Disabled Skiing & Snowboarding

Posted by Jill Browne Dec 19, 2006

December means two great things, Christmas and snow.

Skiing and boarding are great sports, but how can you get started?

For the person who doesn't want to invest a lot of money in clothes and equipment, the easiest way is usually to sign up for lessons using rented equipment. Almost all resorts have rental shops. It isn't always as easy to rent clothing as it is to rent equipment. You may end up buying your own clothing, but don't worry, it doesn't have to be high tech and you can buy it at lots of places, not just at the ski shop. Ski and board clothes are fashionable and functional off the hill.

What if you need assistance or modified equipment?

Here's where location matters. If you live near a ski hill, look for a local program for disabled skiers and boarders that you can join. In Canada, check out the Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing. In Calgary, for example, you can look in to joining the local chapter.

Even if you live elsewhere, these two websites will give you a lot of information about the logistics and the fun of disabled skiing and boarding.

If you prefer to start on flat ground, try cross-country skiing (Nordic skiing). The Ski for Light organization has an annual International Week, scheduled for January 21-28, 2007 in Northern New Hampshire.