1. Getting Started as a Blind Skier
If you’re one of the 10 million blind or visually impaired Americans who still enjoys an active lifestyle, then alpine ski racing may be just the challenge for you. Before jumping into a race course, though, it helps to have a solid foundation of alpine skiing skills. If you were already an accomplished skier before you lost your sight, then you’re halfway there. But even if you weren’t, it’s a good idea to enroll in a ski school that has specific experience working with the blind. A good place to find a school is by visiting www.learnanytime.com/blind. The site provides a comprehensive list of schools for the blind, including the Colorado Ski School for the Blind in Avon, Colorado, just minutes from the Vail and Beaver Creek ski resorts.
2. The International Blind Sport Federation
Another great resource for blind skiers is the International Blind Sport Federation. The IBSA is the governing body that oversees competitions for the blind and partially sighted. As a blind skier, you’ll compete at the B1, B2 and B3 levels, depending on your qualifications and abilities. As opposed to traditional ski racing, blind skiing is considered a team sport, as visually impaired skiers compete with a sighted guide who instructs them how to navigate the race course. For a complete list of contacts and technical resources, visit www.ibsa.es/eng.
3. Sports Education Camps
Another great way to get involved is by attending one of the dozens of sports education camps sponsored by the United States Association of Blind Athletes. The camps are typically one-week intensive residential programs that are supervised by Paralympians and elite coaches who are brought into the camp from all over the world. Limited scholarships are also available by contacting the United States Association of Blind Athletes at (719) 630-0422.
4. The Aspen Challenge
Once you’re ready to hit the race course, try attending the annual Aspen Challenge in Aspen, Colorado. The Aspen Challenge features winter programs for all types of disabilities, including the blind and visually impaired. Visually impaired racers can pit themselves against their competitors on NASTAR courses at Snowmass with all courses and times adjusted for various abilities. In January 2008, the Aspen Valley hosted the only North American Disabled World Cup. There is also an Annual Visually Impaired Ski Fest and race clinic that features a full week of group instruction by certified instructors and coaches from the U.S. Disabled Ski Team. The week wraps up with a wild End of the Season Party for all instructors, coaches and participants.
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