When our son was in 6th grade, he joined the ski club at his middle school.  For several Fridays during the winter, a bus filled with ski gear, warm clothes, food/drink and a bunch of excited kids and chaperones would head north to our local ski hill.  Mt. Holly has numerous ski runs for all skill levels which makes it a great place to learn to ski while hanging out with friends on a Friday night.  Our family has many great memories of ski club and I often wondered if our daughter would someday be able to enjoy skiing as much as her brother has.

Searching for Options 

Caitlin’s school offers a ski club but I felt that type of experience was not well-suited for her given the level of physical assistance she needs.  While continuing my research on-line, I clicked through pictures of skiers using special equipment with the help and guidance of another person.  I did think about it for a minute, that is, the possibility of my husband and I helping our daughter to ski.  However, there are two big hurdles to doing that.  First, our skill levels are not advanced enough.  I would say we are beginner/intermediate skill level.  I require a lot of focus when making my way down the hill and would definitely not be able to assist someone else.  Second, the cost of specialized equipment is very expensive.  We weren’t sure if our daughter would even like skiing and it wouldn’t be a smart investment to make without knowing if it’s something she liked and would do often.

Success!

I finally found what I was looking for when I came across Michigan Adaptive Sports.  This is the Michigan chapter of the national organization Disabled Sports USA.  The Michigan chapter offers a Summer Program, Winter Program and a SportsTacular Camp.  For the Winter Program, they offer Downhill Skiing.  They have the specialized equipment for all sizes and skill levels.  And the volunteers are experienced skiers, specially trained to assist disabled skiers.  I was thrilled to have found this and couldn’t wait to find out more and get Caitlin signed up for a session!

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Scheduling a Ski Session

There are a few things I learned when signing Caitlin up for a ski session.  First, the application is very detailed.  It is important to fill this out accurately so they can have the appropriate equipment available at the time of your scheduled ski session.  Also, it will help them understand your child’s needs for assistance and his/her ability to follow instructions.  Second, sign-up early so you have the best chance of getting your preferred time slot.  There is a place on the application to indicate your preferred time slots.  Sessions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  So you may be put on a waiting list if your time is not available.  This leads me to my next tip: be flexible and patient.  The organization tries hard to accommodate everyone’s needs but it does take a bit of coordinating.  Cancellations and availability of qualified skiing volunteers will cause shifts in the scheduling.  It all worked out fine but it took a little bit of back and forth with the coordinator before settling on a date.

Prepping for Skiing

Skiing is most enjoyable when you’re toasty warm, comfortable and not thirsty or hungry!  Hats, gloves, warm jacket, ski pants and layered clothing are a must.  Hand and toe warmers are very helpful since the fingers and toes are always the first to get cold.  Ski goggles help to protect the eyes from getting dried out and watery.  They can be worn over glasses but be sure to check the fit after a couple runs to make sure they’re not too tight.  I also suggest waterproof underpants or a booster pad for added protection against accidents.  Ski helmets were provided but bring your own if you have one.  Chapstick or a muffler will help to prevent chapped lips and skin.  And you’ll need plenty of snacks and drinks to re-fuel after a long day of skiing!

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Intros and Checking In

Our session was at one of our local ski resorts, Pine Knob.  We were greeted in the lodge by the many friendly volunteers.  Caitlin was paired up with two adult ski volunteers.  They were so nice and were committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience.  They asked tons of questions to get to know her better from both a personal and a ski ability perspective.  One of the instructors brought her daughter along.  Caitlin just loved that she was going to be skiing with a new friend!

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Fitting for Equipment

Once they had a good understanding of her needs, it was time to get fitted for the right equipment.  They decided that since it was her first time skiing that she would do best in a sit-ski.  They had different size seats and had her sit in a couple of them to get the right size.  Then they filled any gaps in the seat with foam for a snug and comfortable fit.  Another block of foam was placed on the footrest so she could have a firm platform to support her feet.  Then all the straps and buckles were adjusted for safety.

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Hours of Skiing Fun

I got a little nervous when they stepped in line to get on the ski lift.  Thoughts of all things that could go wrong crossed my mind.  But the transfer to the lift went smoothly and as I saw them get off at the top of the hill, my worries were replaced with excitement!  We waited at the bottom of the hill for them to come down from their first run.  Caitlin was chatting up a storm which is a sign that she loved it!  They did a few more runs down the bunny hill.  They practiced some turns, instructing Caitlin to point her hand and lean to the right or left.  She followed directions very well and they felt she was ready to go on some of the other runs.  They were able to do all of the blue runs but mostly Mansion Run and Quicksilver which are the longest.  At first, I regretted that we did not bring our ski equipment so that we could join them.  But she loves spending time with others and it was a chance for her to enjoy an activity independent from us.    

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A Thrilling and Exhausting Day!

Whew, what a day!  We were at the hill for about three hours.  It took about 45 minutes to check in and get fitted, about 1.5 hours of skiing, then the remainder of the time we went back to the lodge to turn in the equipment, warm up, snack and socialize with the volunteers and other participants.  Caitlin’s first skiing experience with Michigan Adaptive Sports was wonderful!.  We will definitely bring her back to ski again!