 Poster: A snowHead
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I hope to bring my 15 year old paraplegic son skiing for the first time this winter.can anybody recommend a resort that can cater fot disabled skiers and would have the necessary equipment for hire.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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donzo112, Oxygene ski school in La Plagne offer disabled tuition and equipment. They seemedvery good when we used them
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Whistler, Aspen, Winter Park and Breckenridge (i think re the last) were the ones most helpful to me....
Challenge Aspen provide pretty good rates for the whole deal re lessons, lift tickets, and equipment... and they are GREAT people... they helped my main instructor design my instruction sme years back....
Whistler are pretty good.... ask steve Bova re kimberly area...
Failing that - wait until summer and hit the southern hemisphere... you get a great exchange rate for AUD... and the organisation is good re accom and instruction...
if you don't fancy dodgy Oz snow go to kiwiland - they have real mountains and proper snow.... and their dollar is even weaker than ours!
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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donzo112, I agree with Frosty the Snowman, Aime La Plagne has disabled ski school and we often see disabled skiers around this whole domain.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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The Canadian team train at Lake Louise and it's pretty user friendly with respect to steps too and fro the carpark although not perfect. 
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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There is a guide on facilities at some French resorts here, which includes where there are adapted apartments and teaching facilities http://uk.franceguide.com/Snow-destinations.html?nodeID=1&EditoID=19130
There should be a national body (equivalent to Disability Sport UK) for disabled skiing in all the main European ski countries that would have all the answers that you need. I would think that if you rang Disability Sport UK they should be able to tell you contact details for the various countries.
Hope you can get it sorted.
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| Ray Zorro wrote: |
There is a guide on facilities at some French resorts here, which includes where there are adapted apartments and teaching facilities http://uk.franceguide.com/Snow-destinations.html?nodeID=1&EditoID=19130
There should be a national body (equivalent to Disability Sport UK) for disabled skiing in all the main European ski countries that would have all the answers that you need. I would think that if you rang Disability Sport UK they should be able to tell you contact details for the various countries.
Hope you can get it sorted. |
this is avery useful link. ARE THERE ANY FOR OTHER EUROPEAN COUNTRYS
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Frosty the Snowman, that is a much more friendly looking website than the one I linked too - in english as well.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Ray Zorro, The problem our friends had was that the person spoke English (our French is a disgrace) But his attiude was typical layed back French. "yes, whatever, give me a ring when you get here" the instruction looked great but our friends didn't dare leave it to chance. The Oxygene folks were very nice, very helpful, and in the end it worked out superbly.
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We have a Swiss instructor/guide, Sophie, who spends many days with our guests in our Leysin chalet.
She skis 24/7/365 both in Switzerland and New Zealand (where she is now). She's had 28 years experience, including racing until she was 18, then instructing. She's got her ISIA (allowing her to instruct internationally) which also allows her to teach boarding for beginners and intermediate level.
More to the point, she qualified as an instructor for Disabled Skiing in '99, and became a Kids Examiner in 2000. Incredible knowledge of both Leysin and the local ski resorts, including Les Diablerets, Villars, Zermatt and Gstaad, especially off-piste. Great young lady, and multi-lingual. She has a lot of gear and/or knows where to rent/buy the best.
She works as a team with her husband Neil, on an hourly, 1/2 daily or daily basis (or weekly with some of our guests).
If you PM me, I will pass on her e-mail address, and you can ask her the relevant questions. She's back in Switzerland in December, and will be there until the end of our season in mid-April 2007.
Good luck - hope to see your family in Leysin - great village, really friendly, and excellent facilities!
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You know it makes sense.
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donzo112, the ESF in La Rosiere cater for disabled skiers, they have all the equipment for paraplegics, you can find details from the ski school link on www.larosiere.net we often see Lionel one of the senior ESF instructors taking severely disabled skiers out on the slopes.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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donzo112, I think you'll find most of them do.
i sorted out just this for my wedding for one of my mum's friends.
I'm sure they also have them in all the villages here but i know for certain that they do at Chantemerle, Serre Chevalier. I also know that you want to book the Grand hotel in Serre Che, it is right at the bottom of the piste and has rooms with disabled acces into both the room and the bathroom.
