing. People knew him and admired him as they skied past him or saw him making turns from the chairlift. They knew him in Vail, Colorado where he skied regularly with the Mon Valley and Pittsburgh Ski Clubs. But perhaps the most compelling thing about Fred was his kindness and appreciation for his fellow skiers and guides. He always remembered your birthday and when he called me, he sang, ” Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, get plastered, you bastard, Happy Birthday to you.” That made me laugh out loud every year. He would always ask about my wife Janet, and my son Jack. Jack would ski with us when he was a young guy and Fred always was interested in how he was doing in school and in his sports. Fred always thought about other people. He was popular for his skiing for sure, but as a person, you could not get a better guy who was always interested in others and never talked much about himself.

We lost Fred this fall at 94 years of age. Although he had an amazing life, we will miss him. I always think of him when I see people who have heartache in their lives or something that has tragically shaped their future. Fred never let his accident slow him down. He always said that he did more as a visually impaired individual than he ever did before losing his sight. He took a perceived bad thing and turned it into opportunity. Shouldn’t we all learn from that lesson? R.I.P Fred, I will miss you for sure. Thanks for reading folks.