Mark Wellman
Wellman is a nationally acclaimed author, filmmaker, and motivational speaker. Despite being paralyzed in a mountain climbing accident, Wellman has inspired millions to meet their problems head-on and reach for their full potential. In the spring of 1993, Wellman was the first paraplegic to sit-ski 50 miles across the Sierra Range with only the use of his arms. A two-time Paralympian and former Yosemite Park Ranger, Wellman’s ‘No Limits’ philosophy encourages individuals to adventure into new horizons, and go beyond the seeming unreachable.
‘Climbing Back,’ Wellman’s autobiography, is the story of his struggle to survive a disabling accident, become a park ranger and accomplished wheelchair athlete, and ultimately to climb the sheer granite faces of El Capitan and Half Dome. He has designed ‘adaptive’ equipment, and has developed programs to inspire and motivate others.
Wellman’s passion for the outdoors has led him to document several videos on outdoor adventure, featuring physically disabled individuals using their individual means of adaptation to enjoy outdoor sports. The videos ‘No Barriers,’ ‘Beyond the Barriers,’ and ‘Wheels of Fire’ are filled with adventure, drama, and inspiration. They include climbing, skiing, kayaking, sailing, surfing, diving, hang-gliding, and more.
At Toast to Tahoe Skiing, Wellman will speak about his journey skiing in and across the Sierra.
Info: Mark Wellman, nolimitstahoe.com
Toast to Tahoe Skiing
Nov. 7
The second annual gala will bring together entertaining and informative speakers, an evening of gourmet food, a dynamic fashion show, a video history of Lake Tahoe’s resorts, an auction, and the premiere of the Lake Tahoe segment of a major new ski film featuring some of Tahoe’s most recognizable names.
Eric Brandt will serve as the master of ceremonies. Local author and historian Mark McLaughlin, who has been seen on the History Channel, CNN, The Weather Channel, and has a book due out later this year on Lake Tahoe’s winter sports history, will give a presentation on the evolution of skiing and the rise of the resorts at Lake Tahoe.
The European cuisine-influenced dinner will be a draw in its own right, and a bevy of local Olympians, ski film athletes, and local notables will present an upbeat fashion show displaying the latest ski styles. Sponsors for the event include Sierra Heritage Magazine, Resorts Sports Network, Tahoe TV, Squaw Valley Times, Inside Tahoe Truckee TV, Squaw Valley USA, Alpine Meadows, Homewood Mountain Resort, Resort at Squaw Creek, and Cutler Graphic Design.
Info: A Toast to Tahoe Skiing, squawvalleyinstitute.org/events/toast
