How you can get Involved -
For over thirty years we have been providing opportunities for those with disabilities to take part in skiing and snowboarding. We cater for all disabilities and all ages. We also have a range of opportunities for volunteers to get involved. So whether it’s on a dry slope in Birmingham, an indoor snowdome in Milton Keynes, at the top of Cairngorm Mountain in the Highlands, or on the slopes of Europe why not get involved? We can promise you great fun, plenty of laughs, and it may just change your life.
We provide the following activities:
- Overseas activity weeks
- Local groups around the country
- Adaptive ski schools at Cairngorm and Rossendale, Castleford and Manchester
- Schools and youth programme
- Instructor and volunteer training
- The British Disabled Ski Team
- Information and advice
Give it a try and you’ll never look back!
I was first introduced to skiing when I was 12 years old. My parents had a friend who was a school teacher and we were invited to go on our first skiing trip with a party of school children and teachers to La Molina in Spain. I enjoyed the experience so much that I continued to go with my family on the school trips for the following three years.
When I left school I went to Beaumont College in Lancaster and one of the tutors there recommended I contact the Uphill Ski Club as this would enable me to have independent holidays. The club at that time was based in London and I went down there for a day to meet the people who ran the club and to find out what it was all about. I was very impressed with what they had to offer and decided to join. I think at the time I was the only person from the north of England who had joined the club.
Since 1983 I have been a member of The Uphill Ski Club, I went on my first trip to St Johan in Austria. As my skiing progressed over the years, due to the specialised instruction I received from the club, I was more confident and capable of venturing further afield. Now I have travelled extensively with the Club to Breckenridge and Crested Butte in Colorado, Big Bear and Lake Tahoe in California and Whistler in Canada. I doubt I would have been able to do this without joining the club. The United States is particularly well equipped in the resorts we have been to, as they have specially designated adaptive ski resorts and their instruction along with the clubs’ instruction is superb.
The club has made skiing holidays ever more accessible to people with varying degrees of disability. In fact, people are amazed when they realise just how feasible it is to learn to ski. Anyone reading this might think “oh I couldn’t possibly do that”, but all I can say is “give it a try”, I did and I have never looked back.
“I look forward to many more years of skiing holidays with the club. I have made some very good friends and we always look forward to meeting up on the annual trips.” - Stuart
‘It changed my life’
I was filled with trepidation as I arrived at the airport and met my group for the first time four years ago. I had never had any dealings with anyone from the disabled community and I didn’t know what to expect. As soon as I met the Party Leader my worries disappeared and as each and every person arrived, wearing huge smiles I realised that I was going to have a great week. Volunteering for DSUK changed my life. It humbled me. The people I met face challenges on a daily basis and do so without complaint. Every person inspired me in their own unique way, not just the disabled but the volunteers also, who give up their precious time and money to enable DSUK to change the lives of the disabled community. I was exhausted and exhilarated at the end of the week and sad as I said goodbye to everyone. Now I look forward to the brochure coming out each year and finding out who is on which trip as I know I will be seeing old faces and making new friends along the way.
Debbie
It’s not just about the sport - your whole life will change.
Skiing with Disability Snowsport UK enables me to meet up with friends, and make some new ones, to enjoy a sport that I can participate on an equal playing field as non-disabled people.
In order to get the most out of the sport, I know that I need to keep myself fit and this has improved my overall health. I have also made some good friends through activities run by DSUK which has improved my social life and enabled me to enjoy other activities.
Grant
'I was terrified before I left but it didn't take long............'
I attended my first DSUK Activity week in Andorra in March 2008 and was totally astounded and inspired by the high quality of the trips, the dedication and hard work of the helpers and families, but most importantly, the enthusiasm, laughter and benefits that the skiers, helpers & instructors get not only from daily skiing but the whole social and team spirit of the trip
Sophie
To receive information from Disability Snowsport please complete the details below. To join us now please complete the membership application form and the standing order form should you wish to pay by this method. Membership runs from 01st September to 31st August.
