Promoting physical activity for blind and low-vision participants through adaptive sports

Snow covered photo of Mt. Washington and the Presidential Range

New England Ski for Light

New England Ski for Light (NESFL) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1977 to promote physical activity for blind and low-vision participants through adaptive sports. Our mission is to provide a supportive atmosphere where blind and low-vision participants and sighted guides are paired to access outdoor sports. We are based in New England, but our community spans the entire US. We pride ourselves on bringing people together in a fun and social environment where we share our passion for sports.

At Craftsbury, four skiers practice their balance on skis on a sunny day while others mill around with Cedar Lodge in the background.
A hiker with their guide dog on a snowy trail
A hiker checks out a tactile map of the White Mountains near the Highland Center as his guide provides input.

About NESFL Trips

We run cross-country skiing, hiking and snowshoeing trips in the winter and hiking, kayaking, and tandem cycling during the warmer months. Our events range from day trips in the greater Boston area to 2–4 day events throughout New England, including the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont.

Impact of NESFL

Yearly Impact (Avg)

  • 8 Trips & Events
  • 80 Participants
  • 75 Volunteers
  • 4 States Visited
  • 12 States Represented
  • Aaron S.

    “New England Ski for Light gives me the opportunity to push beyond what I think is possible and experience the outdoors with confidence, independence, and support.”

Smiling guide and skier pose as the sun or maybe a starfish, each with one arm and one leg reaching outward. The background is the snowy area at Craftsbury

Ways to Get Involved with NESFL

A hiker holds her guide's shoulder as they navigate a rocky trail.

Become a Participant

Join us as a blind/low-vision participant on an upcoming hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing trip and find community in the great outdoors.

A ski guide poses on a snowy trail with other guides in the background.

Volunteer as a Guide

Share your love of exploration in the back country and allow participants to experience and enjoy outdoor activities and nature through your perspective.

A group of hikers heading up a rocky trail bordered by trees with blue skies above

Make a Donation

New England Ski for Light (NESFL) is an all-volunteer organization. 100% of your donation goes directly to help support our trips and events.