Adaptive Skiing Locations and Instructors USA

Introduction

A list of locations offering adaptive skiing and ski instructors for persons with disabilities in the USA.

Main Digest

People with disabilities can learn to ski or refine their skills with trained instructors using specialized adaptive ski equipment to help meet their personal needs.

Adaptive Skiing Terms

Mono-Ski - The mono-ski was developed for individuals who ski in a sitting position.

Bi-Ski - The bi-ski was developed for individuals who ski in a sitting position including those with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, spina bifida or individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Two Track - Two trackers use two skis and two boots and may use a ski bra attached to the ski tips to assist with lateral control and help maintain a consistent ski position.

Three Track - These skiers have one sound leg and two sound arms and are generally individuals who have amputations, post polio or hemiplegia.

Four Track - Four tracking is for individuals with involvement of the lower extremities and includes individuals with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis or lower extremity amputations.

Ski Bike - The latest piece of equipment to be added to the Adaptive Ski Program's offerings is the Ski Bike. The ski bike is a short bike with skis instead of wheels and the rider wears additional small skies attached to each foot.

Adaptive Skiing USA

Maine

Maine Handicapped Skiing - Adaptive Skiing is a year-round recreational program that teaches adaptive sports activities to people with physical disabilities, ages four and up - www.skimhs.org

Sunday River Inn and Cross Country Center - Maine Handicapped Skiing offers adaptive cross country skiing and snowshoeing lessons to individuals who have a physical disability. MHS provides trained volunteer instructors and regular and adaptive ski equipment and Sunday River Inn and Cross Country Center provides trail access passes. An application & doctor's permission are required for participants.

Sunday River Ski Resort - Adaptive downhill skiing and snowboarding lessons to children and adults with a physical disability (ages 6 and over). Lessons are offered free of charge Sunday through Friday starting January 3rd through March 30th, 2007. MHS provides trained volunteer instructors and regular and adaptive ski equipment and Sunday River Ski Resort provides lift tickets. An application & doctor's permission are required for participation.

Sugarloaf USA - Adaptive downhill skiing and snowboarding lessons to individuals who have a physical disability. MHS provides trained volunteer instructors and regular and adaptive ski equipment; Sugarloaf provides the lift tickets. An application & doctor's permission are required for participation.

New Hampshire

Ski and Snowboard Lessons - Enjoy terrific skiing with the New England Disabled Sports at Loon Mountain. New England Disabled Sports (formerly known as the White Mountain Adaptive Ski School), is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to making snow-sports accessible to all - www.loonmtn.com/info/winter/adaptive.aspx

In winter, highly-trained coaches guide guests ages 4 and older in the snow-sport of their choice. Whether you are a beginner or expert interested in skiing, snowboarding, telemarking or snow-toys, they have the coach for you.

The New England Disabled Ski Team is a group of disabled athletes who have been bit by the racing bug. The team is comprised of young, up-and-coming racers and elite-level skiers who have competed past Paralympics.

Call (603) 745-6281 ext.5663.

Waterville Valley Adaptive Snow-sports Program - Physically and mentally challenged children and adults team up to experience the freedom of sliding down a snowy slope unencumbered by a wheelchair or braces - www.waterville.com/info/winter/adaptive.asp

The Waterville Valley Adaptive Snow-sports Program operates under the 501(c)(3) non-profit status of Ability Plus. The program is guided by over eighty dedicated and highly-trained volunteer instructors who teach lessons seven days a week.

Group and private lessons are available any day, including holiday periods. Lesson prices range from $50 to $75, and include an all-mountain lift ticket, the use of specially designed adaptive ski equipment like a mono-ski, and one-on-one instruction. They also offer cross country skiing on The Nordic Center's 70km tracked and groomed trail network.

Call for more information 468-2553

King Pine Ski Resort - Adaptive Skiing - Their goal is to provide physically disabled skiers access to the sport of skiing. The program is available to physically disabled skiers ages 3 and above. Equipment, lift tickets and instruction will be provided at reduced rates. Specialized equipment and instruction can make the mountain accessible to individuals with special needs - www.kingpine.com/adaptive-skiing.php

Students are screened by a physical therapist to determine their equipment and instructional needs. Special instruction for blind, visually and hearing impaired students. Pre-registration is necessary to ensure placement.

The program is a partnership with AbilityPlus and Huggins Hospital. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or sponsor please contact the director of the program, Jennifer Fraser at Huggins Hospital Rehabilitation: 603-569-7565 For additional information, call (800) 373-3754

New Mexico

Adaptive Ski Program - Adaptive skiing in the Southwest is increasingly popular because of its blue skies and warmer day temperatures. Yet it is the warm feel of the people involved in the Adaptive Ski Program that make skiing in the Southwest the absolute best!

Since 1985, the Adaptive Ski Program has offered safe and supportive alpine ski lessons for adults and children (five years & older) with a wide array of disabilities. Lessons take place at Sandia Peak outside of Albuquerque and at Ski Santa Fe - www.adaptiveski.org

The Adaptive Ski Program currently offers a six-week program that runs from mid-January to mid-March. The program includes a weekly two-hour, one-on-one lesson, lift ticket and equipment.

