Forty-degree temperatures are not the only barrier to enjoying snow sports in Juneau. For seniors and persons with disabilities, taking to the mountain can come with more challenges.
Southeast Alaska Independent Living will be hosting Learn to Adapt Day on Feb. 21 to demonstrate adaptive winter sports equipment. Trained ski personnel will show how the equipment works and allow attendees to try it out themselves.
Katelyn Combs, development director of SAIL, said the organization’s goal is to make independent, active living more accessible.
“As we know, living in Southeast Alaska, a lot of what we can do to keep our heads on our shoulders is get outdoors,” Combs said. “We have really rugged areas, and so unfortunately, the people who typically get left behind are seniors and people with disabilities.”
SAIL wants to fill the gap and allow everyone to participate in the winter sports community, Combs said.
“We’re here to help inspire those people who are interested, specifically with Learn to Adapt, to get up on the mountain and try something new, and know that there’s support out there to do these things as well.”
SAIL runs the ORCA Adaptive Snowsports Program winter-long at Eaglecrest. Sponsored by Hecla Greens Creek, SAIL goes up to the mountain with a small group every Saturday.
At the Learn to Adapt, SAIL will demonstrate three pieces of different adaptive equipment: a bi-ski, a slider apparatus, and an outrigger for three-track skiing.
Learn to Adapt Day is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Eaglecrest Ski Area. The event is free and open to the public.
“Learn to Adapt Day is designed to be welcoming and educational,” Combs said in a press release about the event. “Whether you’re a person with a disability, a family member, a skier, or simply curious about adaptive recreation.”
