Event History: This is the oldest adaptive ski clinic being the first of a group of national
instructional clinics started by Disabled Sports USA which in its history was known as National
Handicap Sports (NHS). The Atlanta Chapter of NHS assisted to develop the first clinic in 1981
and continued with it through 2004. The clinic is now run as a cooperative effort amongst
programs all interested in the benefits of sports for individuals with disabilities with Beech
Mountain Resort continuing to be our host with help from the Costin family whom we are
especially grateful. The sponsors of this event donate to bring together the instructors,
equipment, and resources necessary to teach skiing/snowboarding to individuals with disabilities
in the southeast region.
Sponsors: We wish to thank all of our friends and sponsors for the DSUSA SPARC Beech
Mt. Adaptive Learn to Ski/Board Event including: Beech Mountain Resort, Disabled Sports
USA Chapter – SPARC of Chattanooga, Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center Innovative
Recreation Cooperative Program of Knoxville, Ft. Sanders Foundation, Carolinas Rehabilitation
Adaptive Sports and Adventure Program of Charlotte, Warfighters Sports Project, Beech
Meadows Ski Shop, Ability Prosthetics & Orthotics, Joe Thompson BBQ, Alpine Ski Shop,
Southern Country Sports, Newman’s Own Foundation, and the Pinnacle Inn. Over $90,000 of
adaptive equipment is brought to the event so we can provide a multitude of snow experiences
for the participants.
Instructors: The instructional team for the event is from all over the US and all PSIA
Adaptive certified instructors with over 80 years of combined experience. The instructional team
includes individuals from: Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, Alpine Meadows Adaptive
Ski Program, Crested Butte Adaptive Program, and Cataloochee Adaptive Program. The team is
composed of experienced instructors in monoski, biski, twin ski, 2, 3, & 4 tracking, slider,
visually impaired and snowboard instruction.
Participants: The participants come from all over the southeast region including: NC, SC,
GA, TN, MS, AL, and FL. Ages range from age 4 to 70+ with a variety of diagnoses to include:
brain and spinal injured, amputees, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, developmental delayed, spinal
muscular atrophy, multiple sclerosis, visually impaired, and a whole host of other neurological
and orthopedic challenges. We are supportive of our military and work with veterans and active
military in our region. We try to focus on family and have families participate in the event as
much as possible. The motto of DSUSA is, “If I can do this, I can do anything,” inspires many
to give alpine sport a try.
Gene Baron Award: Each year an award is given in honor of Gene Baron who was an
amputee who skied at Beech Mt. He was very supportive of teaching individuals with
disabilities the sport of alpine skiing. His efforts, energy, and love of snow skiing are an
inspiration for many at the clinic. He passed away while at the world’s disabled event in
Colorado. In his memory, a lifetime achievement award has been given each year to an
individual or entity involved in helping with the event with Beech Mountain Resort being a
proud recipient of the award.
Schedule of Events:
Monday, Jan 20 – Noon – 5 PM Volunteer Safety Training Beech Mt. Resort
6:45 PM – TN BBQ at the Pinnacle Inn
Tuesday, Jan 21 – 8:30 AM – 4 PM Lessons
6:30 PM _ Turkey & Ham Pot Luck at the Pinnacle Inn
Wednesday, Jan 22 – 8:30 AM – 4 PM Lessons
6:30 PM Italian Night at the Pinnacle Inn
Thursday, Jan 23 – 8:30 AM – 4 PM Lessons
7:00 PM Instructors Appreciation Banquet
Gene Baron Award Presentation
Friday, Jan 24 – 8:30 AM – 4 PM Lessons
Registration Process:
Due to the popularity of the event, we do a first come first available slot for lessons until
we are full and then a waiting list is started. We usually are full in two weeks from
release date. How to apply? All candidates will receive an email blast within the same
timeframe so you must contact Al Kaye, event coordinator at akaye@covhlth.com to be
put on the email application email blast. Applications are released in late November
once all instructors are secured. The email applications will be from SPARC
<sparc@sparctn.org>, a chapter of Disabled Sports USA in Chattanooga, TN. Lessons
are based on availability of type of lesson which includes equipment, scheduled
request, and instructor availability. The quicker the response to the email blast, the
better chance of being able to attend the clinic. There is a link on the email blast that will
go to registration. An email will be sent stating that receipt of application has been
received. A final confirmation of first lesson time and day will be sent out by Al Kaye so
your travel plans may be made. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Al @
865-331-1353.
Skier & Volunteer Responsibilities:
All participants (skiers, snowboarders, &; volunteers) will be registered with DSUSA
SPARC Chapter for the event. There are additional releases that need to be completed
once accepted into the clinic done at Beech Mt. This is for all persons affiliated with the
clinic even those who do not participate in lessons on the mountain. The goal of the
event is to promote adaptive snow skiing and snowboarding in the region and for all to
have a great experience in a safe environment. All participants (students, volunteers,
instructors, and alike) on the mountain are required to wear a helmet and listen to their
assigned instructional staff member for safety. Individuals that decide to ski while not
under scheduled lessons are not the responsibility of the clinic. If clinic staff sees
violation of skier code of conduct for safety, lift ticket will be pulled and ski patrol
notified. We are guests of Beech Mt. Resort so we expect all to reflect this in their
actions. Skiing/Snowboarding volunteers will need to be reviewed and approved by a
clinic instructor prior to being allowed to help with a lesson.
