Getting back on the slopes with a disability
Skiing seems like a sport that’s meant for people who are good on their legs? Don’t be ridiculous. Adaptive ski is truly for everybody.
I’m not athletic by any means, but skiing has always been my thing. Maybe it’s the easy ride to the mountain peak, maybe it’s the adrenaline rush of flying down, or maybe it’s the incredible views. Whatever it is, it’s one of those things that makes me feel alive.
Naturally, I’ve always wanted to go on family ski trips, like I did with my parents when I was a kid. This is pretty tricky with a son who’s a wheelchair user. Of course I know there’s skiing in the Paralympics… but I’d never seen it in real life, and certainly not for kids.
Here’s what I learned in jump starting our new family tradition!
Where to Go
This was the biggest obstacle in getting started. Where do you find adaptive ski lessons??
If you have a favorite mountain, google search the mountain name +adaptive ski. It may be a long shot, but it’s a good place to start if you have that preference.
If you’re looking for something near home, search your state’s name and the word adaptive (i.e. “Pennsylvania adaptive”). Many states have a statewide adaptive sports center that works with a variety of programs throughout the state. Some of these are centered around a core area (like Pennsylvania’s adaptive center), while others reach out across the state.
My Pennsylvania search only turned up Camelback. They have an excellent program through Pennsylvania Center for Adaptive Sports, but it only runs on weekends and it fills up far in advance. Jack Frost also offers adaptive ski lessons through their own ski school.
If you’re willing to travel, the most robust programs we found were in Vermont, Colorado, and Utah. These states have options at multiple mountains, with lots of volunteers and better availability. You’ll still need to plan in advance.
Vermont Adaptive
We were completely swept away by Vermont Adaptive, and cannot recommend them enough. Their program is available at Sugarbush, Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, and Bolton Valley Ski Area. They work with clients of all abilities with physical, cognitive and emotional/behavioral disabilities – everybody can ski with Vermont Adaptive! They have over 400 volunteers and a solid community working out of a new, permanent base in Sugarbush. To them, it’s not just about experiencing a sport. It’s about providing a physical, mental and social experience that is immeasurable in promoting self-confidence and independence in an individual.
We saw them working hard to help as many clients as they could, in spite of the weather, a volunteer who had to call out, and a pandemic that’s shifted how a program can run.
We saw positive attitudes in volunteers who were determined to show Jaden a good time… regardless of the pouring rain.
We saw patient and gentle instruction as they dealt with the wily and mutinous ways of a rambunctious six year old.
We saw a program that was enabling families to ski together, building equality across differing abilities, and developing lifelong skills in independence and athleticism.
From their sliding pay scale to their let’s-make-this-work attitude, we saw a program that closes the gap and allows everybody to ski.
How to Get Started
Most programs are designed for ages 5+. If you’re looking to take a family ski trip and your adaptive athlete is under the age of five, many ski resorts offer childcare programs. These can also be useful for kids who just need a shorter day on the slopes.
Plan Ahead
We started calling around in October, and it took us three tries before we found anywhere that wasn’t already booked through February!
Start by searching adaptive ski options, as described above. Once you have a lesson nailed down, make sure you can find lodging availability to match. Most ski resorts offer package deals, so you may be able to get the rest of the family a lift ticket and room combination deal. We had an excellent experience at Killington Grand Resort Hotel, an easy shuttle ride from Pico Mountain. If you’re doing lessons for other children, you’ll want to check if the lessons already include lift tickets before booking anything else.
A great money-saving hack is to rent your ski’s off-site. This can save you as much as half the price on rentals, and you can pick them up the night before and not waste precious morning time.
Relax
I had no idea what kind of adaptive ski my son would need (yes – there are different ways to ski… differently…). I didn’t know where to begin, but it didn’t matter. Vermont Adaptive had me fill out registration forms that went over my son’s basic needs and abilities, but they also do an assessment on-site to make sure that the skier is getting exactly what he needs – leading to the most independent fun possible. Other adaptive ski programs are similar. You’ll fill out registration forms and waivers to make sure you’re exactly where you need to be.
Once you’re there, you can count on flexible and patient instructors who will work with your needs. Keep in mind, many of these programs are run predominantly through volunteers – which means you’re going to be surrounded by people with a heart for making a difference in accessibility and inclusion.
What it Looks Like
Once you get there, you’ll check your adaptive skier in for lessons, just like you would for another lesson (though often in a different building). You’re welcome to hang out and see how it works, but you don’t have to. I know Jaden learns better with others than he does with me, but I was also super curious. I did the first two rounds with him to make sure that he was comfortable (ok, and to spy – I just really wanted to see him ski!), but then he was fine to take off with his instructors.
They’ve got this. Take a moment to wrap your mind around that. If you’re like me, this could be your rare chance to do something on your own. I enjoyed a couple of runs down the mountain on my own, and it was marvelous. Shoot, if you’re not a skier, just drop the kids off and go get a massage!
Jaden used a sit-ski, which he could control by shifting his weight. The sit-ski can be combined with outriggers, which are like forearm crutches with tiny skis on the end, with metal teeth at the back of the ski for braking and for pushing your seat up to load onto the lift. The mono-ski functions similarly, but is for more independent skiers (balancing on only one ski).
Before you conclude that all of this sounds too complicated for your skier, please know that Jaden did not follow one single instruction, and still skied safely and had the time of his life. The instructors know what they’re doing. They will put the student in the best gear for them and will help as needed. In our case, the instructors lifted the seat to load the chair lift (the lift seat fits snugly between the ski seat and the skis), and used chariot-like reigns to help steer the rig that Jaden would’ve crashed on his own.
Get Going
Doing something like adaptive ski with kids for the first time can feel overwhelming. I know that. I’m glad I dove in and did it, though. Not only was it a fun trip, it was a hope-restoring trip. It was a reminder that my dreams are not dead – they just look a smidge different. We can do all the things, and it’s going to be a beautiful journey!
If you’re looking to get started, and feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact me! I’m happy to help you with some initial research or point you in the right direction. Let’s do this!