Carol Fisher Linn
“Back in the old days” (60’s) daily, at 4:30pm, when the sun was slipping behind the hills, lifts were closed and the last skiers had departed, it was the responsibility of the ski patrollers to “sweep” the hills. Every inch of terrain was covered to be certain no random skier was still on the hills or in the adjacent woods. To make it fun, after the finals were done the patrollers would often go back up one more time carrying wide shovels on which they would then commence to ride down the hill. Was this the precursor of the Penguin Paddle? Not quite, but these after-hour shenanigans took place at a time when a man by the name of Bill Lounsbury volunteered for the Holiday Valley Ski Patrol.
Lounsbury, along with many other dedicated people, was a volunteer for the Holiday Valley Ski Patrol. All the people who volunteer need to go through rigorous training including first aid, technical skills and the ability to guide a loaded toboggan down the steepest slopes. In fact, it takes easily a year of training to become a patroller, with annual refresher courses required. I tell you this so you can understand how physical, technical and demanding it is to be a Ski Patroller.
In 1982, during his tenure on the Ski Patrol, Lounsbury fiercely battled cancer and lost a leg to the disease. Undaunted, he bravely taught himself to ski one-legged and continued enjoying his sport, inspiring others with his courage, passion and dedication. For a short while, he maintained his role on the Ski Patrol and even passed the loaded toboggan test, on one leg. Joan Reynolds, who served on the Patrol at the same time, remembers him removing his prosthesis and announcing, “here, watch my leg while I go skiing.” He skied and patrolled one-legged.
It’s a funny thing how things evolve. Patrollers and skiers alike were like one big family in those days. Word spread about Lounsbury’s dilemma and a couple of madcap gals from Cleveland, Emily Eckley, Connie Velotta, and Karen Lowe decided to try something Emily had seen on a show – belly sliding with trash bags. Ever one for fun, Emily said “we have to try this,” went to the top of the hill, put on bags and slid down. Next thing they knew, it became a weekly thing which then involved food and even more fun. They called it the Penguin Paddle and collected money for bags and food which they donated for Lounsbury’s medical expenses.
Eventually, Lounsbury succumbed to the disease, and in September of 1988 a group of dedicated patrollers from Cleveland led by Bert Probst and his wife, ski instructor, Jane Probst, with the cooperation and support of Holiday Valley Ski Resort, founded The Bill Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program (LASP) to honor his memory.
The Penguin Paddle is one of the most awaited events at Holiday Valley, bringing families and fun-lovers together for a cause worth supporting. This cheerful all-day celebration is the main fundraiser for the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program (LASP), enabling individuals with disabilities experience the outdoor fun of skiing.
Can’t belly-slide? Be a cheerleader! Slide over to the slopes at Yodeler lodge on Saturday, and you will find hundreds of helmeted participants in black garbage bags ready to belly-race down the lower slope, just like a “rookery,” a “waddle,” or a “muster” of silly, happy penguins. In fact, for several years (long ago), thanks to Eckley and company, a live penguin was brought to the hill to be certain that belly-sliders were doing so according to true pen-guin protocol. Finally, “Happy Holiday,” the Eskimo Holiday Valley mascot, who for years had adorned brochures and a plaque at one of the lodges had a relatable visitor!
After the race, a hot buffet cookout lunch will be available to fill those iced bellies. Success-ful winners will leave the raffle and silent auction with some of the 150+ items – ski gear, gift cards, etc.
Per an email from Program Director, Sue Whistler, “We are not purchasing new equipment this year but will be using the proceeds from the Penguin Paddle to maintain our existing equipment inventory, fund ongoing instructor training and to offer a limited number of free lessons to students who demonstrate a financial need and a real desire to learn to ski.” The event typically raises $5000. See more at @LounsburyAdaptive on Facebook and Instagram.
This writer gratefully thanks Joany Reynolds and Emily Eckley for their contributions to this article.