With the news that the indoor ski slope at X-Site Braehead will not reopen, many of our members and partners will be wondering what happens next for disabled skiers in Scotland, particularly people who use sit skis.

Disability Snowsport UK operated at the Braehead site for more than 15 years and it is a huge disappointment to us that the centre will not reopen. It was an important facility and home to our second largest adaptive ski school in the UK. The closure has changed how we work in Scotland, but with support from partners across the country we are building up what’s on offer at other venues.

Group and individual lessons for adaptive skiers are available at Glasgow Ski & Snowboard Centre, Bearsden Snowsports Club, Midlothian Snowsport Centre and Cairngorm Mountain, with local recreational groups at Glenshee Ski Centre and at Midlothian Snowsport Centre due to return in the winter months too.

Some of our members have never skied or snowboarded on a dry slope, and many have questions about whether it’s right for you. Not every slope can currently welcome sit skiers yet. But we’re working with partners to ensure that as many people as possible can continue to ski and snowboard close to home.

If you’re nervous about skiing or snowboarding on a dry slope for the first time, the best thing you can do is book a lesson and give it a try! It does feel a bit different but with so many local dry slopes available, it makes taking part easier at any time of year. Being outside is also a bonus.

Keep an eye out on social media and the website for future come and try sessions.

If you’re missing the snow, bookings are open for our snowsport school at Cairngorm Mountain this winter. This will give you plenty of time to book ahead and arrange local travel and accommodation too.

With our new Scotland Manager, Ben Adlington, we’re very much looking forward to building partnerships with more venues across Scotland to ensure even more people have access to snowsport that’s safe, fun and accessible.

Please do get in touch if you’d like to book a lesson bookings@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk or ask a question about adaptive snowsport in Scotland ben.adlington@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk .

https://www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

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