Assisted Mountain Activities in England

Skiing or snowboarding with a physical disability, spinal injury, Down's Syndrome, Austism, cognitive disability, additional need, visual impairment, deaf or audio impairment, amputation, life challenging illness to name but a few, anything is possible in England

There are a number of ways in which everyone with a disability or special need can enjoy the thrills of skiing or snowboarding - yes, even in the UK.

If you are unable to reach the mountains of Scotland or want to ski year-round then take advantage of the excellent indoor and outdoor facilities - the Snowdomes and outdoor ski centres are a good chance to experience the thrills of winter snow-sports!

Join a local disability ski group or contact one of the growing number of charities and organisations specialising in taking groups of disabled children and adults on a ski holiday to the mountains either in France, Italy, Austria.....

Southern England

Alpine Snowsports Centre, Aldershot

The centre is open to the public every day (apart from Christmas day and New years day) offering a number of different Snowsports and fun activities for all ages. Alpine Snowsports is located on the outskirts of Aldershot and is within easy access of the A331 and the M3 motorway. The centre has three slopes. Our main slope is 110 metres and the two nursery slopes are both 75 metres long. All slopes are fully floodlit and have their own mist system. We also have a fully licensed bar and a ski shop on site. There is ample free parking right outside the centre.

This website tells you about our programme of activities for 2008/09 including our “Guaranteed to ski and snowboard courses”. You will also find information on group and corporate bookings, birthday parties, donut sessions and practice use. If you can not find information on what you are looking for, please give our reception a call on 01252 - 325889 and we will do our best to help you. Don't forget to also visit our on site ski shop which stocks a fantastic range of adult and children’s ski clothing and accessories. The shop is open throughout our normal opening hours.

In general we ask people to let us know the week before if they want to come to the monthly session and then we can match up the skiers with instructors and/or helpers with the skills required. The only people we will book further ahead are new skiers, who need an assessment with an instructor, and anyone we have had to turn down for the previous session (we are now getting quite busy and unfortunately this does happen sometimes).

In July we normally have a barbecue and social after the ski session and this year we are sharing this with the Special Olympics Surrey group, who will be having races in the afternoon.

0044 (0)1252325889
www.alpinesnowsports.co.uk
bookings@alpinesnowsport.co.uk

Ski Centres with facilities for disability and special needs

Ackers Adventure

Based near Birmingham Ackers provides skiing instruction for all types of disability and special needs. They also provide a wide range of other sporting activities.

www.ackers-adventure.co.uk

Bowles

Achievement through experience. Outside ski and snowboard slopes with specialist instruction available. Ski cart equipment available.

www.bowles.ac/snowsports (Tunbridge Wells)

01892 665665

Calshot Activity Centre

Calshot Activities Centre in Hampshire is one of the largest Outdoor Adventure Centres in Britain and is run by Hampshire County Council. We have a reputation for excellence and professionalism and operate to the highest standards. Calshot offers residential and non-residential courses in an unrivalled number of exciting water and land based activities.

Ski slope in old aircraft hanger. Not suitable for those with little mobility as no lift to top of slope - just steps. Best suited for learning difficulties and behavioural problems. Will take blind or partially sighted. St Dunstan's use the facility. Best suited for groups. Will do private tuition but more expensive. Good for schools etc. to have group day out.

• Ski slope in old aircraft hanger.
• Not suitable for those with little mobility as no lift to top of slope - just steps
• Best suited for learning difficulties and behavioural problems
• Will take blind or partially sighted
• St Dunstan's use the facility
• Best suited for groups
• Will do private tuition but more expensive.
• Good for schools etc. to have group day out

0044 023 8089 2077
calshot.ac@hants.gov.uk
www.calshot.com

Dorset Ski Centre

This is an outdoor ski centre with Snowflex. They do not have any specialist equipment. All disabilities and special needs can use the slope but not suitable for those with little or no mobility who would require using a sit-ski.

0044 (0) 1305 853 245
enquiries@dorsetsnowsport.co.uk popup: yes
www.dorsetsnowsportcentre.co.uk

Hemel Hempstead - The Snow Centre

Through DSUK and The Snow Centre there are local groups developing to bring people with a love of snowsports together to meet, socialise and ski. A new local recreational adaptive skiing group meets once a month and is run by dedicated volunteers and will be based here at The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead.

Skiing with autism at Hemel Hempstead

Snowbility is based at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, Britains newest indoor snow sports arena, which is a world class facility.

This organisation set up by Richard Fetherston aims to make a difference to the quality of life of those individuals with additional needs, such as:

• Autism
• Learning or sensory issues
• Behavioral or communication challenges
• Dyspraxia
  Why not contact them for more information:

W: www.snowbility.co.uk
E:
richard@snowbility.co.uk

Milton Keynes - indoor ski slope

www.xscape.co.uk/snow/milton-keynes

Solent Ski Club for the Disabled

Provides ski coaching for all people with a physical or learning difficulty. Juniors and adults per session. (Complete access for wheelchairs, including toilets). Qualified Ski Guides to coach disabled skiers.

www.solentskiclub@otsystems.co.uk
0044 (0) 23 8089 4545

Southampton Alpine Centre,
The Sports Centre,
Basset,
Southampton.
1st. Saturday of each month. 2-4pm (excluding August).

www.activenation.org.uk/leisure-centre/alpine-snowsports-centre-southampton/