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Poster: A snowHead
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Any time that I have been to Whistler I have seen a number of skiers with disabilities on the mountain . This is the web link
http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/rentals/adaptive/index.htm
The brother of one of my sons school friends is disabled and that family went to Whistler every year, because of the adaptive programme.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Boswell what does PM mean and how do I do it
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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donzo112, I guess you've now realised that most resorts in most countries could do what you want! the ESF in LDA also do disabled ski lessons and equipment (saw one of the instructors arrive with sitski waiting for client last year). He will undoubtedly have fantasic fun, and after a couple of holidays will leave you stanidng! 
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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donzo112, pm means "private message"
Underneath the logo on the right is "send/receive messages" click on that and type in "Boswell" in the address box, enter a title and message and click submit. Watch out for his reply - you should get a blue box flash up to tell you that a pm has arrived.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Boswell, what does pm mean and how do i do it
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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easiski, it appears that Canada USA and France are very good for disabled skiers but the rest of europe is very much behind. You would not believe the amount of hours I have put into trying to find equipment for wheelchair users in Livigno or anywhere in Italy for that matter without success.
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| Ray Zorro wrote: |
donzo112, pm means "private message"
Underneath the logo on the right is "send/receive messages" click on that and type in "Boswell" in the address box, enter a title and message and click submit. Watch out for his reply - you should get a blue box flash up to tell you that a pm has arrived. |
havin trouble finding logo on right. What does it look like?
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donzo112, the "snowheads" logo at the top of the page.
I missed out a stage in the instructions. First you will need to click on "new Post" before you type in the username and title and message.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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got there thanks very much
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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OK - I'm sending out some SOS messages to some folks....
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Thanks, guys, much appreciated. We are in contact.
Boswell
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| donzo112 wrote: |
| I hope to bring my 15 year old paraplegic son skiing for the first time this winter.can anybody recommend a resort that can cater fot disabled skiers and would have the necessary equipment for hire. |
As Snowangel said, they do cater for disabled skiers in serre chevalier. I have seen skiers with various disabilities there over the years including blind skiers.
Here's a short clip of a skier and mentor in a specially adapted chair, taken last march.
(you will need to register and login to the snowmediazone to view it, if you do not already subscribe. (2mb WMV video)
http://www.snowmediazone.com/the_zone/showphoto.php/photo/4257/limit/recent
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You know it makes sense.
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Clip looks great but i'm hoping he will learn to go down himself
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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donzo - as I said I regularly ride lifts with a para who (with a fancy self lift sit ski) is totally independant.... they do slow the lift a little I think... to make sure his sit ski makes its place securely.... but he needs no help at all... and skis like a demon!!
Still awaiting return messages.... Pity we missed all those italians by a day.... Oh well...
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Poster: A snowHead
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Donzo 112 - if you search back last year I did a similar thread and by and large the responses are consistent with those that I obtained. The other resort that received considerable praise for its adaptive program in the US was Winter Park. Little Tiger obviously has personal experience. I don't think I'll be taking my little girl (5) this year as we've a 6 week old addition to the family and my little boy is only 3 in Jan so its a bit early for my family. Unfortunately, costs of adaptive skiing seem high as you're effectively into private lessons and those costs may be limiting. I hope you find a resort that caters for your son's needs. I hope he really enjoys it. I think there is alot to be said for going those who have made personal recommendations based on experience such as Frosty and Snowangel. These would give me confidence.
Moderators is it worth adding this thread to useful resources on Trips or Resorts
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| dan100 wrote: |
| Unfortunately, costs of adaptive skiing seem high as you're effectively into private lessons and those costs may be limiting. |
that was why I'd suggested he come visit down under.... it seems to be cheaper to do our camps.... and with the exchange rate as it is would be VERY cheap... just not a cheap airfare...
2006 DWA Camps and Cost
You are invited to apply for Disabled WinterSport Australia’s 2006 Alpine Ski Camps:
Camp 1: 2nd-7th July 2006 DWA JNR Development camp(by invitatation)
Camp 2: 9th-14th July 2006 DWA ski camp
Camp 3: 16th-21 July 2006 DWA ski camp .
Camp 4 30th-4th July/Aug 2006 DWA ski camp
13t h-20th Aug 2006 QLD Sporting wheelies camp
Camp 5 27th-1st Aug/Sept 2006 DWA ski camp
Camp 6 10th-15th Sept 2006 DWA ski camp
DWA reserve the right to screen all applications. Although DWA endeavours to accommodate for large range of people with disabilities on these camps, limitations in resources and equipment may restrict the number of participants that can be provided for.
