DSUK, Disability Snowsport UK, based at the Chill Factore in Beyond MCR was founded in in 1977 to promote equality and opportunity for people with disabilities to take part in snow sports.
Now the national charity for disabled snow sports, DSUK operates six adaptive ski schools throughout the UK and indoor snow centres and dry slopes. We went along to Chill Factore, now located within the Beyond MCR building, to meet Ski School Manager, John Lawson and try it out for ourselves.
We were made to feel welcome, comfortable and at ease with John as he explained a little about the work DSUK does with disabled skiers and snowboarders including the physical, mental and emotional benefits of taking part in the sport. The work DSUK does helps to also promote social inclusion, builds confidence, provides mental stimulation and life-enriching experiences.
It wasn’t long before we were getting kitted out (at the Chill Factore, you are provided with a jacket, ski trousers and a helmet – all you need to bring is warm underlayers, gloves and socks!) and heading out onto the slopes. Everything was explained to us, from being put into the sit-ski to being transferred onto the ski-lift.
You can be as reliant on the instructor or as independent as you like, depending on confidence, ability and dare-devil status! John was encouraging throughout, checking you felt comfortable in the sit-ski and communicated the next steps as we ventured up to the top of the slope.
As we travelled, John explained that physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities are all covered by DSUK whether you have sustained an injury, have a visual or hearing impairment or have been diagnosed with a condition such as ADHD, ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) or Dyspraxia – all are welcome to try out the slopes.
We each had two runs down the slope with John assisting the whole way and we thoroughly enjoyed it – with one of us one a keener skier and the other a complete beginner, it was a new and positive experience. Watch the video below to see it first-hand!
For more information about DSUK, visit: www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk or to enquire about booking a lesson, please call: 0845 521 9338.
