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The Mesa Association of Sports for the Disabled sponsors a program called "SkiAble", which provides alpine skiing instruction to individuals with physical and/or sensory impairments.
MASD has worked in coordination with the SunRise Ski School and the Arizona Chapter of Paralyzed Veterans of America to develop a comprehensive, learn to ski program that includes adapted ski equipment, certified ski instructors and trained volunteers. The adapted ski equipment available at SunRise includes both child and adult Mountain Man Bi-Skis, Mono-skis, 3 and 4 Track, ski bras, etc.
Ski instructors working with skiers with disabilities are certified in adapted skiing methods through the Professional Ski Instructor's Association (PSIA). Volunteers have spent several sessions learning how to assist instructors with loading and unloading, bucketing and recovery assistance. The certified ski instructors at Sun Rise are available during the ski season by contacting the Sun Rise Ski School.
In addition, MASD sponsors a "SkiAble Weekend", where the Association contracts with the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) from Colorado to provide adapted ski instructors and equipment for a discounted weekend of fun and instruction. BOEC is one of the finest adapted ski schools in the United States and their expertise provides an excellent opportunity for Arizona skiers to experience a quality lesson.