Originally published in The Villager by Carol Fisher-Linn
Honoring Jane Probst, co-founder of LASP at Holiday Valley…..
As with most ski-oriented organizations everywhere, the members of the Ski Patrol at Holiday Valley have always been a tight-knit group. They enjoy working together on the slopes and socializing throughout the seasons. It is fair to say that they truly get to know each other and function as “family.” And, as with many supportive families, when things get rough for one member, the others pull together. Such was the case when, in 1982, long time ski patroller Bill Lounsbury was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) of his right leg, leading to amputation. Rather than throwing in the towel on skiing, Bill was determined that he would be skiing as soon as his leg healed. True to his word, he was back on the slopes of Holiday Valley in 8 weeks, teaching himself to one-legged ski with outriggers gifted to him by his fellow patrollers. Mastering that, he was determined to continue rescuing fallen skiers at Holiday Valley. With his teammates help, he proved his mettle and performed every task required of a patroller. He proved to be unstoppable … that is, until he wasn’t.
Joany Reynolds, one of the ski patrol “old-timers” and now Western New York Ski Patrol Alumni Advisor related this story about Bill, once he got back up on his skis. Bill did not ski with his prosthetic leg, so he left it behind in the Patrol Room. Never lacking for humor, he would leave it on a cot and say, “Watch my leg, please,” as he headed out the door. They grew accustomed to a leg hanging around, but when newcomers walked into the building, they couldn’t help but be startled. Exactly the effect Bill was angling for. His humor stayed intact, even when his leg was not.
Fellow ski patrollers supported him throughout his one-legged adventure as he became a goodwill ambassador on the slopes. When he finally lost the battle in 1988, ski patrollers Jane and Bert Probst along with Dorothy and Russ Taylor and others helped found the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program (LASP) in his honor, keeping his indomitable and joyful spirit alive. Jane took on the role of director and with only four volunteers from the Ski Patrol, they started offering grace, freedom and the close-to-heaven joy of skiing to those otherwise unable to access the mountain because of physical or perceptual limitations. I ask you to consider the numbers: today 40 volunteers offer over 250 two-hour lessons per sea-son = 20,000 volunteer hours x minimum wage of $16 = $320,000 worth of volunteer services. Yes, these lessons are paid for, but for those who cannot, the Mary Ellen Racich Spirit Scholarship steps in for those who cannot pay. Any donations received to support LASP are greatly appreciated. Remember, a fun way to donate is to participate in the February 21 Penguin Paddle which is their largest fundraiser along with Giving Tuesday on December 1, 2026.
Sadly, this week Jane Probst (see pg. 11) joined Bill and her husband Bert on the heavenly hills and one can only imagine them shooshing down Heaven’s Door Mountain enjoying the sun on their faces and the perennial fresh snow while challenging the most harrowing of black diamonds with a bit of wildness (because they can) and child-like glee. Thank you, Jane, for your incredible effort on behalf of LASP.
The idea of helping others master the art of skiing was no lark for the founding members. Certification requires dedication, time, travel to training sites and days of training to be-come PSIA (Professional Skier of America) certified, generally at their own expense. It’s kind of like going to ski college. They don’t get paid. This, from their site – “The Holiday Valley Ski Patrol is a self-sustaining volunteer rescue organization based in Ellicottville NY. Each member pays annual dues and training fees. Members also purchase and maintain their ski equipment and first aid packs and pay part of the cost of our easily recognized red and black uniforms.” https://www.holidayvalleyskipatrol.org/about-our-patrol. Remember, once one becomes certified, they are required to maintain their certification by fulfilling the PSIA Con-tinuing Education requirements. It’s a continuous cycle that a large percentage of Holiday Valley’s volunteers are willing to undergo for the good of those they care for on the hills.
