Disabled Recreation and Environmental Access Movement
Big Mountain's DREAM Program offers adaptive skiing instruction to visiting or local skiers with all types of disabilities. A roster of extremely dedicated DREAM volunteers assists skiers with a variety of adaptive needs.

Whether a skier is challenged as a result of head injury, blindness, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, paralysis, emotional disabilities, or a variety of other disabilities -- the DREAM program can probably find a way to assist in getting that person out on the slopes.

After the skier has completed lessons and is able to ski independently, they may borrow the adaptive equipment, have the assistance of volunteers, and enjoy a discounted lift ticket program. Adult disabled skiers who go through the DREAM organization are entitled to one free ticket and children are entitled to three. After that, participants are eligible to purchase the Frequent Skier Card at the early season price.

How DREAM worked for Heidi
Heidi was thrilled to ski almost every day at the Big Mountain last winter. It had only been about 18 months earlier that she was in a terrible car accident, and suffered a very serious, debilitating head injury. As part of her long-term rehabilitation, she moved to Whitefish -- because of Big Mountain's DREAM program. With the assistance of the skilled DREAM volunteers, Heidi could ski again, gradually rehabilitate, and re-gain her independence.

Unlike some other adaptive ski programs in North America, there is no fee for lessons or equipment use. The program is funded entirely through private donations and fund-raising activities. Big Mountain Resort is proud of this wonderful program and welcomes participants and volunteers to assist the instructors. It's the inspiring, special people like Heidi, that makes participating in the DREAM program so rewarding.

Comments