One Chair at a Time

Some partnerships change businesses. Others change lives. At Bretton Woods, the partnership with New England Disabled Sports does both.

This Slopeside Spotlight features Jose Paqueno, a former police chief and National Guard staff sergeant who sustained a traumatic brain injury while deployed to Iraq, and his mother Nelida, whose support has never wavered. Through NEDS, Jose is skiing again on the mountain he once loved. Not because it is easy, but because it brings joy, dignity, and a sense of being fully alive. The work of NEDS goes beyond recreation. It’s about access, purpose, belonging, and community.

To support this impact, Bretton Woods is hosting the Lift Up Our Community Chairlift Auction, offering a one-of-a-kind retired Fabyan’s Express Triple Chair, custom painted by local artist Emily Royal. Every dollar raised directly supports adaptive equipment, trained volunteers, and experiences that restore meaning on the mountain.

Celebrate the legacy of Bretton Woods while giving back to the community that defines it. As part of the annual Lift Up Our Community initiative, launched during the 50th Anniversary season, bidding is now open and will continue through the Beach Party at the end of March 2026, when the winning bidder will be announced.