Service in Action

By Allyson Walter, President of the International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians

The International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians is a global organization that brings together Rotary members who share a passion for skiing and winter sports. For the past 50 years, our fellowship has been promoting international understanding and friendship through skiing while adhering to the principles of Rotary service. By organizing ski weeks, events, and activities, we provide Rotary members with opportunities to connect, form lifelong bonds, and make a positive impact in the world.

The International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians was established in 1974 by a group of Rotarians who shared a love for skiing and the values of Rotary. Our very first annual meeting took place in Vail, Colorado (United States), in February of that year. Since then, we have organized annual ski events across the United States, Canada, Japan, and Europe. Every year, we hold our yearly ski week in a different location. With over 500 members from more than 40 countries, our organization aims to promote international understanding and friendship through skiing while upholding the principles of Rotary service and supporting adaptive skiing programs worldwide. Adaptive skiing is a sport that allows people with disabilities to participate in the same type of skiing events as people who ski the traditional way.

Membership to the International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians offers many benefits, including exclusive ski events, discounts on ski-related expenses, and the opportunity to connect with Rotarians from around the world who share a passion for skiing. We organize various activities to foster social connections and bring members and friends together. Members can also support our charitable work through the Davis Boyd Memorial Foundation.

In the late 1990s, the Davis Boyd Memorial Foundation was established by our fellowship to expand its reach. The foundation focuses on raising funds for adaptive skiing programs.

Throughout the International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians annual ski week, the Davis Boyd Memorial Foundation organizes various fundraising activities. These include Peak-to-Valley Challenges with the support of sponsors, as well as auctions sponsored by members. These events raise funds, which we donate to the local adaptive skiing program of the year’s skiing destination.

The Davis Boyd Memorial Foundation has provided over US $300,000 to adaptive skiing organizations. The purpose of these funds is to train instructors at adaptive skiing schools, purchase adaptive ski equipment for targeted programs worldwide, and spread awareness of the benefits of adaptive skiing for physically and mentally challenged athletes as well as war veterans.

Join our celebrations

We are thrilled to announce that we are celebrating our 50th anniversary, and we cannot wait to share this special moment with our Rotary community. Come and join us in Bend, Oregon (United States)  where we will ski, laugh, and create unforgettable memories together. This week is not to be missed! The International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians invites Rotary members and friends from all over the world to join us for an incredible week of skiing, fellowship, and joyous celebrations.

We have planned an incredible ski week extravaganza to celebrate this momentous occasion. Bend, Oregon, with its breathtaking landscapes, and Mt. Bachelor ski resort, provides the perfect backdrop for our milestone celebration. Whether you are a seasoned ski enthusiast, a beginner eager to hit the slopes, or a non-skier just along for the trip, this event caters to all skill levels and promises an unforgettable experience. It is an excellent opportunity to connect with other Rotarians from around the world and support the International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians charitable work.

We are a worldwide community that shares a love for winter sports and is dedicated to making a positive impact. As a Rotarian who enjoys skiing or snowboarding, I invite you to discover more about the International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians, contemplate joining the organization, and participate in our North American Ski Week to celebrate our 50th anniversary. For more information on the International Skiing Fellowship of Rotarians and to register for our 50th anniversary North American Ski Trip to Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon (United States), please visit our website.