Adaptive Skiing
Check out the new Adaptive Sports Center Website - click here
The Gunstock Adaptive Skiing Program is a special part of the Gunstock Ski Area where people with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges team up with trained volunteers and learn to fly! In the words of Lauren Brennan, a 12-year old blind skier, "It's kind of scary at first, but if you like freedom, you'll love skiing. It feels like you are flying like a bird."
Students are thrilled to experience the freedom of sliding down a snowy slope unencumbered by a wheel chair or braces. Participants in the Adaptive Skiing Program bring many different impairments and challenges when they come to the mountain. Thanks to the nature of skiing and the guidance of trained instructors, each student is given the chance to discover a lifetime sport that can be shared with family and friends.
Making it Happen
Students bring the courage required to face a new challenge. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the program. By donating their time and enthusiasm for skiing, volunteers ensure that the Gunstock Adaptive Skiing Program can accommodate growing numbers of students while at the same time, fine-tuning their own skills. Volunteers say helping a physically or mentally challenged person focus on what they can accomplish, such as getting on the ski lift alone or coming down a trail for the first time, is the most rewarding work they have ever done.
Getting Started
At Gunstock getting started is easy. For first time skiers a "Learn to Ski" package is always free. The package includes a first time evaluation, familiarization with the adaptive equipment, and one and a half hours of skiing on Gunstock's protected learning slope.
For skiers with previous experience, prices range from $49.00 (half day) to $70.00 (full day) which include lift ticket, lesson, use of specially designed adaptive equipment and instruction by trained and qualified staff.
Lessons are available on weekends, weekdays, and during holiday periods. In order to ensure the availability of adaptive equipment and instructors, reservations are required. To schedule a lesson or obtain more information, please call the Gunstock Adaptive Skiing Program at (603) 293-4341 ext 165 or email to aski@gunstock.com.
The new Gunstock Adaptive Center is the green building located in the base area next to the Main Lodge. We will open for business on December 26 and we are currently taking reservations.
AbilityPlus Partnership
The Gunstock Adaptive Skiing Program operates with the help of AbilityPlus, a non-profit organization committed to the development of sports and recreation programs throughout New England and beyond. AbilityPlus operates adaptive sporting events and programs on a year-round basis, including wheelchair tennis, white-water rafting, adaptive golf, and wheelchair road racing. These are but a few of this organization's many wonderful activities.
Spirit of Participation
At Gunstock, we proudly sponsor special events like the Adaptive Skiing Program's Prostyle Dual Slalom Race, Learn to Ski days, and fund raising events for our own Adaptive Skiing Program and other charities.
How Can I Help?
The Gunstock Adaptive Skiing Program helps challenged young people and adults participate in the sport of skiing. Volunteers and funding are two requisites for the program to succeed. You can help the program by volunteering your time. Volunteers receive training in adaptive equipment, adaptive teaching techniques, and instruction to improve their own skiing. Perhaps skiing is not you interest, but you would still like to help. Volunteers are needed to staff the office and organize or assist during fundraisers. You may prefer to make a tax-deductible contribution.
Please send any contributions to:
AbilityPlus at Gunstock
C/O Ski Learning Center
PO Box 1307
Laconia, NH 03247
Contact the Gunstock Adaptive Ski Program
Locally at 293-4341 x165
1-800-GUNSTOCK x165
Email us at aski@gunstock.com
