Wyn Austin Amputee Skiing in Avoriaz

Wyn Austin, in Avoriaz, first time skiing after his amputation and this is what he told us:

"After skiing some 10 years ago before my injuries I was fully aware that trying to pick it up again on one leg and outriggers was going to be a hard task, and was actually fairly worried about it! (Although the normal military attitude prevailed of, bugger it, let’s just give it a go).

So when I arrived in Avoriaz and was waiting for my instructor I was fairly nervous. However my instructor François was brilliant from the offset. I had a two hour lesson with him which resulted with me stable, turning, stopping and having the confidence to go off on my own! Over the 3 days I was skiing my confidence grew and I was flying down the slopes with as much speed and control as my friends I had gone with.

Not only was I over the moon that I had been able to learn skiing again, but the excitement that continued throughout the time away was amazing. It was amazing experience that I want to carry on. I couldn’t suggest it more to anyone.”

Dates: 6 – 10 january 2018
Destination: Avoriaz
Accommodation: P& V apartments
Ski Instruction: ESF Morzine - François Grivel-Delillaz (ESF Avoriaz had no one available)
Equipment: Stabilisers donated by Ski 2 Freedom to ESF Morzine 2015
Condition: Amputee – single leg
Background: Ex Army (skied previous to amputation)

Request sent to Ski 2 Freedom for information on instruction for sit-ski; CC suggested 3 x track as far greater independence in future.

What our beneficiary told us after the holiday:

"With regard to Avoriaz we stayed in Pierre and Vacances Atria Crozats - Alena building. We made the reservation on Booking.com about a month ago and it cost around £650 for 6 people for 4 nights which was amazing really.

It’s a ski in-ski out resort but having looked around at others we think we struck lucky here. It’s so central, a short walk from a really popular restaurant ‘Le Yeti’ right in the middle of access to loads of ski lifts, but also super close to the village, which could also be skied to downhill.

The only time things were a bit more difficult was when Wyn had to meet his instructor down at the ‘Telepherique’ office for ESF Avoriaz as his instructor was coming over from ESF Morzine. The ESF were brilliant though, and we were able to return the outriggers on the last day to the ‘Cap Neige’ office just around the corner from our apartment.

Avoriaz in our experience has been very easy to negotiate and you can usually pick up a carriage or a big monster snow truck (no idea how else to describe it!) if struggling, although you will have to pay of course. The accommodation provides one of these free of charge from the meeting point to the hotel and back again with your luggage on arrival and departure also. It’s a fantastic resort and we have all agreed it’s been one of our best holidays, even the complete beginner skiers of the group.
Hope all this helps and once again thanks for helping us to have a ‘normal’ but unique holiday.” - Georgia

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