Last winter we asked a few of our ski and snowboard instructors to share a story about their best day supporting a snowsports student. Their replies show that the word “lesson” really doesn’t do justice to the experience. Sure, the lesson is about learning or improving on skills, and that in itself is exciting. But their stories showed that a lesson can be about fulfillment, exploration, challenge, independence, creativity, friendship and more – all good stuff!
Here’s ski instructor Alisa Anderson’s “best day” story:
Last season I had the pleasure of working with a guest who was an avid skier at Smuggs before his stroke. His good friend Terry signed him up for an adaptive lesson in hopes of getting him back on skis. As a result of the stroke, George lost some sight and experienced some weakness on the left side. The two friends shared the goal of skiing together again; Terry really wanted to learn to guide George.
First, we needed to see if the weakness on George’s left side could be supported with use of adaptive equipment. Our next step was to assess his sight and figure out what guiding techniques would give George the independence he wanted, while keeping him and the people around him safe. Terry’s job was to watch and learn.
Once we got off the lift it all seemed to come back to George, just like riding a bike. Even though his left side was a bit weak, together with use of his right side, George was able to ski parallel. Terry was behind us cheering George on like they were boys again and George had hit a home run in a Little League game! George and I eventually had to ask Terry to be quiet so we could focus on skiing!
I started by skiing in front of George with my fluorescent green guide vest. I asked him to try and keep me in his field of vision as I moved down the slopes, and he was able to follow with little trouble.Terry was chomping at the bit to give it a try with his friend.
I love helping students gain back their independence and realize that even though many things have changed in their lives, they can still get out on the mountain and experience the thrill.
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