Photos from “The Edge of Impossible with Tony Schmiesing”

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Brian Sheckler and Tony Schmiesing in Cordova, Ak at Points North Heli-Adventures (Photo Credit: Conor Toumarkine)

This spring, the High Fives Foundation gave a Winter Empowerment grant to provide the team with the tools and travel necessary for Tony Schmiesing to accomplish “The Edge of Impossible” trip to Points North Heli-Adventures in Cordova, Alaska!

This uplifting and truly inspirational video was produced to showcase the human spirit and allow Tony to accomplish the life-long goal of experiencing the weightlessness of pure Alaskan powder skiing.

“If I ever felt that there were limitations after this, I haven’t reached them yet.” Exclaims High Fives Athlete, Tony Schmiesing, “It’s all about pushing through and trying. I feel like if you don’t try, you’ll never know if you can do it or not. You’ll NEVER know!”

A C4-5 quadriplegic as the result of the spinal cord injury suffered at a beach where he grew up, and currently battling Syringmyelia, Tony Schmiesing’s tenacious surf/skate/ski DNA has pushed him through all sorts of obstacles and has lead him into an endlessly beautiful life. Tony found a renewed passion for skiing when he hooked up with the folks at Disabled Sports USA – Far West at Alpine Meadows and the stoke hasn’t subsided.

Disabled Sports USA – Far West’s Program Coordinator, Brian Sheckler has been skiing with Tony the last few years leading up to the ultimate experience on skis. In 2013, the duo conquered the Superpipe at Squaw Valley. In March 2014 Tony and Brian linked up once again in the Chugach Mountains to make an unforgettable experience on snow.

Tony’s enthusiasm shines when remarking on his experience, “Its like being on the moon…only with snow and air!” Previously, the High Fives Foundation has awarded Tony Schmiesing board-approved grants for a custom sit-ski seat through Aspen Seating, membership and multiple skiing lessons at Disabled Sports USA – Far West and the means to become the first quadriplegic skier to ride a Superpipe. The High Fives Foundation would like to extend its sincere gratitude to everyone that made “The Edge of Impossible with Tony Schmiesing” a reality! Thank you to Points North Heli-Adventures and their team of guides and pilots, to Brian Sheckler of Disabled Sports USA- Far West (Tony’s skiing partner) and to Conor Toumarkine of Shreddy Times (video production).

View the photo albums from “The Edge of Impossible with Tony Schmiesing” on Facebook and Tumblr.

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Brian Sheckler and Tony Schmiesing in Cordova, Ak at Points North Heli-Adventures (Photo Credit: Conor Toumarkine)
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Brian Sheckler and Tony Schmiesing in Cordova, Ak at Points North Heli-Adventures (Photo Credit: Conor Toumarkine)
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Lead Guides in Cordova, Ak at Points North Heli-Adventures (Photo Credit: Conor Toumarkine)
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Brian Sheckler and Tony Schmiesing in Cordova, Ak at Points North Heli-Adventures (Photo Credit: Conor Toumarkine)

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