tell me about adaptive ski lessons

[brenalexacamp]

Can anybody give me some input as to adaptive ski lessons.

My son is 15, Down Sundrome-so lower tone
We are NOT skiiers, or outdoorsy cold people. Well, I am not so I think my kids miss a little.

anyway- he has the warm clothes that he can move comfortably- can anyone recc some warmer, thinner gloves to help him?
I see the adaptive ski events alot on tv and they look like so much fun.

The kids let you know if they don't like it right? They are doing this at his school so it would be a great experience for him.

my older son tried skiing-didn't care for it-then snowboarding- he actually said it was too much work- more work than fun-
and my dd loves to ski-

my kids are more swimmers- guess I am just a wreck about it because I don't like it- wish I did.
Love to hear some of your stories. We have friends that we do baseball, horseback riding, basketball, and swim with-none of them ski though.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

We love the adaptive program in the intermountain west division. The instructors are certified through PSIA or ASA and then have more certification in Adaptive. Most major mountains have a program for children and adults. It usually includes the lesson, equipment and lift ticket.

For clothing, do not wear cotton. If a child sweats just a little and you do no matter how cold, the cotton holds the moisture and then you get cold. Look at mositure wisking fabrics like poly propls, name brands: hot chilis, silkies. Silk and wool are good natural fabrics. Make sure they provide a helmet and if possible have the child wear goggles. Dress for the weather. Having the right gear makes the lessons and day enjoyable. Even if it is cold with the right gear you are warm.

Yes, the child knows pretty early on if they like it but do give lessons a serious try. If the first time goes bad see if maybe your child might want to try again. During a different time of day. Snow conditions change quickly and no two days are the same.

You will know what is best for your child. What other information are you looking for? Don't be a wreck, skiing and snowboarding are fun and if the school is doing it with his friends, he will have even more fun. It is great to be outside in the snow! You should try it too. Where are they going to learn? What does the program entail?

I think snowboarding is easier to learn and quicker, but the first day just is ...sucks. Lots of falling down but once you get it, it goes very fast. With skiing there is technique and it takes a long time to get good. But you don't fall as much because you are two skis.

Feel free to PM or ask more questions. DS has been in adaptive for 3 years and skiing for 4. He loves it and is very good.

 

[brenalexacamp]

wow thank you.

my son is at a special school-we placed him there and are going through due process now

they are going into the communities with the kids and blending them right in.

The lessons will be at gunstock here in NH, they are planning on about 3 hours each time for a series of consecutive weeks. I am not sure if the program is new and they needed kids or just how they got together.
But the kids swim, hike, horseback ride, canoe, sled, and will try just about anything.

I took weekly lessons when dh and I were 1st married and I was very happy to go at my own pace-I could not get over the fear-then I got pregnant and that was the end of that-

 

[MinnieVanMom]

It sounds like a great opportunity for your son. 3 hours is the industry standard for all half day lessons. It will be a blast and your son is going to have a great time.

You should go back and try again. Please come back and let me know how he likes his lessons. Don't forget to send him in the correct clothing. Layer up not bulk. Again, I start with silkies, thin, then a poly turtle neck, then fleece, then my light coat. Same on the legs. I wear a face cover, helmet, goggles and then warm mittens, not gloves.

 

[disneyobessed]

i see you are from NH. Watchusett Mt. in Massachusetts has an adaptive program as well.. good luck.