Skiing with Christopher

This winter, ten participants at the OPTIONS Day Support Center in Madison Heights have gone skiing with the assistance of Wintergreen Adaptive Ski program. Nine had never skied before and eight were able to do so due to a grant from the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust. Braving cold, fog and wind, fast bumpy rides, loud snow machines, chair lifts and falling, half liked it enough to take more than one session.

In late December I asked Christopher if he'd like to ski. I explained that it happens on top of a mountain in the snow so he would not have to worry about getting too hot. He readily accepted the brochure I offered and seemed to be willing, and possibly even interested. Christopher often repeats words spoken to him, so it's difficult to know how much he hears or understands.

On Friday, January 4th, Christopher made his first visit to Wintergreen Mountain. That day, Christopher sit-skied on the Dobie trail and rode up the mountain on a chair lift. The entire trip he said nothing other than to confirm once that he was thirsty. He didn't shout the phrases that signal he is getting upset, nor did he cheer as he does when excited. He just took in everything without judgment or reaction. I wondered if his absolute silence was a sign that he was completely overwhelmed. The following Monday, while I was at Wintergreen skiing with other OPTIONS participants, Christopher arrived at the Madison Heights OPTIONS center and stated, "Skiing Friday." He then walked to the corresponding box on the calendar and wrote "Wintergreen." When I saw him on Tuesday and clarified that there was no ski trip scheduled on Friday, undaunted, Christopher announced, "Skiing January 15" and wrote "Wintergreen" on the calendar for that Tuesday!

x

Upp the ski slope we go!

Although January 15th was not ski day either, Christopher has returned to Wintergreen several times in recent weeks. Every ski trip he has had different instructors and each has instructed him in different ways. Christopher has listened and trusted the various teachers, tolerated being touched and accepted others moving his skis to cause sudden changes in movement/speed, etc. which required him to make adjustments in his balance to remain upright. During these ski experiences, he has communicated his needs clearly, repeatedly making decisive selections from the options provided to indicate at different times that he is hot, cold, thirsty, and done - sometimes for a brief break and once for the day.

Unexpectedly, Christopher immediately stood and walked wearing ski boots, an odd and awkward experience, and comfortably stood on skis right away. In a single session on Discovery Ridge, he was able to slide confidently on a slight slope and ride the "magic carpet" to the top of the incline. That afternoon he was ready for another session. After a quick reminder on Discovery Ridge, the instructor decided to head for the beginner's slope, Potato Patch. There was a detail problem though. In order to get to the beginner slope we first had to get to the bottom of Dobie to catch the ski lift to the top of the mountain. In doing this, Christopher fell - which upset him very much - he vocally protested, loudly and continuously, and eventually removed his skis. Walking down the steep slope to the chair lift was very difficult and strenuous. I was certain he was done for the day. But, skis are required to ride the ski lift. Amazingly, Christopher not only put the skis back on, he also willingly skied the remainder of the afternoon on Potato Patch.

Chris and his instructor in full action

x

Unexpectedly, Christopher immediately stood and walked wearing ski boots, an odd and awkward experience, and comfortably stood on skis right away. In a single session on Discovery Ridge, he was able to slide confidently on a slight slope and ride the "magic carpet" to the top of the incline. That afternoon he was ready for another session. After a quick reminder on Discovery Ridge, the instructor decided to head for the beginner's slope, Potato Patch.

In subsequent lessons he has learned to ski with increasing flexibility and ease. The falls that initially agitated him continue, but now that falling is a familiar experience, he quickly and quietly stands back up and continues skiing. Even when several falls follow one another, he pushes himself to resume skiing without complaint or display of frustration.

Whenever Christopher notices me taking photographs he stops and shouts, "Cheese!" and flashes an exaggerated smile that amuses his instructors as well as passing skiers.

When asked his favorite part of the day, Christopher's response is, "Skiing."

Many thanks from all of us at DePaul Family Services to Wintergreen Adaptive Ski program and the Greater Lynchburg Community Trust for enabling Christopher and many other OPTIONS participants to expand their horizons on the ski slope.

Mary Janick-Smith, Coordinator, Madison Heights OPTIONS Day Support Center