Eighteen seniors and people with disabilities will take free ski lessons at the “Learn to Adapt Snow Sport Clinic,” scheduled to start 9 a.m. Saturday at the Fort Seward parade grounds.
Sierra Jimenez, program director for the Haines office of Southeast Alaska Independent Living, said skiing is an empowering activity that can be enjoyed by people who may not think they’re capable of it.
“Skiing is one of those things that shows people, ‘If I can do this, I can do anything,’’’ Jimenez said. “Making a turn feels the same to a sit-skier as it does to a stand-up skier. It’s pretty powerful.”
Downhill and Nordic lessons will be offered and snowmachines will take skiers back to the top of the slope. Jimenez said she hopes residents will turn out to see what’s available, including the variety of adaptive ski equipment.
“Almost every resort has an adaptive ski program. This is for anybody. It opens up doors,” Jimenez said.
Funded by a Chilkat Valley Community Foundation grant, the program was scheduled for last winter, then cancelled for lack of snow.