The Remarkables Ski Area is once again making the thrill of the snow available to everybody this season with a series of adaptive open days on the mountain designed for people with physical or mental disabilities.

The Remarkables Snowsports School is hosting a day of the 2010 Adaptive Snow Sports Festival (Tuesday 27 July) and The Remarkables Adaptive Open Day (Saturday 11 September) to encourage all people of all abilities to enjoy snowsports.

Anyone who has a disability is invited to register for the interactive days.  On each of the days the ski area provides free rentals on specially modified skis and snowboards with free lift pass, lesson and volunteer support for first timers and a heavily discounted rate of $50 for those who have been before.

The Remarkables Adaptive Programme Coordinator Ross James said the interactive days are an opportunity for everyone to participate in snowsports regardless of ability.

“Whether it’s a cognitive, physical or sensory disability, we can help anyone onto the slopes and show them how fun it is to truly feel the freedom of the mountain,” he said.

“We have instructors and volunteers specially trained to teach the programme and top-of-the-range equipment and techniques to help everyone.  We’re looking forward to welcoming future snowsports enthusiasts, their families and their caregivers to The Remarkables for a fun and exciting day in the mountains.”

Mr James, who has over 25 years adaptive snowsports instruction and disability services experience said he expects around 30 participants and volunteers at the festival day and is looking forward to welcoming many new faces to The Remarkables.

“This is the first time that the national festival will spend a day at The Remarks so this is a great opportunity to showcase and promote the adaptive program here,” he said.

“Being a part of the snow and blue skies up the mountain is something that everybody should be able to experience while in Queenstown.”

Due to limitations on the amount of available equipment for the open day, priority will be given to people from the Wakatipu, Southland and Cromwell areas who are trying an on-snow experience for the first time.

Those who wish to take part in the 2010 Adaptive Snowsports Festival and The Remarkables Adaptive Open Day should register in advance in order to receive the appropriate support and ensure maximum fun from the day.

ENDS

Photo Caption:
1/Ross James and Spike demonstrate using a sit ski (landscape version)  
2/Ross James and Spike demonstrate using a sit ski (portrait version)
3/Ross James and Spike having fun with a sit ski

For more information visit www.nzski.com or to see more details on the 2010 Adaptive Snow Sports Festival visit www.disabledsnowsports.org.nz

For registration or enquiries please contact:
Ross James
The Remarkables Adaptive Programme Coordinator
Tel: 03 442 6714
Fax: 03 442 6257
E: school@theremarkables.co.nz
Or: adaptive@theremarkables.co.nz
Web: www.nzski.com
 
For media information or hi-res images contact:
Alexa Forbes
Media Liaison, NZSki
Ph: 03 441 1117
E:alexa@southernpr.co.nz