Skiing With a Disability: How to Plan Your Trip
If you are thinking of skiing and have a disability, you should know that there are plenty of options for ski holidays to choose from. With upgraded lifts, experienced ski school staff, and adaptive equipment all available, there’s never been a better time for you to get on the slopes. Here’s how to plan your trip.
Before You Book
If you have never skied before, it is a good idea to head to some slopes in the UK first to practice. So that you can master the basics and make the most out of your time on holiday. You can also figure out the equipment you need beforehand. Charities like Disability Snowsport UK sometimes run activity weeks as well as holidays, so keep an eye on their website and socials. When booking your trip, consider ski holidays for beginners if you’d prefer gentle and crowd-free slopes.
Choosing a Resort
It’s important to first research what resorts have the facilities to accommodate your needs. This includes the right equipment and instructors with the necessary skills. Recommended resorts for those with a disability include Avoriaz, Tignes, and La Plagne all in France, Sestriere in Italy, and Davos in Switzerland. Having a resort that is well-suited to your needs will be key for a fun, valuable, and successful ski holiday.
Choosing Accommodation
Accommodation is another important consideration. You will want to find somewhere that makes a great effort to accommodate disabled skiers. This can include apartments and hotels with adapted facilities. So be sure to research your options once you have chosen a resort. It’s also worth checking if there are accessible toilets and restaurants nearby in the village or on-mountain. Some examples include Altesse 4 in Zermatt, Altaka 1 in Morzine, Chalet Kea in Chamonix, and Apartment No 5 in Les Gets. Club Med is also leading the way for all-inclusive skiing, with a range of hotels across various resorts.
Adaptive Lessons
If you don’t have much skiing experience, you will want to book lessons. Adaptive lessons accommodate conditions such as visual impairments, cognitive disabilities, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, etc. It is important to let the resort know about what you require ahead of time (ideally 9-12 months) for them to assess if it is safe for you and prepare the equipment and instructor for your arrival.
Having a disability does not have to stop you from experiencing the thrill of a skiing holiday. The information in this post should be informative and help you plan the perfect trip. With a bit of preparation before you leave, researching resorts with suitable facilities for your disability. Also, finding suitable accommodation, and booking adaptive lessons, you can enjoy a thrilling adventure getaway and have a smooth experience from start to finish.
