Rett Syndrome + Adaptive Skiing in Val d’Isere = A Magical Inclusive Family Holiday

Ski 2 Freedom’s contribution to marking the 6th Global Rare Chromosome Disorder Awareness Week from Sunday 16th – Friday 21st June was to highlight the first family ski holiday for Jasmine who was born with Rett Syndrome (a rare progressive, neuro-developmental condition which primarily affects girls). Jasmine has kindly agreed to be one of our young Ambassadors for Rett Syndrome.

It somehow seemed most appropriate to choose Rett Syndrome as it is the same catastrophic condition that the daughter of Catherine Cosby, the Founder of the Charity, was also born with. We help so many families with a child born with a rare chromosome disorder and we would like to take this opportunity to honour all of them. Jasmine’s family had chosen to ski in Val d’Isere which was where so much of our work began and it is in recognition of the incredible welcome, support and mountain empowering elements that this renowned French ski resort gives to so many people, of all generations, for which we are so grateful.

Jasmine’s father had contacted us for advice and reassurance on who could provide the best adaptive skiing experience and what else they could do whilst on holiday. They had already booked the hotel (Auberge St Hubert) which is most hospitable and centrally located. Luckily Jasmine only really uses a wheelchair when out and about so the lack of a lift did not pose too much of a problem.

As the photos illustrate, it was a very special inclusive family ski holiday and the success is best described by Jasmine’s mother:

*Just got home and unpacking after what has been a real once in a life-time holiday - it was amazing! Jasmine’s experience in the sit-ski was incredible. A very, very, very special mention of thanks to Charlie from ESF Val d’Isere who was so caring and lovely with Jasmine. She in fact goes very shy now when we mention his name so I suspect a little teenage crush there…! Charlie said that on the last afternoon she was actually moving her head with the turns of the ski which would suggest she was enjoying it so much and actually learning to ski. He mentioned also that when her father and brothers skied past, she was looking around for them which is amazing. We felt very confident with Charlie’s capabilities and would definitely book him for next time we go!

Your help, Catherine, was invaluable along the way and made the whole trip so much more relaxing knowing that your experience with the resort left nothing to chance. We did meet with Ginny (the physio) who was so lovely and reassuring to know she was there if needed.

As you know, we had a lot of snow more than any year since the ‘70’s so getting around was a challenge at times but we knew these were exceptional circumstances! It was easy getting Jasmine up the Solaise for a nice coffee each morning and the toilet facilities were great with easy access and she loved the gondola ride.

Due to the unprecedented amount of snow, we did not venture too far from the hotel but the Family Moriano and staff were so lovely and could not have done more with Jasmine. Special thanks to Sebastien and Breyer - in fact all the staff bought Jasmine a bracelet that they gave her on our last night. We had booked with Crystal Ski Holidays, and they had organised the special assistance at the airports which was great.

Catherine, it was the most amazing holiday and the work you do for others is fantastic, your daughter must be so proud of you. Thank you from Tracey, Paul and most of all a very brave and much more life fulfilled Jasmine Jae Allen!*

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