As anyone who has a child with a disability knows, finding an accessible, affordable and fun family holiday is a daunting task.  Last Christmas, having not had a holiday for well over two years, Gareth and I were really feeling the need for a break.  We also really wanted to give our five-year-old daughter Zelda, who has spina bifida and hydrocephalus and is a wheelchair-user, a holiday to remember. 

 

We started to wonder about the logistics of a skiing holiday.  I had been skiing several times as a child and had always loved it.  Gareth had never been but was quite keen to try it.  Zelda has always adored snow (alas, an increasing rarity in the UK) and seemed to be very excited by the idea of skiing.

 

I came across Disability Snowsport UK on the internet and was delighted to read that they catered for a wide range of disabilities.  When I phoned the office they saw no reason why Zelda couldn’t go skiing.  The holiday was becoming an exciting possibility.

 

When the brochure arrived we felt confident that the organisation was right for us and chose the Andorra package.  After counting down the months, weeks and finally days leading up to the trip, Zelda was truly thrilled when she had her first glimpse of serious snow.  Although the snow reports had been less than encouraging, there seemed plenty for us to be getting on with.

 

It was when we took to the slopes, having been provided with all the necessary equipment  that the real excitement began.  Zelda was teamed up with Rachel, her brilliant instructor, and Joe, one of the several wonderful volunteer helpers on the trip.  Rachel attached herself to Zelda’s sit-ski using safety ropes (tethers), and then they were off, Zelda being steered by Rachel and Joe skiing behind, ensuring their safety by keeping other skiers at bay.  Already I was struggling to keep up and all I could hear was Zelda in the distance calling out ‘faster, faster!’

I had complete confidence in the team leading our daughter down the beautiful snowy slopes and knew that her safety was paramount to them.

 

As the holiday progressed, Zelda was skiing with increased confidence and she was having a brilliant time.  Everyone in the resort was extremely helpful and friendly, the Disability Snowsport team was fantastic and we were making great friends with all the other people on the holiday.  Ali, our lovely leader, couldn’t have been more supportive. 

 

Three days into the holiday, Zelda won a slalom race with formidable instructor Hammy, competing against dozens of able-bodied skiers.  She was overjoyed.  To be the fastest and the best at something was an amazing experience for her. 

 

Since coming home, Zelda’s confidence has increased measurably and she is determined to go back to Andorra next year.  Indeed, there is talk of her training for the winter Paralympics in future years.  For a little girl who has already faced many challenges in her young life, this was a truly life-enhancing experience.