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Serving the west end of Ottawa and Lanark County, the adaptive ski program at Mount Pakenham provides the opportunity for children and adults with disabilities and special needs to learn to ski during lessons taught by trained volunteers and certified instructors.

Operations

The program operates on week-day afternoons (Tuesday through Friday) and Saturdays and Sundays, starting January 2, 2010. The format of the program is similar to a ski school, with a one hour lesson, held weekly for eight weeks. Class sizes are from one to four students, depending on the needs and abilities of the skier. At the end of the eight week session, a Skill-a-Thon/year-end party will be held.

New Skiers

New skiers are accepted to the Mount Pakenham program based on the availability of instructors. New skiers must provide a physicianÕs referral and sign liability and photo releases.

Fees

Fees for the winter 2010 session are $200.00, and a $20.00 discount will be applied if payment in full is received prior to October 31, 2009. In addition, all skiers must join CADS-NCD (Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing Š National Capital Division) at a cost of $25.00, which includes insurance coverage during the lessons.

Equipment

All ski equipment (boots, skis, poles, helmets, sit skis and Snow Slider walkers) are provided for those who need them. Other specialized adaptations are also available.

Volunteers

We are seeking volunteers to provide assistance to disabled skiers. If you are an intermediate, or better, skier, have your own equipment and transportation, we will train you in the techniques we use to assist disabled skiers. We will provide you with free lift tickets when you ski with the program and support from certified instructors including group ski improvement sessions.

Contact

If you are interested in skiing with the program or being a volunteer, please contact the Mount Pakenham Program Coordinator, Doug Scheer at (613)836-5335, email:dlscheer@sympatico.ca or Program Administrator, Beth Field at (613)256-1302, email:mbfield@xplornet.com.