Three Resorts with Adaptive Ski Programs for Special Needs
Children with special needs face challenges that other kids don’t. Whether their disability is physical, mental or neurological, children and adults with special needs require extra support with certain activities. Many ski resorts are getting excellent at meeting this need. I have seen some adaptive ski programs at family friendly resorts like Smugglers’ Notch in action. Some are super impressive so I thought I would share a list for families like ours.
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Children with Special Needs Can Shine at These Ski Resorts
Children and adults with special needs face barriers too many places still. So when I find a resource with adaptive or inclusive programs sometimes I want to celebrate. Resorts with Adaptive Ski Programs for Special Needs make my heart happy. Parents of children with unique abilities often feel like their kids are denied experiences that other children have. Finding places with staff that gets it can be a full time job and yet when you find that resort it is invaluable.
The following ski resorts are all about family.
Resorts with Adaptive Ski Programs for Special Needs
Smugglers’ Notch
I’ve covered Smugglers’ Notch before, so if you’ve read any of my other posts on ski resorts, you know how I feel about this one. It is absolutely amazing. One of my very favourite parts of this resort is how inclusive it is for children with special needs.
The Smugglers’ Notch Adaptive Program is all about providing therapeutic recreation for children of all abilities in a nurturing, supportive environment focusing on fun with what the kids can do and not what they can’t. Because Smuggler’s Notch is both a warm and cold weather resort, the program offers activities which allow kids to socialize in a safe protected way for both warm and cold weather fun. I hope to share more about this program soon because it is truly one of the best I have ever seen. Smuggs is in Vermont and it is easy to access by plane or car. We flew there last January with Porter Airlines from Toronto.
Searchmont Resort
Searchmont resort in Ontario offers a great program for children with special needs. Their program specializes in helping special needs kids learn how to alpine ski in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. This program features a variety of equipment types and sizes to meet the needs of almost any disability. They can accommodate and include the visually challenged, hearing impaired, and physically impaired. Their adaptive program focuses on playing to each student’s strengths. Searchmont is in Searchmont, Ontario near Sault Ste. Marie. There are ski and stay packages available here. I have not yet visited this one but was interested to learn they have programs that are appealing to special needs families.
Snow Valley
The CADS (Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers) program at Snow Valley runs for eight Sundays beginning every January 10th. Snow Valley is in Barrie, Ontario, not too far north of Toronto. There are many accommodations available in the area if you are visiting. The eight week program of lessons is available to children with special needs of all kinds from paraplegia to autism spectrum, CP, polio, MS, Down’s syndrome, and more. All students are screened to determine their individual equipment and instructional needs and then paired with trained volunteer instructors who best match their needs.
Children With Special Needs Should Never Feel Left Out
The adaptive programs offered by these resorts work hard to ensure that all children, youth and adults with special needs can have a good time in an environment that’s both physically and emotionally safe. Some have built extraordinary programs that you simply have to see to believe. As a parent of children who need extra supports I can’t even express how valuable these programs are to me.
16 Comments
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle
I think that is so great! I can’t imagine what it must feel like to be a special needs child or adult. What I can imagine is feeling on the outside looking in when everyone else is doing something and you can’t. I love that these resorts make sure that doesn’t happen.
Jeanette
I love that there is resorts like this. I think there should be ways to adapt for almost any place. I mean kids are kids whether their special needs or not and they want to have fun. I’m glad there’s places like this.
Eileen
It’s great to hear that these places have ski programs for children in special needs! I think more places should have programs like this in place!
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations
It is great to see that resorts offer these amenities so everyone can enjoy. Thanks for the insight!
Eloise
that’s awesome that there’s something for everyone at certain ski resorts… It’s a great way to get special needs kids out and enjoying their life while making friends : )
Karissa @WithOurBest (@withourbest)
I have seen this a lot in the resorts I got to in COLORADO. I think it is a great program.
Wildish Jess
Not that I have a special needs child but this is something I’ve never thought of. This is a really neat idea.
Wendy Polisi
I’m really happy that there is a ski resort for special need to kids. This is something brilliant idea.
My teen guide
These list are really helpful. I like the programs of this resorts. I feel amaze because I never realized that there is a ski resorts.
Dogvills
It’s good to know that there are resorts like this that cater for those with special needs. Thanks for sharing this list.
uprunforlife
That is awesome that there are these resorts out there for people with special needs. Often times, they have to miss out on opportunities because there isn’t adaptive equipment for them to participate.
Chubskulit Rose
That’s nice that even ski resort provide this special kind of service to people with special needs.
Louise Bishop
That is absolutely wonderful that they provide this. I love when people think beyond the basics.
Lisa Heath
I really love that this resort provides for special needs. So many seem to exclude them, and really – it doesn’t take much to include them
Lynndee
You’re right, children with special needs should never feel left out. So great to know that there are resorts that offer ski programs for them.
Tessa
What a wonderful guide for those with children with special needs. I totally agree that they should never feel left out.