Here are some links that offer winter adaptive sports. Some are good places to plan a winter getaway to. There are more options in the Access- Able Destinations Database. So get out there and enjoy winter. Many of them are for all disabilities not just mobility. So get out there and enjoy winter!

 

Adaptive Ski Programs

 

 

ORCA

http://www.sailinc.org/orca.php

ORCA’s (Outdoor Recreation and Community Access) mission is to promote inclusive recreation and adaptive outdoor pursuits for Southeast Alaskan's.  Their services include adaptive ski and Snowboard School along with other adaptive outdoor experiences and trips.

 

The Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing

http://www.disabledskiing.ca/

This organization’s main objective is the promotion of skiing in Canada for persons with a disability.  They believe that any person with some degree of mobility can ski. Persons who are disabled by amputation, muscle paralysis, visual or auditory impairment, cognitive deficiency, etc. are now learning to enjoy winter through skiing.

 

U.S. Adaptive Recreation Center

http://www.usarc.org/

Located at Bear Mountain, California, the USARC offers private one-on-one instruction and top quality adaptive equipment.  Their season spans from November through March.

 

Challenge Aspen

http://www.challengeaspen.com/index2.asp

Challenge Aspen has a complete adaptive ski program capable of meeting the needs of anyone with a physical or mental disability. They have a staff of certified ski instructors and trained volunteers ready to assist all types of skiers. The program offers discounted ski lessons, discounted lift tickets and adaptive equipment rental. Their ski/snowboard season is November 2004 to April 2005.

 

Maine Handicapped Skiing

http://www.skimhs.org/

The MHS has its’ own slope side facility at 8 Sundance Lane and winter programs at two additional locations - Sugarloaf/USA and Sunday River Inn and Cross Country Ski Center. MHS provides over 1200 winter adaptive lessons yearly with over 350 volunteers assisting participants from early January through mid-March.

 

New England Handicapped Sports Association

http://www.nehsa.org/

NEHSA is a group of people who pool their knowledge, skill and courage to participate in sports activities. Skiing, however, is still the central sport because of its amazing adaptability to many types of disabilities.  NEHSA offers adaptive ski and snowboard lessons to people of all ages and disabilities.

 

Adaptive Ski Program of New Mexico

http://www.adaptiveski.org/

Adaptive skiing in the Southwest is increasingly popular because of its blue skies and

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

 

Disabled Wintersports Australia

http://www.disabledwintersport.com.au/

Disabled Winter Sports Australia is a multi-facetted, self help and supporting organization which prides itself on its’ ability to enjoy the magnificent environment that is Australia's Snowy Mountains.  They offer Ski Guide Training, Alpine Skiing Camps, Learn to Race Camps and Cross Country Skiing.

 

Disabled Wintersport Victoria

http://www.dwv.org.au/

DWV is a voluntary organization located in Victoria, Australia, that seeks to encourage disabled people to participate in all aspects of snow sports.  Membership is open to all disabled persons (whatever the nature of their disability) and their families, and to any individual or organization wishing to support our ideals. They offer Alpine and Nordic skiing as well as dog sledding.

 

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports

http://www.vermontadaptive.org/

Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports started as a small ski program over 17 years ago. Since then their snow sports program has grown to be the largest in the State, currently offering skiing and snowboarding at Pico Mountain and Sugarbush Resort. They offer lessons to individuals of all ages with any disability seven days a week during the ski season. The season generally runs from December 27th until the first week in April.

 

Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing – Alberta

http://www.cadsalberta.ca/main.php

Albertans with visual, auditory or limb impairments can all ski using equipment that has been specially designed for their unique needs. Apart from Alpine Skiing; Nordic and Water Skiing programs are now available. Learn-to-ski, ski improvement and racing programs have spread throughout the province.

 

Disabled Skiers Association of British Columbia

http://www.disabledskiingbc.com/

The DSABC believes people in British Columbia of any disability, have the right and an equal opportunity, to participate in the sport of skiing, thereby contributing to their overall quality of life.  The DSABC provides learn-to-ski programs in both Alpine and Nordic disciplines. The DSABC also provides clinics for instructors, pre-conditioning sessions and opportunities for competitive racing.

 

Double “H” Ranch

http://www.doublehranch.org/winter-program.htm

The Double “H” Ranch is a non-profit organization that exists to provide children living with a critical illness the chance to get away and just be a kid.  Their adaptive winter sports program includes Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing and more.  They are located in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York.

 

Bill Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program

http://www.holidayvalley.com/winter.cfm?subpage=366

Located at Holiday Valley in New York, they are a chapter of DSUSA and can accommodate individual students seven days a week and groups on weekdays, both by appointment only. A full range of adaptive equipment is available for skiers of all abilities, including specially engineered devices for wheelchair users. The instruction is adapted to the individual and is taught one student to one instructor.

