Utah is a national leader for inclusive recreation, with four incredible organizations offering year-round outdoor opportunities for people with disabilities: Wasatch Adaptive Sports (WAS), the National Ability Center (NAC), Ogden Valley Adaptive, TRAILS Utah, and Common Ground.
“I never thought I could be a skier” is something I hear from folks with disabilities all the time in my role with WAS. “I never thought we could be a ski family” I hear from parents of WAS participants.
I feel so proud to be a part of the adaptive sports community here in Utah, working alongside so many wonderful people of so many abilities to make sure that anyone of any ability level never has to wonder if they can enjoy the transformative power of The Greatest Snow on Earth®. Adaptive organizations strive to support every participant and empower them with the resources and instruction to get out there and get moving.
Last year, WAS created this helpful video that gives new participants an idea of what to expect ahead of time.
Now that you know that skiing in Utah is for everyone, here is an overview of what to expect during your first winter lesson at one of the Beehive State’s incredible resorts!
Who is eligible for an adaptive ski lesson?
Anyone with any ongoing disability can participate in adaptive sports. In some cases, medical clearance may be required from a doctor if an injury has occurred. Your selected adaptive program will communicate any required information prior to your lesson.
What does an adaptive ski lesson cost? Are there support resources available?
Adaptive sports involve specialized equipment and instruction. Many prospective participants' first question is: What does a ski lesson cost? WAS and similar organizations offer scholarship programs so that no aspiring adaptive skier is left behind. 97% of WAS participants utilize the scholarship program, which states that if financial assistance is needed for any reason, costs are covered. Learn more about the WAS scholarship program, and programs for the NAC and Ogden Valley.
How does scheduling work?
You can always call or email any of Utah’s adaptive sports programs to either schedule or find out how to schedule your first lesson! Expect to chat through some of the specifics of your disability so that the program staff can be ready upon your arrival with various adaptations to suit your needs. A friendly representative for the organization will let you know what to bring to your first lesson and what is provided, how long to expect to be there, where to park, the location of accessible bathrooms and other logistics.
How do I get to the mountain?
This varies by program and resort, though the majority of locations that offer adaptive sports in Utah have both public transit options and accessible parking. Make sure to call or email for specifics related to transit and parking!
What can I expect when I arrive?
A first lesson functions like an intake appointment. You will be greeted by an instructor who will be ready with equipment. They will talk you through how everything works and what to expect, from lesson format and length to how the equipment should fit and feel. You’ll set goals, which can evolve and change after day one and can range widely from person to person. In some cases, much of your first lesson will be spent getting you fitted and comfortable with your equipment, and in some, you may head right out to the snow.
What does an adaptive lesson look like?
After setting goals and creating a lesson plan, you and your instructor will head out onto the snow! If you have never skied before, beginner terrain will be selected (as is the case with most first lessons). However, if it is your first lesson with a new program with prior experience in other adaptive programs, progression to more advanced terrain is possible on your first day.
Lessons focus on skill development and progression through learning the fundamentals of the adaptive discipline. For a guide to various forms of adaptive equipment, check out Adaptive Snow Sports: Equipment Guide for All Abilities.
A highly-trained instructor with expert knowledge in your adaptive discipline will explain techniques and set you up for success on day one! The team is there to help you learn (and more importantly, to have fun!) in the way that suits you best.
I’m a parent. Can I ski with my child with a disability? Can other family members join?
Yes! WAS has companion tickets available for family members who do not require instruction and can ski independently. We love to see families skiing together!
How long will my lesson last?
This varies slightly by program, but expect the total time committed to the lesson itself to be 2-3 hours – though your lesson can end at any time if you’ve had enough on a given day.
If I love it, when can I come back?
At WAS, participants can schedule one lesson per week, up to eight lessons at a time. Our peer programs also offer lessons on an ongoing basis – refer to their program details pages for insight into frequency.
Do Utah’s adaptive programs offer more than skiing?
Yes! The number of adaptive sports you can pursue via Utah’s robust offering of programs is incredible. From skiing, snowboarding, ski biking to mountain biking, climbing, equestrian, paddling, yoga and so much more, there is so much to explore. Ask us about our other programs at your first ski lesson!
