Not Forgotten Outreach set to host ‘Appreciation Ski Week’ at TSV
The snow is falling and the lifts are turning at Taos Ski Valley (TSV) – just in time for the fourth annual Not Forgotten Outreach “Appreciation Ski Week,” set for Jan. 17-22.
Since 2014, the event – organized by the Taos nonprofit that serves veterans, their families and Gold Star families (families that have lost family members to war) – has partnered with TSV and local businesses to provide discounted lodging, ski passes and other services for the week.
Don Peters, NFO executive director, said the new leadership at TSV has committed to keeping the tradition going.
“The Blake family started it, and the new owners this year have fallen in love with the idea,” Peters said. “Everyone gets involved, helps out and has a blast.”
Peters added that Gordon Briner, TSV chief operations officer, hailed the event as a new favorite at the recently revamped mountain resort.
The discounts, which include $30 day passes, free rentals and reduced group ski and snowboard lessons, reduce the financial barrier that prevents some locals from making it to the mountain during ski season.
But the discounts should also provide a much-needed boost for the resort and surrounding businesses, many of which have experienced a difficult launch to ski season due to unusually warm, dry weather. The event and discounts should also establish some goodwill for the new leadership on the mountain.
Several businesses in the valley – and in Taos proper – have agreed to participate.
The Edelweiss Lodge & Spa will offer 25 percent off three-night stays or more; El Monte Sagrado will offer a $92 discount; and Amizette Inn is offering the fourth, fifth and sixth nights for free to veterans and their family members who stay there.
A free appreciation dinner happens Jan. 19 and Jan. 21 at 5 p.m., serving 200 people each night. Several other special events are planned.
NFO reported 1,500 attendees at last year’s event. This year, the number is expected to grow to around 3,000.
The organization, founded in 2013 by Kym Sanchez, a veteran herself who lost her husband during the Iraq War, has steadily added to its service offerings.
New year, new resource
In addition to a new Veterans Affairs community access point unveiled this fall, NFO has partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs care management and social work services to roll out “intimacy training” to help veterans reconnect with family members and loved ones after service.
Nicole Jasmine Johnson, a clinical professional specializing in veterans services, will be providing the training every Thursday through Saturday at 10 a.m.
“This intimacy training will provide desperately needed guidance to military couples in how to adjust their personal relationship aspirations when dealing with a wounded warrior [suffering from] either physical or cognitive injuries, enabling them to learn a new norm of intimacy in their changed relationships,” a statement said.
For more information, visit notforgottenoutreach.org.