 

Waterville Valley Adaptive Skiing Program

http://www.waterville.com/info/winter/adaptive.asp

The Waterville Valley Adaptive Skiing Program in New Hampshire is where physically and mentally challenged children and adults team up with extraordinary volunteers and learn to fly - at least that's how our students describe the freedom of sliding down a snowy slope unencumbered by a wheelchair or braces.

 

Michigan Adaptive Sports

http://www.michiganadaptivesports.org/

Several types of adaptive techniques enable people with disabilities to enjoy the sport of skiing. Trained volunteers give two-hour lessons most Saturdays in January and February at Pine Knob Ski Resort in Clarkston. Participants can register for one or multiple lessons. The fees are nominal and include a lift ticket, lesson and equipment rental costs.

 

Eagle Mount Billings

http://www.eaglemountbillings.org/

Welcome to Eagle Mount Billings in Montana!  Do you have a disability? Maybe someone you know is disabled. Eagle Mount Billings offers recreational programs for people with all disabilities of all ages.  They offer Alpine skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing.

 

STRIDE at Jiminy Peak

http://www.stride.org/skiing.html

STRIDE offers two mountain resorts to choose from this year; Jiminy Peak, the Mountain Resort in Hancock, MA and Catamount Mountain in Hillsdale, NY. We offer exceptional instruction in adaptive ski & snowboard lessons in all methods. Lessons are offered for 2.5 hours, which includes specialized equipment and rentals. Hours of operation include Tuesday through Thursday evenings and every weekend, November through April.

 

Challenge Alaska

http://www.challengealaska.org/

Challenge Alaska Adaptive Ski School operates out of a beautiful 4,500 square foot building located slope side on the beginner hill at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska. Challenge Alaska maintains a full service rental shop including all the most updated adaptive equipment available. Lessons are available to school aged children and up for all ability levels.

 

Durango/Purgatory Handicapped Sports Association

http://www.asadurango.org/

Their winter program has been providing snow sport instruction and equipment to people with disabilities for over 20 years. Lessons are typically one-on-one and are offered to people with every type of disability. State-of-the-art equipment and instruction, as well as a "family" atmosphere are hallmarks of ASA's winter program. Skiing, snowboarding and a variety of "sit-ski" options are available to get every individual enjoying the snow in the least restrictive manner possible

 

Telluride Adaptive Sports Program

www.tellurideadaptivesports.org/

We are looking forward to the 2005 ski season with much anticipation! It is our goal to provide quality, affordable, adaptive skiing for local residents and visitors with disabilities here in Telluride.

 

Whistler Adaptive Sports Program

http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/rentals/school/ski/adaptive.htm

Our adaptive program makes snow sports accessible to all, whatever their ability. We aim to provide people with the thrill of an outdoor activity and give them a flow of adrenaline and excitement they may not have thought possible. Our program provides certified guides and helpers for those who need extra assistance on the slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia. Our rates include the use of adaptive equipment and services.

 

Tremblant – A Mountain for All

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/3558/indexe.html

They are a member of Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing and offer Alpine skiing to a broad range of individuals.  All instructors are members of the Tremblant Snow School and benefit from ongoing training.  Adaptive equipment is available.

 

Totalskidskolan

http://www.totalskidskolan.z.se/E/NWS/index.asp

Swedish for ‘total-ski school’, Totalskidskolan is the largest learn-to-ski program in Europe.  They work in conjunction with The Swedish Handicap institute and the General legacy fund.  They hire out at several ski resorts in Sweden including; Åre, Idre, Tänndalen and Sälen.

 

Wintergreen Adaptive Skiing

http://www.skiwas.org/

Wintergreen Adaptive Skiing is a non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation whose mission is to teach the joys of alpine skiing to individuals with a disability. Set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, WAS offers fun, exhilaration and the chance to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends to people of all ages and with every imaginable disability.

 

Adaptive Sports Foundation at Ski Windham

http://www.adaptivesportsfoundation.org/winter.htm

The Adaptive Sports Foundation is recognized as one of the leading adaptive sport programs in the country. It serves as the research and development center for adaptive skiing and snowboarding for the Professional Ski Instructors of America.  Their winter sports program offers skiing, snowboarding and a racing program for ages 5 and up. 

 

Alpine Alternatives

http://www.alpinealternatives.org/

Located in Alaska, their adaptive Cross-Country Ski Program is offered at Russian Jack Park. Ski sleds are available for non-ambulatory skiers. The Downhill Ski Program offers multi-week sessions at Hilltop Ski Area. Skiers receive for their use: equipment, lift tickets, and personalized instruction from Alpine instructors and volunteer "ski buddies".

 

 

 

Adaptive Ski Programs Expanded to Include Other Sports

 

Adaptive Sports Center

http://www.adaptivesports.org/home.cfm

Located in Crested Butte, Colorado they offer adaptive instruction and equipment for Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, dog sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing, as well as, guided backcountry tours and overnight hut trips.

