So, you’ve made your reservations. There are many ways in which you can prepare for your special needs child to have a great skiing experience. Here are some things I have found particularly beneficial.
#1- Make Your Reservation in Advance!
Be prepared! Where I work, at Disabled Sports USA, there are many instructors and volunteers available, but also many special events. Reservations are requied in advance. Also, if you want to ski with me, you may need to make sure that I am available.
This year, I will be available on select days, mostly holidays and weekends. If you want to ski with me on a less busy weekend, I will definitely need advance notice.
#2 – Show up EARLY!
Because you will have to get your gear first, it’s important to show up EARLY!
Another aspect about gear can be things like if your child has extremely wide feet, or a small head, or in other ways may not fit into the standard rental gear (most people don’t!). You’ll need bigger boots, and possibly some equipment equipment adjustments. This takes time! Remember sunglasses, sunscreen, and possibly gloves that attach to clothing, if you think your child might want to take them off all the time. Sometimes gloves that are easy to put on make sense. Other parents have found gloves that are hard to take off.
#3 – Dress your child APPROPRIATELY for the weather
While you might guess this means to dress warmly for cold weather, which it is does, it also means to not overdress for warm weather! For cold weather, be sure your child is warm enough. With socks, it is nice to have one pair that is wool rather than two pairs, and that at least goes as high as a ski boot. Wear thermals and ski pants. Have gloves that are easy to put on, goggles and a cap if your child won’t wear a helmet. This is fun.
However, if it is a warm day, bring layers! I’ve seen children become frustrated because they were too warm and unable to communicate so, or remove layers of clothing. Believe it or not, Heavenly Resort can be very warm! By dressing your child in layers, you don’t have to worry about the weather changing.
To find out the weather, you can call the ski report at 1-775-586-7000 x1 in the morning, or watch the local Resort Station Network.
4) Get excited!
Before the lesson, prepare your child to have a good time. Let your child know that he or she is going skiing and that it is fun! Whatever your child’s ability to understand, they will sense your enthusiasm. Focus on the fun part, and not the “behave” part (I’ll deal with that). You can also just give a clear picture of what is going to happen, so your child feel safer. I’m sure you already have many ideas on how to prepare your child for new experiences in a positive way, and the walk-through page can give you more ideas what to say. If you’re worried, know that I’ll be there and everything will be safe. Your child will sense that security as well.
