Winter skiing for everyone

Winter snow will soon cover the ground here in Michigan and one local organization wants to make sure everyone can enjoy it, at least on the ski slopes.

For nearly 25 years, the Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association (CCSA) has offered ski lessons for people with disabilities. CCSA’s custom equipment allows almost everyone the opportunity to experience the rush that downhill skiing provides. And with winter on the way, the organization is now seeking volunteers and students to participate in its next seven-week session.  

CCSA is a part of a national organization called Disabled Sports USA. Milo DeVries, a disabled skier who uses what’s known as the three-track technique to ski, began teaching adaptive skiing classes at Cannonsburg in 1983. His first student was Valerie Wallace who now sits on the CCSA board.

“Just because someone has a disability doesn’t mean they can’t participate in one of Michigan’s greatest sports,” she says.

Wallace survived a bad car accident 31 years ago and spent almost a year recovering. She had her right leg amputated above the knee and her ankle and knee were compromised on the other leg. She now skis using a mono-ski, which is basically a bucket she sits in with another bucket for her foot. To maneuver, mono-skiers use outriggers, or short crutches with ski tips.

The three-track technique DeVries uses is similar except it’s done standing on one ski with taller outriggers.  

In addition to the mono and three-track methods of skiing, CCSA offers a variety of techniques and adaptive equipment so that almost anyone with any sort of physical or developmental disability can ski.

Volunteers are trained on not only how the equipment works, but on the various disabilities so they can better assist the skier and make sure their experience is a positive one.

The first CCSA volunteer training is Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. and those interested in volunteering can fill out an application online. A minimum commitment of two hours per week for the seven-week classes is required. Ski instructions begin Jan. 6 and for every training session or class taught, volunteers will receive free ski passes and rentals on that day.
 
Skiers ages 6 and up can also apply online. The CCSA program offers a two-hour lesson on the same day each week, with classes on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. and Sundays 1-3 p.m., 2-4 p.m., and 3-5 p.m.

The cost for the seven-week class ranges from $40-290, depending on the age of the skier, day of the week, and equipment needs. The rates are kept reasonable so everyone who wants to participate can, and they even offer a few financially based scholarships each year.  

Wallace says the staff at Cannonsburg has been great to work with and the new owner, Doug Gale, has made several improvements, such as installing a “magic carpet” conveyer belt that takes skiers up the hill so they don’t have to get on the regular chair lifts.

“Doug has bent over backwards for us,” Wallace says. “He understands the importance of the program.”

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital also supports the program by frequently referring its patients and many of its employees volunteer as well. In collaboration with CCSA and the Kentwood Parks & Recreation Department, they’re offering a one-day clinic this year on Jan. 19 for new skiers to try out the program before committing to a whole season. A two-hour lesson costs $30 and includes instruction, equipment, and snacks.

Each year, the CCSA program has around 30-40 volunteers and 50-60 skiers with a variety of disabilities. More volunteers are always needed so everyone who wants to participate can, as they don’t turn any disability away.

Wallace says the goal of the program is to get the students to their highest ability and allow them to enjoy the thrill of winter skiing. It’s also a way for them to do something fun with their families, who often ski with them.

“The students get such big smiles on their faces,” she says.

If you want to volunteer, participate in the CCSA program, or find out more, here are some links to get you started:

-    Visit the Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association online to find out more.
-    Become a volunteer.
-    Register as a student.
-    Donate to the CCSA program.
-    Like them on Facebook.

Source: Valerie Wallace, Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association board member
Writer: Heidi Stukkie, Do Good Editor

Images provided by Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association.