Disabled Snow Sports

SKI SEASON NEWS LETTER

Hello everybody! Well ski season is here again, its time to get up onto the slopes, let your hair down and enjoy the winter fun. Whether you are a skier or boarder, experienced or just starting out there’s great times to be had for all. Now for some of us getting involved is more difficult than for others. For those of us with disabilities whether it’s physical or mental, temporary and permanent, we sometimes need extra or specialised help. Help to access facilities, to get the specialised equipment we need or to learn how to ski/ board in the first place.

In the Queenstown Lakes District we are fortunate to have some of the best ski fields in the southern hemisphere. Not many regions can boast 3 quality, accessible, ski fields. Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Cardrona all provide services for disabled skiers and boarders.

Coronet Peak having recently undergone a large upgrade. Coronet boasts great access. All doors are wheelchair accessible, they have disabled toilet facilities, dedicated parking and a lift to the second floor of the building. However, Coronet does not so far have adaptive ski or board programmes or adaptive equipment rental.

The Remarkables Adaptive Programme 2008 provides Volunteers, Equipment, Instructors and Discounts. Volunteers provide support to ski or board, on advanced booking, free of charge. They are available for on snow support only. If you need help with other things such as eating and personal care then you will need your own additional support. Members of Disabled Snowsports New Zealand [DSNZ] can get 50% discount on a day lift ticket and adaptive equipment rental. If DSNZ members need a helper who is not a programme volunteer they also receive 50% discount on a day lift ticket.

Remarkables Snowsports School, school@theremarkables.co.nz or 03 4 42 4613

Cadrona’s Adaptive Programme provides Disabled Snowsports New Zealand members with 50% discount on all adaptive equipment hire, lessons and lift passes. Cadrona also has volunteers-Snow Buddies available to assist disabled skiers and boarders. For information and bookings call Cadrona Alpine Resort on- 03 443 7341.


Treble Cone Ski Field gives DSNZ members 50% off ski passes using DSNZ vouchers. The 2 level building has access from the rear of second level near car park. Able bodied people go from the front on the lower level. They have disabled toilet facilities on the lower level accessible from inside the building. They have 2 ski lifts at rear of building on second floor and say both are accessible. They have no disabled ski/board programmes and equipment needs to come through DSNZ or another provider.