The camp cost of $650 per person includes:
5 nights shared accommodation in Finsko’s Lodge (linen hire included)
5 days breakfast & dinner, 4 days lunch
4 days ski hire (ski clothing will need to be hired separately)
4 days Lift and Lessons
Transport to and from Thredbo/Perisher?each day
Ditto I know that the Challenge Aspen price is a good price - because it is all inclusive...
http://www.challengeaspen.com/Recreation/winterpricing.asp and from there..
Lessons:
All lessons are private, one-on-one instruction and include an all day lift ticket, ski instructor, equipment rental and a volunteer ski buddy if needed.
3 Hour/Half Day Lesson: $90.00
6 Hour/Full Day Lesson: $150.00
Ski Buddy/Guide:
A complimentary lift ticket for volunteer services when assisting a disabled skier will be provided. Authorization from Challenge Aspen is required to obtain this discount.
Camps:
Price ranges from $300-$500, please contact us for more information.
I do like our system - half price private lessons and lift tickets allows some for the fact that unlike a "regular" person you are likely to take many more private lessons(usually you need to).... and I know for a fact the resort still makes a profit on my lessons.... they soon let me know when the price I will pay will be denting the bottom line (eg if there is a spring sale or I want to do a special program... we come to an arrangement that benefits both parties).
I spend thousands a year on skiing(5 figures) ... and although I CAN now ski without spending that for many years it was not possible .... if I had needed to pay full price skiing would have been impossible for me... Just way out of my league... as it is I had to reorganise my life to allow me to ski... and if not for being able to sleep on friends floors etc still may not have made it...
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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donzo112, I may have missed it but where are you and your son currently based?
Try this link to Back-UP who organise a lot of sports in UK and abroad. http://www.spinal.org.uk/
I work in the Bucks Trust at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and work with spinal trained physio's many of whom act as buddies and instructors on the various courses worldwide for the Back-up Trust.
I am not at work till next week but will do some enquiring then to find out what they would suggest for a first time.
It may help if you PM me with an idea of your sons disability that would give them a better idea of what level of dependancy and what resort/courses may suit him.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Falls Creek is very friendly to disabled skiers. One of their locals won a gold medal in the Para-Olympics in Turin. It's nice sized sized resort, 15 tows, 5,000 beds. Not too small, not too big. http://www.fallscreek.com.au/website/default.asp
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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| Bogong wrote: |
| Falls Creek is very friendly to disabled skiers. One of their locals won a gold medal in the Para-Olympics in Turin. It's nice sized sized resort, 15 tows, 5,000 beds. Not too small, not too big. http://www.fallscreek.com.au/website/default.asp |
yeah - they are nice too...
but I prefer Thredbo as they seem to have more disabled students around - and they have easier wheelchair access from the car park around the ski school...
Also Finskos lodge makes accom easy.... and of course Michael Milton is sponsored by them!
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Isnt this a great thread.So much great information by people who know.
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yep - if you come down under you should be easy to sort out.....
It is simply that we can't help easily for your part of the world...
Helpers still trying I believe... although the main one I stood up on his offer of a lesson during his holidays when I was at Deer valley... so maybe he is getting me back 
The guy in charge of disabled skiing at Falls is Ivo from czech republic but now an aussie- I have skied with him - was a fun lesson! I'd ski with him again... and Hew used to take many lessons there too (his brother had spinabifida) - Hew is a honey!
Frano -now in charge of race dept - was one of my instructors - you want experienced instruction... He is(was??) an aussie examiner/trainer and also has his austrian staatliche... SUPERB to ski with
Thredbo I can give you a list of folks.... the guy in charge last i checked was Huon Lemercier... nice guy... Graeme Morris was in charge when I started - he was a paralympic coach IIRC.. He is great to ski with... then you have most of the ones I ski with... etc etc...
Thredbo rocks re the attitude... I have seen 1-leg skiers lining up in the class lesson with their school-mates.... They seem very aware of the desire to do "normal" and keen to help achieve that... This is the reason I prefer the non-segregated approach... the ability to integrate I rate highly...
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donzo112, are you any closer to getting something sorted for your son?
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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donzo112 - I've just noticed that there's a "Ski Adaptively" (video) PodCast on the iTunes store as a free download. Might be worth a look.
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Ray Zorro, nothing confirmed yet but moving in the right direction.
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FAQ
