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Recent inventions in adaptive ski equipment have enabled disabled persons who have the desire to enjoy the thrill of skiing by flying down a snow-covered slope or gliding gracefully through a silent, crystal-covered forest. To assist those with disabilities, many Ski NH resorts offer adaptive equipment and specially designed adaptive skiing instruction programs.
ALPINE AREAS
ATTITASH: Attitash has a well-established program for disabled skiers staffed by skier development pros. Each year, Attitash hosts the annual Mount Washington Valley adaptive race which attracts participants from all over the region, including members of the U.S. Disabled Olympic Team. Special adaptive equipment can be provided at Attitash with advance notice. For more information, call the adaptive program at (603) 374-2368.
LOON MOUNTAIN: The White Mountain Adaptive Ski School at Loon strives to help physically and mentally challenged people of all ages expand their horizons through the joys of skiing. Using the latest adaptive ski equipment under the close and caring supervision of expert instructors, students experience the thrill and intense personal satisfaction of doing what they may never have thought possible. Students are asked to become a member of Disabled Sports USA. For more information, call (603) 745-8111, ext. 5663.
MOUNT SUNAPEE: Mount Sunapee is home to one of the oldest programs for disabled skiers in New England - the New England Handicapped Sports Association (NEHSA). There are lessons, racing programs and recreational skiing services for disabled skiers. The association, in addition to its season-long instructional programs, serves as a network for year-round sporting opportunities for the disabled. For further information, call (603) 763-9158.
WATERVILLE VALLEY: The goal of Waterville Valley's Adaptive Skiing Program is to show students a way to reach new heights of confidence and self-esteem through the exercise and fun of skiing. More than 30 trained volunteers teach lessons seven days a week throughout the season. First-time skiers receive a free learn-to-ski lesson. The Ski Buddy Program pairs able-bodied skiers with students who need assistance getting on a ski lift or just moving about the resort. The Family Program allows family members and friends to learn tethering and guiding techniques. Specially designed adaptive ski equipment is available. For more information, call (800) GO-VALLEY.
BRETTON WOODS MOUNTAIN RESORT: Led by Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) Certified Adaptive Ski Instructors, this program offers physically and mentally challenged children and adults an opportunity to experience the freedom and enjoyment that skiing can provide. Adaptive equipment, if needed, is available to all students. Instruction is provided by specially trained volunteers.
GUNSTOCK: The Gunstock Adaptive Skiing program is a special part of the Gunstock Ski Area where people with physical, emotional, and cognitive needs challenges team up with trained volunteers and learn to fly! Lessons are available on weekends, weekdays, and during holiday periods. In order to ensure the availability of adaptive equipment and instructors, reservations are required. To schedule a lesson or obtain more information, call the Gunstock Adaptive Skiing Program at (603) 293-4341, ext. 165 or email to aski@gunstock.com.
CROSS COUNTRY AREAS
JACKSON SKI TOURING: Jackson Ski Touring Foundation's Adaptive Program includes free use of sit-skis. Volunteers are available with advance notice to assist with uphill skiing and other needs. For more information, call (800) XC-SNOWS.
NORDIC CENTER AT WATERVILLE VALLEY: The Nordic Center at Waterville Valley has a cross country sit-ski that is available free of charge. In addition, the Nordic Center has an instructor available for private lessons. For more information, call (800) GO-VALLEY.
MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY SKI TOURING & SNOWSHOE CENTER: The center offers individualized instruction and assistance. For more information, call (603) 356-9920.
WINDBLOWN CROSS COUNTRY SKI AREA: Windblown offers a sit-sled free of charge. For more information, call (603) 878-2869.
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