Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program

02/27/2026

💙🐧🙏🏻

Discover how Ellicottville’s Penguin Paddle, adaptive ski programs at Holiday Valley and HoliMont, and local fundraisers showcase the heart of winter community.

02/25/2026

It’s hard to put into words what Penguin Paddle 2026 meant to our program — but we’ll start with this:

Thank you. 💙🐧

To everyone who joined us at Holiday Valley …
To those who slid down the hill, cheered from the sidelines, bought merchandise, sold raffle tickets, donated auction items, worked the food tent, shared our posts, and encouraged friends to come…

You showed up in a big way.

Because of your generosity and enthusiasm, can continue providing adaptive ski instruction and specialized equipment to individuals of all abilities. Your support ensures our volunteer instructors receive the training they need, our equipment stays safe and up to date, and our students continue experiencing the freedom, confidence, and joy that adaptive skiing makes possible.

Events like Penguin Paddle remind us that this community believes deeply in inclusion and opportunity. And that belief changes lives — on and off the slopes.

From all of us at LASP: thank you for sliding, supporting, and standing with us. We are so grateful to do this work alongside you.

If you have photos or favorite moments from the day, please share them in the comments — we love seeing Penguin Paddle through your eyes. 💙
📷 credit to Holiday Valley

02/21/2026

🐧❄️ Penguin Paddle is almost here! ❄️🐧

Our annual Penguin Paddle fundraiser at Holiday Valley is more than just a fun winter event—it’s what makes our mission possible. 💙

Funds raised directly support the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program, helping provide:
⛷️ Adaptive ski equipment and maintenance
🎿 Instructor training and certifications
💛 Scholarships to ensure individuals with disabilities can access lessons

Because of this event, children and adults of all abilities get the chance to experience the freedom, confidence, and pure joy that comes from being on the slopes.

If you’re looking for a way to support something that truly changes lives, this is it.

👉 Join us, donate, or help spread the word! 🐧✨
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Eg5VgKAUD/
LounsburyAdaptive.org
‼ See links in bio ‼

Holiday Valley Sweeney Pods Villaggio The City Garage

02/19/2026

Sunshine, skiing and smiles. Mission accomplished!

02/14/2026

🐧❄️ Save the Date — Penguin Paddle Raffle 2026! ❄️🐧
📆 February 21, 2026
🕒 3:00 PM

The annual Penguin Paddle is one of our favorite days of the year—an incredible event that brings together skiers, families, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate winter fun while supporting a mission that truly matters. 💙🎿

One of the biggest highlights each year is our Annual Penguin Paddle Raffle, and this year’s prize lineup is bigger than ever!

🎟️ Raffle Prizes Include:
🏔️ Holiday Valley Resort Seasons Pass
🎿 High Performance Skis from The City Garage Ski Shop
🍝 Gift Card to Villaggio Italian Dining

🌟 NEW THIS YEAR! 🌟
Generously donated by LASP instructor, Jay Lee
🇨🇦 Sweeney PODS Niagara — Ontario’s first pod-style boutique group accommodation!

This unique group getaway includes:
✅ A 2-night midweek stay for up to 8 guests (any time of year based on availability)
🍸 Interactive Mixology Class on the first night
🍝 Italian family-style feast on the second evening for all 8 guests
🎉 Private event-style venue with entertainment spaces
💰 Total Value: $2,000

🎟️ Ticket Pricing:
• 1 for $5
• 5 for $20
• 30 for $100

✔️ Winner need not be present to win!

Proceeds from the raffle directly support adaptive ski equipment and instructor training for our 100% volunteer instructors, ensuring safe and inclusive access to the slopes for individuals of all abilities. ⛷️

📣 Buy your raffle tickets now from any LASP instructor and help us keep adaptive skiing thriving in our community.

Thank you for supporting our athletes, our volunteers, and the mission that makes it all possible. 💙🐧❄️

The City Garage Holiday Valley Villaggio

02/13/2026

❄️🎿 The mountain wasn’t always built for everyone…
but some people refused to accept that.

When we talk about the growth of adaptive skiing, it’s easy to focus on today’s incredible athletes, high-performance equipment, and the inspiring community we see on the slopes every winter.

But behind all of that… were trailblazers.
The ones who tested limits before the world was ready.

One of those pioneers was Bob Meserve — a sit-ski innovator, competitor, mentor, and true force of nature. After a life-changing injury in 1983, Bob didn’t step away from skiing… he helped reshape it.

Back when sit-skis were heavy, hard to maneuver, and required tethered assistance just to turn, Bob pushed through the crashes, the doubts, and the “not possible” moments — proving again and again that adaptive athletes belonged on every part of the mountain. 🏔️🔥

Because of leaders like Bob Meserve…

✨ sit-ski technology evolved
✨ access expanded
✨ professional adaptive instructor standards were built
✨ organizations like Move United grew and strengthened adaptive sport nationwide
✨ and the next generation gained mentors who light the way

Today, we just want to say THANK YOU. 🙏💙
To Bob Meserve and every trailblazer who helped establish the sport of adaptive skiing.
To the instructors and coaches raising the bar through training and certification.
To Move United and other organizations creating opportunity.
And to the mentors who inspire adaptive athletes to dream bigger every season.