 

Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center

http://www.boec.org/

The BOEC is known for personalized service and customized skiing and riding experiences.  They view skiing and snowboarding as sports that can be enjoyed by all! Their program offers one-on-one instruction at Breckenridge Ski Resort, using the latest in adaptive techniques and equipment. Custom programs at Keystone Resort and Copper Mountain Resort also are available.The ski season typically runs from mid-November through mid-April.

 

National Sports Center for the Disabled

http://www.nscd.org/

NSCD is located in Winter Park, Colorado and has been a world leader in providing recreation for people with disabilities since 1970.  The overwhelming success of the skiing program has grown significantly over the years and the NSCD is one of the most acclaimed programs in the world for children and adults with disabilities.

 

Adaptive Adventures

http://www.adaptiveadventures.org/sportsrec/alpine.html

The Adaptive Adventures Ski School mission is to provide affordable programs and technical assistance for participants, groups, organizations, and major events in order to improve the overall quality of adaptive skiing.  They offer a comprehensive ski package that provides both Alpine & Nordic adaptive skiing. Their program is unique, in that it operates at many different locations and venues.

 

Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports

http://www.centeronline.com/

The Adaptive Ski Program at Camelback Ski Resort is a partnership between Camelback, and the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports. Skiing is located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania.  They also have information about Sled Hockey, in their region a new six team league has been formed, first in the country.

 

Northeast Passage

http://www.nepassage.org/

Their Sports and Recreation program offers a spectrum of service from entry-level instruction, to ongoing recreation and competitive sports. This program provides the appropriate level of support and challenge for clients of all abilities. They offer ongoing programs in nine sports of particular interest to people living in New England including sled hockey and cross country skiing.

 

 

Additional Winter Sporting Opportunities

 

 

Extreme Adaptive Sports

http://www.sitski.com/index.htm

Sitski.com is a great resource for anyone who likes to ski.  They have links and information about extreme adaptive sports along with information about skiing in Norway and Europe.

 

United States Sled Hockey Association

http://www.usahockey.com/ussha/

The primary mission of the USSHA is to foster the advancement of sled hockey for all individuals, disabled and able bodied, male and female, without prejudice or discrimination. This is a great resource for sport information, team locations and equipment suppliers.

 

Rink Link

http://www.alphaonenow.com/rinklink/

Rink Link features information about accessible ice sports including sled hockey and curling.  A page for figure skating is still under development.  They have information about adaptive ice sports as well as locations and resources.

 

Western New York’s Skating Association for the Blind and Handicapped

http://www.sabahinc.org/

They are located in the Buffalo, NY area and provide weekly adaptive ice skating lessons, adaptive skating equipment, intense volunteer support, and the opportunity to perform in an Annual ice-skating spectacular.

 

Colorado Wheelchair Sports

http://www.coloradowheelchairsports.org/

The mission of CWS is to promote and provide year round sports and fitness programs for people with physical disabilities.  Ice Hockey is just one of many sports included in their program.

 

 

 

Equipment and Resources

 

Spokes ‘n Motion

http://www.spokesnmotion.com/

Spokes 'n Motion is one of the leading distributors of specialized sports and recreation equipment world wide and is actively involved in promoting sports and recreation for the disabled. They are proud to invite you to view their range of products and services combined. If you are a first time, or returning visitor their site will help you to conquer all of your sporting needs.

 

Disabled Sports USA

http://dsusa.org/index.html

The DSUSA offers nationwide sports programs to anyone with a permanent physical disability.  It is comprised of a network of community based chapters, each offering a variety of recreational activities.  DSUSA has long recognized that the ability to participate in a sport, such a skiing, provides a valuable opportunity to enjoy a shared activity with family and friends.  Their web site is a great resource for locating sports chapters in your area.

 

USA Techguide

http://www.usatechguide.org/techguide.php

This is a comprehensive assistive technology directory that is sponsored by the United Spinal Association (USA).  They have over 1,500 web resources for a variety of topics including; adaptive recreation equipment, aids to daily living, driving & transportation, sports chairs and accessories and much more!

 

Infinitec

http://www.infinitec.org/play/sports/wintersports.htm

Their motto is ‘infinite potential through assistive technology’ and they are founded by the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Chicago and United Cerebral Palsy Associations, Inc., Washington D.C.  This web site offers a wealth of information about snowmobiling, skiing, ice sports, team sports and much more.

 

Palaestra

http://www.palaestra.com/

Palaestra is a quarterly publication for those with disabilities.  It is a premier resource for adapted physical activity.

 

Sports ‘n Spokes

http://www.pvamagazines.com/sns/

Sports ‘n Spokes is a bimonthly magazine that is "dedicated to the active wheeler" and has long been known as the most sports-oriented magazine for people with disabilities.