Breaking Barriers on the Slopes: My TetraSki Adventure
It was time to get prepared for an adventure and step out of our comfort zone. Drawn by the promise of something new, we followed the moose crossing signs into New Hampshire, yearning to see where the journey would take us—and to remind ourselves that trying something different can lead to the most rewarding experiences.
We checked into the Chandler at White Mountains, a hotel that was functional and convenient but far from luxurious. It was exactly what we needed: clean rooms, no carpets to trip over, and close to the slopes. Fancy soaps and gourmet breakfasts weren’t in the cards, but we weren’t there for five-star living; we were there to ski.
After checking in we packed up our gear and braved the snowstorm to reach Littleton, a town that felt like it belonged on the cover of a holiday postcard. Snow swirled under glowing streetlamps, and the inviting scent of sizzling burgers and freshly poured beer mingled with the crisp, wintry air. It was the kind of night that made Sour Taverna’s warm lights and cozy atmosphere feel like a reward waiting just for us. The charming restaurant had four big steps at the entrance, so my parents lifted me inside while my wheelchair stayed parked outside. The staff was kind enough to let us leave it there, but my dad spent the entire meal convinced it would be flattened by someone opening the door into the chair, which was parked in the restaurant's tiny vestibule (or entryway).
The interior surprised us with sleek wine displays and a tapas-style menu—it felt like Boston’s Newbury Street dropped into the middle of nowhere. The Greek pastries stuffed with spinach and feta were a hit, but the lamb was forgettable, and the corn cake’s floral twist wasn’t for me. Still, finding tapas in rural New Hampshire felt like a win.
Even better was the vibe. The place buzzed with 20- and 30- somethings, couples on dates, and a big crowd fresh from a comedy show down the street. For a snowy night in Littleton, it felt alive in a way I didn’t expect.
The next morning, we powered through Folgers coffee, boxes of Cheerios, and supermarket bagels—not a gourmet meal, but I didn't really mind since we weren't here for the culinary experience...we had skiing to do.
At Bretton Woods, the New England Disabled Sports team greeted us warmly. My instructor taught me to steer the TetraSki using “smiley face” and “rainbow” techniques while tethered for safety. Two interns flanked me as I zipped down the mountain at 15-20 mph, grinning like a bobsledder. Besides this, I’d once tried a sit-ski controlled by ropes and a guide behind me, but this time, I had the reins. The TetraSki was fully electric, and while I’d be tethered for safety, I had control over turns and grooves—except for the occasional override when I wandered into a ditch.
Between slopes, people stared at the contraption. I know they didn't mean to be rude or intrusive, but at times it felt like they were wondering if I was a space explorer or Zeus on wheels.
Exhausted, we stopped for après-ski at Rek-Lis Brewery in Bethlehem, the small town where our hotel was. The nachos were fine, but the craft beers? Chef’s kiss. The brewery had a laid-back vibe, with a cozy main space that felt like the perfect spot to unwind, and a tasting room in the back where the energy shifted to a more intimate feel, perfect for sipping and chatting.
Later, we made our way back to Littleton to try Schilling Beer Co., which absolutely stole the show. The brewery had a cool, rustic feel with an open dining area that felt warm and inviting. The fire-roasted eggplant pizza was a standout, and the mac and cheese? It was so good, it deserved a standing ovation.
On Day 2, while I was out on the slopes smoothing out my turns and conquering more advanced terrain, my parents checked out the hotel that was the inspiration for Stephen King's famous book The Shining. It’s a 3-minute drive from Bretton Woods and definitely a place to consider staying if you make the trip up there. The massive hotel was built in 1902, but it's really well maintained and totally accessible. There's even an indoor pool and hot tub with a lift and an accessible "cave" bar that supposedly gets very busy for après-ski. And it’s reportedly haunted! (Or something like that, to give people another option for hotels to consider since you clearly didn't love our hotel.)
I felt grateful. There are only 30 TetraSkis in the whole world, and two of them are at Bretton Woods, less than a four-hour drive from my home. Next time? Utah or maybe even Vancouver or Switzerland. But for now, we kissed the mountain goodbye, hearts definitely full and stomachs…mostly satisfied.
