Adaptive Snowsports

One of my favorite sights to see on a snow day are those who are using adaptive equipment or techniques on the mountain.  They never fail to bring a smile to my face.  These fellow snowboarders and skiers are amazing.  They have overcome a physical or developmental disability to learn how to slide down a snowy mountain.  Let me repeat.  They have overcome a physical or developmental disability to learn how to slide down a snowy mountain.  Their determination  and motivation is truly amazing and inspirational.

 I am the mother to a boy with Downs syndrome.  Thanks to a wonderful not-for-profit adpative sports organization called S.T.R.I.D.E, he is a great skier.  The STRIDE coaches are completely volunteer.  They go through many hours of intense on and off-mountain training.  Their dedication is endless. 

I’m proud, oh so proud, to say that my son skied his first black diamond trail this week.  He did beautifully, and only non-chalantly acknowledged his accomplishment.  I, on the other hand, was shouting from the lift all day.

Our family has always had mountain nicknames for one another.  This son’s is…CHAMPION.

My 7 year old skied his first black diamonds!

He was so non-chalant about it too.  Just a little smile at the end of the run, while I cheered loudly for all to hear.  Then he shrugged his shoulders like it was nothing….

Black Diamonds Really Are a Girl’s Best Friend

What:  First Annual Mother-Daughter Ski Day

How:  A complete and total blast.

Friday I let my almost 11-year-old daughter play hooky and come skiing with me.  It was just the two of us, no boys allowed.  The color of the day was black, as in black diamonds.  The girl wouldn’t ski any other trail, except for the blue warm up run.  Temperature was 11 with 15 mph winds.  We giggled, sang silly songs… and oh yeah, TORE UP THE MOUNTAIN.  Pure heaven.  Definitely going to be an annual event.

Being a Ski Mom is the best

Even before I became a mother I wanted to be a Ski Mom.  I used to shadow classes of wee ones on the mountain.  Were the kids happy?  They all looked so cute, ok at least until someone cried.  Inside the lodge I’d see Moms pulling sandwiches out of coolers, giving the nod as the kids spilled on about all the runs they took that morning, their heads sweaty from their hats and their cheeks red from the cold.  I loved it.  All of it.  Now that I’m a Mom, I’m doing the same thing.  My favorite part of the day is when my youngest (7) gets off the lift for the first time of the day.  He shouts out “waaa hooo” and throws his arms up in the air.  He’s ready for some mountain fun and I can’t wait to find out what the day will bring to us.