New York

Whiteface Adaptive Ski Program - The program is for people with disabilities who want to learn how to ski and snowboard. Program includes Lift ticket, lesson and rental adaptive equipment. Duration of lesson is usually 2 hour depending on the student - www.whiteface.com/newsite/lessonsprograms/adaptiveski.php

Advanced registration is a must! Reservations may be made 30 days in advance or by phone or mail.

Vermont

Vermont Adaptive Skiing and Sports - Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports has been at the forefront of sports and recreation for those with disabilities in New England for more than 20 years. Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports is committed to empowering individuals with disabilities. They promote independence and further equality through access and instruction to sports and recreational activities - www.vermontadaptive.org

As part of its commitment to introducing individuals with disabilities to the love of sports, including adaptive skiing and snowboarding, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, the only year-round organization in the state to offer daily programs for people with disabilities will host the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) Second Annual Winter Ski Festival Jan. 16-18, 2009.

Stowe Mountain Resort - Adaptive Skiing and Riding at Stowe Mountain. Skiers of all ages and varying abilities can benefit from instruction with an adaptive pro from the Stowe Ski and Snowboard School. Their trained coaches assess, equip, and teach adaptive students in a one-on-one setting. This allows each student to be coached according to their specific needs, abilities and learning styles while optimizing their skiing or boarding experiences - www.stowe.com/equipment/lessons/adaptive/

Adaptive skiers who are independent but need a skiing or boarding buddy will also find a supporting team of coaches trained and ready to provide assistance. Whether you need the assistance of a blind guide or help getting around the mountain as a bi- or mono-skier, their adaptive coaches are ready to help you.

They offer adaptive lessons for two, three, and four track skiers, snowboarders, and beginning to bi-skiers. Instructors are all qualified professionals in the Ski and Snowboard School with specialized training in adaptive coaching.

Rates include private coaching with a qualified adaptive instructor, an all mountain lift ticket, and all specialized adaptive equipment. Students are expected to provide their own skis, boots, poles, snowboards, and helmets as necessary.

Virginia

Wintergreen Adaptive Sports - Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Wintergreen Adaptive Sports is a non-profit corporation whose mission is to teach the joys of outdoor sport and recreation to individuals with a disability. As of 2008 they offer instruction in adaptive skiing, snowboarding and kayaking and canoeing - www.skiwas.org

Through grants from the Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative Trust Fund of the Virginia Dept. of Rehabilitative Services and from Disabled Sports USA, WAS in continuing to develop a mentor program for recently spinal cord and brain injured individuals and for children and teenagers with disabilities.

Individuals who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hearing impaired, have mild motor deficits or upper extremity deficits are good candidates for two tracking. Also included in this category are people with learning disabilities, mental retardation, emotional disturbance, autism, and other cognitive deficits.

Call for more information 434-325-2007

West Virginia

Snowshoe Mountain Adaptive Ski Programs - Snowshoe has a long history of involvement with adaptive skiing. In partnership with the Challenged Athletes of West Virginia (CAWV). Adaptive ski equipment and instruction are available for just about every disability group: 3 and 4 Track Skiing, Mono and Bi-Ski, Blind and Hearing Impaired and Developmental Disabilities. All lessons are one on one and are flexible based on the needs of each participant - www.snowshoemtn.com/rentals-and-lessons/adaptive/index.htm

Adaptive skiing has become the sport of choice for thousands of challenged individuals and their families. Technology, dedication and generosity have opened many doors previously closed to individuals with disabilities. Snowshoe is proud to be part of the many programs nationwide that continue to push open the doors of opportunity.

People with a wide range of disabilities participate in skiing with their family and friends. Skiing is enjoyed by people with spinal cord injuries, amputations, cerebral palsy, sight and hearing impairment, traumatic brain injury and development disorders, just to name a few. The benefits of participation in challenging activities like skiing carry over into everyday life. For more details, call the Adaptive Program directly at 304-572-6708

Wyoming

The Jackson Hole Adaptive Ski Program has been teaching individuals with disabilities how to ski since 1984 by serving people with all disabilities including, but not limited to, autism, amputees, cerebral palsy, developmentally disabled, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and visually impaired - www.jacksonhole.com/lessons-guides/adaptive.html

People with disabilities can learn to ski or refine their skills with trained instructors using specialized adaptive equipment to help meet your personal needs. Everyone can enjoy the exhilarating sensations of adaptive skiing! Lessons includes lift tickets & equipment. Reservations are strongly recommended. Their staff is made up of certified adaptive ski instructors and also volunteers, who are all trained in particular disciplines.

Related Publications▶ Share This Page

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2008, December 26 - Last revised: 2017, December 24). Adaptive Skiing Locations and Instructors USA. Disabled World. Retrieved September 9, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/sports/snow/adaptive-skiing-locations-usa.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/sports/snow/adaptive-skiing-locations-usa.php">Adaptive Skiing Locations and Instructors USA</a>: A list of locations offering adaptive skiing and ski instructors for persons with disabilities in the USA.

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.