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Based at Pat's Peak in Henniker, NH, TRAIL's Winter Recreation Program consists of individual and small group lessons in adaptive downhill skiing and snowboarding. Thanks to generous donations from ReRun Sports in Keene, NH, we are often able to lend ski/snowboard equipment at no cost to the participant. The WRP is generally offered as an eight to ten week program, depending on weather conditions, and is the only full-day activity we offer.
First the child learns the difference between moving on dry land and on snow with ski boots on. This helps the child begin to build leg muscles and stability.
Once they have mastered the first skill, phase two begins. The child is placed on a pair of skis to begin practicing their balance and coordination. Many different games and exercises are utilized during this phase and the child begins to build confidence to help him/her feel comfortable moving without a walking pattern.
Phase three brings the child to the top of the small hill and they begin the actual ski training. During this phase the child employs all past skills learned and begins to master them, continuing to build muscle strength, endurance, balance, and confidence.
Once the child masters the small hills, he/she will begin to explore larger hills with the help of an adult and peers, building skills such as independent turning and moving through gates.
Trained and experienced adults will teach the child the basics of snowboarding. First, the child will learn how to strap themselves into a board. They will then learn how to slide across the snow on flat terrain, with one foot in the board.
After the child is able to balance with one foot in the board, they will learn to balance and turn, initially on flat ground and then progressing to small hills. As the child masters these skills, he/she will be introduced to larger hills, and will continue to improve their balance and coordination as well as increasing their speed.
Many different types of adaptive equipment are available to teach the skills needed for snowboarding, including a board buddy, oversized snowboards, tandem bars,and tandem snowboards. TRAIL volunteers are always supervising the child to ensure safety and to continue to challenge them to the next level of skills.
