MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Winter 2020

69 words :: Laura Raimondi There is an undeniable freedom that comes from skiing and snowboarding. Being on top of a mountain, blue skies above and surrounded by nature; choosing a line and executing the prefect turn; focusing on going fast and feeling the cold wind brush your face. It’s about being in the moment—certainly not thinking about an accident, a wheelchair or a disability. Skiing and snowboarding is an exhilaration that, for some, can’t be realized. Or at least not in the traditional sense. But Blue Mountain Resort’s Adaptive program is redefining the experience. The program is designed to give guests with visible and non- visible injuries an inclusive on-hill experience. Four years ago Jack Sim, Adaptive Specialist with Blue’s Recreation Programs, pitched the idea of offering lessons through the Snow School. “I was teaching skiing to kids with disabilities in the Golden Horseshoe area through the Track 3 program,” says Jack. “I had done some school programs at Blue and decided to pitch the idea to them to bring me on board and start offering Adaptive ski lessons.” This season, the program has 16 instructors able to teach any aspect of Adaptive skiing or snowboarding. Four courses are scheduled for this year with 8-10 instructors enrolled in each course. Over 100 instructors are already trained in working with people with cognitive disabilities, and the half-day course will be offered throughout the season. The Adaptive program is in a transitional phase, developing an improved booking system, expanding to include more qualified instructors and accessible equipment, and getting the word out. “There’s a general theme I have seen over the years in adaptive programs,” says NO MORE BARRIERS Blue’s Adaptive Ski/Snowboard Program Expands INNOVATION “You see so much joy when families are able to include someone who might otherwise not be able to ski.” COURTESY BLUE MOUNTAIN RESORT