Mono-Skiers Challenge Snowmass

January 2nd, 2007 at 08:05pm Post Staff 3

SOURCE: Challenge Aspen

JANUARY 8-12, CHALLENGE ASPEN HOSTS 25 MONO-SKIERS
ON SNOWMASS MOUNTAIN

11th Annual Mono-Ski Camp Boasts Largest Attendance
In Challenge Aspen History

ASPEN, COLORADO–Challenge Aspen will host their largest Mono-Ski Camp in 11 years January 8-12, with over 25 skiers with disabilities on the snow at Snowmass Mountain, following a specialized seating clinic on January 7.

“We are so excited to welcome participants to Snowmass from all over the world for this 11th Annual Mono-Ski Camp. We’re particularly delighted to welcome a group of newly injured soldiers from Operation Iraqi Freedom to this years’ camp. With such incredible participants, coupled with the best instructors and skiing conditions in the world … this will be one to remember!” says Sarah Williams, Challenge Aspen Managing Program Director.

The Challenge Aspen Mono-Ski Camp is a skills-based camp for beginner, intermediate and advanced level Mono-Skiers, providing small group instruction in carving, moguls, and racing. Instructors and coaches include current and former members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team and PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) examiners.  This years’ Mono-Ski Camp will feature video analysis, a BBQ lunch on the mountain, a celebration banquet and discounted dining thanks to the generous hospitality of the Margarita Grill, Illpogio, Village Steakhouse, Goodfellow’s Pizza, Paradise Bakery and Zane’s.  The Silvertree Hotel and The Mountain Chalet are graciously providing housing and conference services this year.  Participants in the Mono-Ski Camp will also be invited to try their new skills in the Challenge Aspen Level 1 Race, January 11, on the NASTAR course at Snowmass.

The Level 1 Race Series is a new activity for Challenge Aspen, allowing all skiers with disabilities to explore the fun of ski racing.  Locals, visitors and Mono-Ski Camp participants are encouraged to join three of the world’s best, Laurie Stephens, Chris Devlin Young and Nick Catanzarite, in the all day clinic on January 11.  Please contact Challenge Aspen to sign up.

A Mono-Ski is designed for skiers with good upper-body strength and stability. The skier is seated in a fiberglass or hard plastic bucket seat, which is mounted on one ski.  The skier turns, guides and steers across the mountain using short crutches with ski tips called “outriggers.” The Mono-Ski offers sit-skiers of all abilities a safe, exhilarating ride and the thrill of direct contact with the snow.

For more information on the Challenge Aspen Mono-Ski Camp, contact Helaine “Laine” Weinstein, CTRS, Program Coordinator, at 970-923-0578.

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About Challenge Aspen
Since 1995, Challenge Aspen has provided adaptive recreational and cultural opportunities to thousands of individuals with disabilities from around the world. Based in Aspen, Colorado, Challenge Aspen is an internationally established charitable organization. As a leader and innovator offering participants’ safe, expert instruction and the best competitive ski-racing and educational programs available in the world, Challenge Aspen also provides outstanding summer therapeutic art and drama camps to children with physical and mental disabilities. In addition, Challenge Aspen creates adaptive wilderness experiences and provides elite race training for veterans with disabilities. Critical partnerships with sponsors like Aspen Ski Co. combined with the generous support of the Founders’ Circle, National Council members and annual fund raisers, provide the funding necessary for Challenge Aspen to empower all participants through its outdoor and cultural experiences, regardless of financial status. For more information visit www.challengeaspen.com.

About Aspen Skiing Company
Aspen Skiing Company operates four destination mountains – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and
Buttermilk – and is the home of the ESPN Winter X Games through 2010.  Aspen/Snowmass also offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well as four award-winning Ski & Snowboard Schools.  Aspen/Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains – Aspen Sardy Field (3 miles from Aspen) and Eagle County Airport (70 miles from Aspen).  For more information on Aspen/Snowmass, please call 800-525-6200 or 970-925-1220, or visit the company’s website.

Entry Filed under: Snowmass, Resorts