Skiing

Nothing is as exhilarating and invigorating as downhill skiing; carving “S” turns in the snow at lightening speed while inhaling the cold crisp winter air. Until recently, I thought this experience was lost to me forever.

24 years ago I sustaineda spinal cord injury as a result of a diving accident. Skiing was one of my greatest passions in life and I hit the slopes as often as I could.Winter was a season I looked forward to. I couldn’t wait for the first snow fall. After my injury however, I dreaded the onset of winter and couldn’t wait for it to end. I mourned not being able to ski and as the years passed. I learned about disabled skiing programs but refused to pursue it any further. I felt that it would not be the same.

A few years ago, CPA Ontario launched a Ski Day fundraising initiative. This fundraiser was open to a limited number of people with spinal cord injuries. I thought, what the heck, I will get out and give it a try. From the moment I got in the Bi-Ski, I was hooked. A Bi-Ski is a molded fiberglass shell above two specially designed skis. The two skis give a wide base for balance and stability.

With the help of the volunteers from Canadian Association of Disabled Skiers (CADs) and Track 3, I was assisted onto the chairlift. The ride up the hill brought back so many  wonderful memories and feelings. Once we reached the top of the hill, I was gently popped off the lift by my instructors. After a brief lesson on the Bi-Ski we “hit the slopes”.We descended the hill with me tethered to my instructors.With each successive trip down the hill, I gained more confidence and relied less on the instructors. The feeling of independence, the speed, and getting back into a sport that I love was an absolute “rush”. While I had a truly memorable day, it also was a turning point in my life regarding how I viewed recreation and disability. At that moment, I decided that instead of dismissing something quickly, I would try it first so I could honestly decide whether I had any interest or desire to do it again. As it turned out, a lot more opportunities have opened up for me and there are a lot of activities I have come to enjoy.

I have since joined a program for skiers with disabilities where every Saturday  throughout the winter, we head north on a luxurious coach.We ski all day, enjoy a few après ski drinks and fellowship and then we board the bus and head home. It is such a delight to get back out on the slopes with the enthusiastic volunteers and other skiers who share the same passion for the outdoors and this wonderful sport. After all the fresh air and a few drinks, I am dead asleep on the ride back home.

I really have come to enjoy the winter season once again since I started skiing. It is a wonderful activity and it is a great way to get out and make new friends while getting some fresh air. For a disabled ski program near you visit http://www.disabledskiing.ca or
http://www.track3.org or call me toll-free at 1-877-422-1112 ext.213