Local organization brings hundreds of volunteers to adaptive
ski school
By Bella ButlerEBS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT
BIG SKY – For people with physical and cognitive challenges, prioritizing ability versus disability is a critical motivation that serves as the foundation for their first independent turn on the slopes of Lone Mountain.
Eagle Mount, a non-profit with Bozeman roots, was
established in 1982 with the mission of empowering people with disabilities
through recreation and adventure. The organization presents a diverse menu of
programs and camps year-round that take advantage of the unique offerings of
southwest Montana to achieve this goal—one of these options is skiing, one of
Eagle Mount’s largest initiatives.
The ski program materialized in Bozeman at Bridger Bowl, where Eagle Mount now offers an 8-week lesson series. Over 10 years ago, the organization launched a similar adaptive ski school at Big Sky Resort with a slightly different angle; to accommodate the larger tourist base, the Big Sky program is a destination program, meaning its students come from all corners of the nation and beyond to take part in the experience of learning how to ski.
“It’s all about empowering yourself,” Eagle Mount’s Big Sky director Sarah Wolf said. “Being able to do something that you otherwise didn’t think was possible.” Wolf found Eagle Mount somewhat serendipitously upon moving to Big Sky roughly 11 years ago, and it is this sentiment that compels her to return each year with even more enthusiasm.
“Just to watch how far some of our skiers have come is
magic,” she said, recalling stories of uplifting triumph. “[We get people] that
have disabilities that won’t allow them to walk, and then the next thing you
know they’re skiing standing up off tethers.”
Wolf believes it is, in part, this rewarding experience that
calls so many volunteers back each season. This year, on Dec. 14 and 15, a
record number of 237 volunteers signed up for Eagle Mount’s Big Sky two-day
training session.
Volunteers are first taken through instruction on how to teach. Each individual identifies with a particular learning style—visual, auditory or kinesthetic—and then receives instruction on how to familiarize with the styles they are less comfortable with. Because different disabilities require unique methods of communication and guidance, it is imperative for volunteers to be well versed in them all in order to best accommodate each student’s needs.
From there, volunteers are taken through the fundamentals of skiing, once again identifying their own tendencies and habits and correcting and adjusting for the foundational nuances that will later be taught to students. The second day of training is entirely focused on how to teach skiing, specifically using adaptive methods such as sit-skiing, mono skis and tethers.
Wolf said there are plenty of challenges to navigate, but
providing volunteers with the tools to break down student’s walls of
apprehension can open up an unparalleled experience of fun and empowerment that
nods to the organization’s founding mission.
According to Wolf, many of their students come to Big Sky
specifically for the Eagle Mount program, often bringing with them several
family members each visit. Eagle Mount operates in Big Sky from opening to
closing day. Last year, they provided approximately 700 lessons. This year,
Wolf hopes to grow that number to 1,000. For the dedicated director, each one
of those lessons is equivalent to
one less individual getting left behind.
“It’s all about bringing people to their ability,” Wolf
said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re abled or disabled, let’s focus on what you
can do.”
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 15 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description
Event Details
Hike Big Sky is a FREE guided hike for our community and visitors alike. A different trail will be featured each Monday at 9 a.m. Visit BSCO.org for trail description information. Please wear layers, bring water and snacks. Bear spray recommended.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 9:00 am - September 23 (Monday) 12:00 pm
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
Time
July 22 (Monday) 6:00 pm - September 30 (Monday) 6:00 pm
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be
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Event Details
Join Santosha, BASE and Gourmet Gals to bring you a donation based all levels community yoga lunch break class every Wednesday throughout the summer. It will be taught by a variety of teachers from Santosha and BASE. This summer all proceeds will go to Big Sky Band-Aid, aside from the first one on the 26th that is happening during Pride week- all funds donated for that class will go to Big Sky OUT. A delicious lunch will also be served by Gourmet Gals following our practice each Wednesday (included in donation). You are welcome to donate with cash at the event or you can Venmo @Santoshabigsky and make a note for Community Yoga. Hope to see you in the Park!
Time
July 24 (Wednesday) 12:00 pm - September 23 (Monday) 1:00 pm