Because of you…
the mountain is a place for everyone. ❄️💪

📖 Article worth the read: “Bob Meserve and the Evolution of the Sit-Ski” (SKI Magazine)

💙 Tag a mentor, coach, or trailblazer who helped you find your way on snow. Let’s celebrate them. ⛷️✨

After becoming paralyzed in a 1983 ski accident, Bob Meserve dedicated himself to bettering the sport for others.

02/12/2026

🐧❄️ The countdown is ON — Penguin Paddle 2026 is only 10 days away!
We can’t wait to return to Holiday Valley for one of the most fun, joyful, and meaningful days of the season. 💙⛷️

The Penguin Paddle isn’t just a winter tradition — it’s one of the biggest ways we support the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program (LASP).

Because adaptive skiing changes lives.

For our students, skiing isn’t only about getting down the mountain — it’s about gaining confidence, building strength, learning independence, and finding a community that celebrates what’s possible. We’ve seen firsthand how time on the snow helps students feel empowered, capable, and included… and that impact carries far beyond the slopes.

There are so many ways to support LASP leading up to Penguin Paddle:

🛍️ Buy Penguin Paddle merch (shirts, hoodies, and more!) through our official store — and wear your support proudly on the hill
🎟️ Raffle tickets are available now from any LASP instructor
🎁 Join us for the silent auction
🥪 Grab lunch at the food tent
🐧 Don’t miss the penguin races
📲 Like, share, and tag us in your ski photos to help spread the word!

Every purchase and every post helps us continue providing adaptive equipment, training, and unforgettable experiences for our students.

👉 Grab your gear today
https://www.bonfire.com/store/lounsbury-adaptive-ski-program/

02/06/2026

Throwback Thursday feels especially meaningful as we celebrate the opening of the 2026 Olympic Games tomorrow and the 2026 Paralympics next month.

Today, we’re looking back at an incredible chapter in the Lounsbury story—one that reminds us how far passion and service can carry you.

Long before the Olympic spotlight, Scott Lounsbury was a dedicated volunteer with Lounsbury Adaptive, giving his time, energy, and expertise to support adaptive skiers and help build confidence on the slopes.

In 2018, that same commitment took him all the way to PyeongChang, where he served as Head Judge at the Olympic Winter Games. From our local hills to the world stage, Scott’s journey is a powerful reminder that the values we live every day—community, inclusion, and love of the sport—truly know no bounds.

As the 2026 Games begin, we’re proud to celebrate this connection and cheer on everyone who carries the spirit of skiing forward.

Thanks for being part of the Lounsbury story—and for always sharing the love of the sport with us. 💙⛷️

02/05/2026

Every winter at Holiday Valley, something special unfolds. Individuals with disabilities gain confidence, independence, and joy on the slopes through the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program.

Every turn, every lesson, every “I did it!” moment is powered by community support behind the scenes.

The Penguin Paddle is our annual fundraiser, and the Silent Auction plays a critical role in making adaptive skiing possible.

We’re currently seeking donations of:
• Goods or professional services
• Gift baskets, Gift Certificates
• Ski or outdoor gear
• Dining experiences
• Lodging or unique experience packages

Why it matters:
Silent auction proceeds directly support adaptive ski equipment purchases and specialized training for our 100% volunteer instructors. These resources are essential to providing safe, inclusive access to skiing for individuals of all abilities.

Whether you donate an item or help spread the word, you’re playing a part in creating unforgettable moments on the mountain.

💙 Interested in contributing to the silent auction? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out here or email us at penguinpaddleauction@lounsburyadaptive.org

02/04/2026

There’s only one day a year where hundreds of people in garbage bags sliding down a ski slope makes perfect sense... and it’s almost here! 🐧❄️

We are thrilled to announce that the Annual Penguin Paddle is returning to Holiday Valley on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

This event is the heartbeat of the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program (LASP). Every dollar raised goes directly toward the specialized equipment and training needed to help individuals with disabilities experience the pure joy of gliding down the mountain. Whether you’re a seasoned "paddler" or a first-time spectator, we want to see you at the base of Yodeler!

What’s happening in 2026?

The Big Raffle: Our instructors already have tickets! Reach out to any LASP instructor to grab yours early.

Silent Auction: Our team is officially accepting donations! If you have a service, a gift basket, or a unique experience to contribute, please reach out. It’s a great way to showcase your business for a great cause.

The Favorites: The Wine Wall is back, the Lunch Tent will be fired up, and we’ll have our $1 Penguin Paddle buttons available to show your support.

Penguin Merch: This year, our gear is available online only, so keep an eye out for the link to grab your 2026 hoodie or t-shirt!

The Races: Of course, the main event! Races start at 1:00 PM. Helmets are required, but the garbage bags (and the laughs) are on us.

Let’s make 2026 our biggest year yet. Save the date, share this post, and start recruiting your friends for the races! Full schedule coming soon!

Want to donate an auction item or learn more? Visit our website at lounsburyadaptive.org or email us a message at penguinpaddle@lounsburyadaptive.org!