Article Contributed on: 12/12/2008 2:10:23 PM
Crisp mountain air, fresh powder, the feel of whizzing down a mountain ... there's nothing quite like a day on the slopes. This winter, the towns of Parker and Castle Rock are partnering to offer Beyond Boundaries, an adaptive ski program for people with disabilities.
Beyond Boundaries is a five-session program that provides transportation from Parker or Castle Rock to the National Sports Center for the Disabled at Winter Park, said
Jamie Eglseder, special needs program coordinator for the town of Castle Rock.
"It's a way for people to learn how to ski and, eventually, ski with friends and family, if that's what they want to do," said Eglseder. "It fills the gap when traditional lessons won't work."
The program is designed for individuals who require adaptive equipment and offers specialized, one-on-one instruction. Participants can use a two-track, three-track, four-track, bi-ski, dual-ski, mono-ski or snowboard, depending on their needs and what they want to learn.
"We want to do more for individuals with disabilities, and this was a great opportunity for a collaborative effort with Castle Rock," said
Mary Colton, assistant director of programs for Parker Recreation. "We want to do more for all of our citizens here in Parker.
Beyond Boundaries is open to participants of all levels ages 10 and older. Seniors are welcome. Lunch and equipment rental is included in the $225 fee.
Parker Recreation also is offering trips to Echo Mountain for kids 10 and up. Participants will depart from the Lone Tree Recreation Center, 10249 Ridgegate Circle, at 8 a.m. on Jan. 19, Feb. 16, March 9 and March 23. The fee is $58 per trip and included a chaperone, lesson and lift ticket. To register, visit
www.echomt.com, click on "rates," "buy online" and then "group sales."
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What: Beyond Boundaries Adaptive Skiing program
When: Jan. 10, Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 7 and Feb. 21. Participants in Castle Rock will be picked up at the Castle Rock Recreation Center at 6:30 a.m. Participants in Parker will be picked up at the Chili's at I-25 and Lincoln Avenue at 7 a.m.
Where: Sports Center for the Disabled, Winter Park
Cost: $225. The deadline to sign up is Dec. 24.
More info or to register: E-mail Jamie Eglseder at hawkeyeatc@hotmail.com or call Mary Colton at 303-805-3261