Adaptive Lesson Description:
A lesson tailored to meet the individual needs of people who require specialized equipment or teaching techniques. Adaptive skiers may have cognitive, developmental, or physical disabilities. A disability is a condition that may be physical and/or mental that affects a person’s cognition, movement, and mobility, sensation, and/or activities.
Cataloochee Ski & Ride Lessons:
Cataloochee’s Ski & Ride School offers adaptive ski and ride lessons daily depending on the availability of adaptive instructors and specialized adaptive equipment specific to the participant’s needs.
Types of Adaptive Lessons Include:
Sit-Ski Lessons
- Mono-Ski
- Bi-Ski
- Ski Bike
Stand-Up Lessons
- 2-Track (skiing with 2 skis with assistance from the instructor)
- 3-Track (skiing with 1 ski and utilizing 2 stand-up outriggers)
- 4-Track (skiing with 2 skis and utilizing 2 stand-up outriggers)
- Visually Impaired
- Slider (a piece of adaptive equipment that looks like a walker on skis)
- Snowboard
A more detailed description of these options here
Adaptive Lesson Details:
We recommend requesting an Adaptive lesson at least two weeks in advance. Requests are submitted by filling out a participant registration form.
after which a Cataloochee Adaptive Ski & Ride staff member will contact you about the availability and specifics of the lesson.
About PSIA-AASI:
The Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) is a non-profit educational association of snow sports professionals dedicated to creating life-changing experiences for others through snow sports instruction. Members of PSIA-AASI are creating the future of skiing and snowboarding and the association is devoted to making that job easier by providing the support that ensures their success. Education is at the core of PSIA-AASI and the adaptive lesson format for all the specific types of lessons and equipment is covered in the Adaptive Alpine and Adaptive Snowboard Technical Manuals. These PSIA/AASI manuals are available to the Beech Adaptive Ski & Ride instructors and volunteers. These standards are followed in all adaptive training and adaptive lessons.
The Adaptive Instructors and Volunteers:
The Cataloochee Ski & Ride instructors are members of the PSIA-AASI and are either currently certified as PSIA-AASI Adaptive Instructors or are working toward certification. The instructors attend PSIA-AASI Continuing Education Workshops and conduct training for volunteers both on and off the snow at the Cataloochee Ski Area. Most adaptive lessons consist of an adaptive instructor and one or two adaptive lesson volunteers (local college students or area adult volunteers) who are passionate about helping to assist the instructor and the participant to ensure the safest, most educational, and fun lesson for the participant.