Welcome to our Adaptive Snow Sports Programme
If you are a returning customer and just want to make a booking, please download and complete the booking form. Email the form to us at adaptive@theremarkables.co.nz and we will contact you as soon as we can. You can also call us on 03 442 4613 during the winter season.
Introduction
In essence, adaptive snow sports are about freedom. You will have the freedom to explore the mountain, to control your own speed and direction and to play in an environment where gravity is your best friend. This can be done on skis, on a board or in a sit ski.
With the wide range of specialist equipment now available, it doesn't matter what your ability level is. For example, some of our sit skis can be set up to turn with a tilt of the head. If you are more able then there are virtually no limits as to where and how you choose to play on our slopes. If all you need is the support of a trained volunteer to guide or assist you as needed, we have a great team to help at no extra cost. We will help to improve your skills and get you having even more fun. A lesson with one of our experienced instructors can take you even further.
The program and the team are set up to cater for any disability, physical sensory, or cognitive. We work with you to establish your needs and then provide the necessary support.
This season The Remarkables is even an even better place to explore. We have some of the sunniest slopes in the region and one of the largest learner areas. Over the summer we've made huge improvements to the beginner and intermediate terrain, opening up more of the mountain for you to enjoy. If your friends or family just want to watch, there are great views of the slopes from the deck of the cafeteria... where we also serve superb coffee!
Our Team
The program is headed by Ross James, an adaptive trainer with over 25 years experience in adaptive snow sports. Ross was New Zealand's instructor of the year for 2010. The team consists of some of the best qualified adaptive instructors in the country and a pool of passionate and experienced volunteers. Our goal is to assist you with reaching your goals and exceeding them wherever possible.
Interested? This is what to do...
First up, download and complete the booking form. Email the form to us at adaptive@theremarkables.co.nz and we will contact you as soon as we can. The more information that you can give us about your specific needs the better we can help. Once we have the booking form, and your contact details, we will get back in touch with you with to discuss your options. From there we can confirm your booking for the adaptive lessons, any equipment rental and we will also schedule any volunteer support you may require. We can also discuss transport options to and from the mountain and arrange snowmobile transfers from the car park. If you are booking with family and friends we can work with the guest services team to make sure all of your party is looked after.
Please note that it is best to contact us early to ensure that equipment, volunteers and instructors are available. The program is fully operational between early June and October each year so please be patient if you contact us outside this period
Lessons
One on one lessons with a qualified adaptive instructor are available most times throughout the day at the early bird rate of $100/hr. All adaptive lessons need to be pre booked. Volunteer support is available before and after the lesson time. This will enable you to get the most out of the lesson and to consolidate what the instructor has taught.
Generally, the more information that you can provide to us on the booking form the better the result. Please let us know as much as you think we need to know to assist you. This will also help us to match you with the best instructor for your needs.
Children, Family and Friends
We have a selection of adaptive equipment in children's sizes. One on one adaptive lessons are available for any age, and volunteer support is offered on snow where the child's predominant activity is skiing or riding related. Where your child does not need any adaptive equipment or technique, as is often the case with cognitive disabilities, we can offer volunteer support to assist them in one of our regular children's lessons. Please discuss this with us first to ensure the best results for your child both socially and for developing new skills. We ask that you be in close contact by cellphone or regularly checking in during the lesson.
Family and friends are welcomed to be involved. In the assessment of needs, and for general support, friends and family are encouraged to assist where desired. Our volunteers are happy to provide on-snow support but if you want family or friends to take that role then we can offer them half price lift passes, subject to a needs assessment. We can also offer training in any adaptive support skills they may require.
