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The Southern California Guide to
ADAPTIVE SKIING
Since a very thorough listing of Southern California ski area has already been done (go to the Southland Ski Server for normal ski area information), we didn't want to duplicate an already existing source of some great information.
There is, however, a real dearth of information for adaptive ski programs available for disabled skiers and those who would like to try it. Following is a list of ski areas that offer adaptive skiing in California:
- SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
BEAR MOUNTAIN, BIG BEAR is the home of California Adaptive Sports (formerly California Handicapped Skiers). This organization provides year-round outdoor recreation opportunities for disabled persons including sailing, jet-skiing, hiking and more. Their primary activity is skiing during the winter months.
Their adaptive ski program matches clients with the proper gear for their personal levels of disability and then sends them off to the slopes with 2 private instructors. The slopes they're skiing on are part of one of the largest ski areas in the Southern California area, located 30 miles up the mountain from San Bernadino in Big Bear.
This is the only complete adaptive program in the SoCal area and it fills up very quickly. Reservations are taken starting the middle of October and are usually completley booked for the season by early December.
Cost is $70 for the day and includes equipment, lift ticket, and instructors. There is a 1 hour break for lunch in the middle of the day. Reservations must be confirmed with a credit card or deposit. Up to 3 days can be booked in advance. Cancellation must be at least 24 hours in advance of the ski date to be able to recieve a refund. Call (909) 585-2519 x269 for more information, reservations and driving directions.
This is the only place we've actually skied at with Web Jr. He LOVES the program and looks forward to his ski days each year.
- THE REST OF CALIFORNIA
ALPINE MEADOWS, LAKE TAHOE is a huge, 2000 acre ski area on the northwest side of Lake Tahoe. The area recieves tons of snow and is the home of some truly great skiing. Alpine Meadows (sister ski area to Park City, Utah) is also the home of the Tahoe Adaptive Ski School.
The program here is similar to the one at Bear Mountain above but is a bit more expensive. Call (916) 581-4161 for more information and reservations. Note: they require a deposit and there is no refund policy for cancellations.
BEAR VALLEY is a medium sized resort in California's gold country. This program, about the same as the others listed here, is an easy one to get into and can be booked at later dates than at Bear Mountain or Alpine Meadows. Call (209) 753-2301 for more information and reservations.
BADGER PASS, YOSEMITE, is located in one of the world's most beautiful spots. It's a small place but still offers the same type of program as those areas above. 1998 price is $30 for a two hour private lesson including equipment rental. This is an easy area to like and is especially friendly for beginners. Call (209)372-8430 for more information and reservations...ask for Nic Fiore.