Skiing with Adaptive Sports Association

Last year I applied for a scholarship through the Adaptive Sports Association in Durango, CO to go skiing for the week. I had never been skiing before, though it was something I had always wanted to try. Towards the end of the year I received a call saying I had been selected and would be going in January! I was beyond excited.

Now that I've been home for about a week, I've been able to reflect on what a truly amazing program they have there. Everyone at the Adaptive Sports Association went out of their way to make my week a truly memorable one. I was picked up at the airport by my host family, and immediately told to make their house my home. They made sure I had everything I needed, and was comfortable the entire week.

From the very first morning that I rolled into the old log cabin, named the Dave Spencer Center after the guy who started the program, each volunteer greeted me like they had known me for years. I was put in a group that I would ski with that day. They immediately began the task of figuring out the perfect set up so that I would have the most freedom on the mountain with the goal of being independent.

The second day I was having more difficulty so we sat down and I explained how I'm coached in some of my other sports, as well as the set up of my everyday chair which was at home. That night when we all met up for dinner and drinks I heard that some of the guys had actually pulled out the blowtorch to configure a new bucket and ski set up based on our talk. I was so impressed with their dedication.

The New Dimensions scholarship program is a great program for first-time skiers to learn and fall in love with this adapted sport. It is truly a life changing experience. Feel free to ask me any questions about applying for next year! You'll love flying down the mountain and getting to know everyone in the program.