Written by Maddie Lindgren, Vermont State University Class of 2025
Athlete: Krister Adams
Age: 60
Program Location: Tuesdays and Thursdays at Bolton Valley Resort
Originally from Stowe, Vermont, Krister Adams has become a symbol of resilience and has a renewed passion for skiing. Throughout his life, Krister skied any moment he could. From skiing for the University of Vermont to attending ski camps in Europe, he has always raced intensely.
At 35, Krister hung up the skis for a while to focus on his health. He noticed his balance being off in his early 20s. “Skiing started getting frustrating, my timing was off and I was falling a lot, but I thought I would just bull through it like a stubborn athlete,” Krister said. He found out he had a genetic brain disease where his cerebellum, which controls all of one’s major motor functions and balance, was shrinking. “The last couple of times I went skiing, I was freaked out because skiing was like walking, it was a part of me.”
In the late 1990s to early 2000s, a lot of his friends recommended mono skiing, but it never stuck with him because of his balance. Years went on, and he kept considering the idea of skiing again but wasn’t too sure about it. His main reason for stepping out of his comfort zone and giving it a shot was Kelly Brush. A young girl’s story, who is close with his family, pushed him to get back out there.
Kelly Brush is a former collegiate ski racer who, after a skiing accident in 2006, became paralyzed from the chest down. In response to her own challenges, Kelly and her family founded the Kelly Brush Foundation. The foundation has become a vital force in the adaptive sports community that positively impacts lives of many with its commitment to grants, inclusivity and accessibility.
Last month, after 20-plus years, Krister tried out the Dynamique Bi Ski at Vermont Adaptive’s program at Bolton Valley Resort. “I knew I would never be skiing again like I used to, but I love being up there doing something different, something new, fun, challenging, and exciting,” said Krister, when talking about using the bi ski.
The bi ski consists of a molded fiberglass shell, or “bucket,” above two specifically designed skis. “You can manipulate your body and arms so that the skis actually edge and carve into the snow. I have a lot of admiration for people who monoski and bi ski, it’s a lot of arms,” Krister said.
Living only 15 minutes away from Bolton Valley, Krister goes up on the mountain every Tuesday and Thursday to rip down the slopes. “All of the volunteers, Betsy (program coordinator) and everyone who works with the Vermont Adaptive program, are passionate about all winter sports,” Krister said.
Skiing has been in Krister Adams’ family for as long as he can remember. From his own personal ski experiences, to his father hitting the slopes with his daughter when she was young, they have always been a skiing family. He has seen this experience as a new and exciting way to incorporate skiing into his life once again.
