By Kate Bartlett
The Phoenix Adaptive Program at HoliMont has been instrumental in making skiing accessible to individuals with disabilities for 29 years. Founded in 1996, the program has grown steadily over the past 3 decades, expanding to include participants of all abilities, both physical and cognitive.
a TetraSki, a highly advanced alpine sit-ski
that can accommodate a variety of individuals. HoliMont
is one of only 27 ski resorts in the world to
have a TetraSki.
David Berghash has been involved in the Phoenix Adaptive Program for 16 years, and director of the program for 9 years. As an avid skier and WNY native, David was looking for more of a challenge in skiing. He had experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, and found this work incredibly rewarding, so he decided to try teaching adaptive skiing.
David has now been an adaptive ski instructor for 23 years. “Teaching any form of adaptive sports is powerful for both the individual and their families alike,” explains David. “Not only does it provide a healthy outlet of energy, but it requires focus and attention; it’s incredibly therapeutic.”
HoliMont is considered one of the best ski clubs for adaptive skiing on the East Coast. Thanks to the generosity from the community and continued support from fundraising efforts like HoliMont’s Men’s Day, The Phoenix Adaptive Program boasts a wide variety of adaptive equipment and highly trained adaptive instructors. “It’s unusual that a club as small as HoliMont has such a large supply of varied equipment and trained instructors,” says David. “Thanks to the generosity of the community and continued efforts of fundraising, we have the resources and funds for equipment and training.”
skiing on the East Coast. Thanks to the generosity from the
community and continued support from fundraising efforts
like HoliMont’s Men’s Day (more information, page 3), The
Phoenix Adaptive Program boasts a wide variety of adaptive
equipment and highly trained adaptive instructors.
The Phoenix Adaptive Program was able to purchase a TetraSki, a highly advanced alpine sit-ski that can accommodate a variety of individuals. HoliMont is one of only 27 ski resorts in the world to have a TetraSki. “It’s an incredible piece of equipment,” explains David. “It’s highly advanced and provides amazing opportunities to many individuals, especially those who are paraplegic or quadriplegic.” The Tetra Ski allows for speed variability through the use of a joystick and/or breath control.
The HoliMont Men’s Day has been a major source of fundraising for the Phoenix Adaptive Program. This year, the program exceeded their goal, raising an astounding $74,800, bringing the cumulative total over the past 6 years to over $200,000. “We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from the community. Our success is a direct result of our funding. We’re so fortunate to watch this program thrive, and hope to expand this program for years to come,” says David.
One of the main goals of the Phoenix Adaptive Program is to help families ski together. “Skiing such a magnetic experience that brings families together, returning to the slopes year after year,” says David. “It easily becomes a tradition, and it’s incredible to help families with individuals with disabilities ski alongside their families.”
Families come from far and wide for the opportunities offered through The Phoenix Adaptive Program. “We have people come from great distances for this program, as members and through our outreach program,” explains David. Through outreach program, 6-8 individuals per season are granted the opportunity to ski at HoliMont, at no cost to them. Selected individuals are provided equipment, training and a day on the slopes at HoliMont, an experience they won’t soon forget. “This program has allowed us to reach a wider range and variety of individuals and introduce them to adaptive skiing.”
David has had many rewarding moments throughout his time as an adaptive ski instructor, but one in particular stands out among the rest. “A young boy with autism starting skiing with us through the outreach program. At first, he was very difficult and resistive, but it’s been incredible to watch his demeanor change throughout his years at HoliMont. Adaptive skiing gave him a healthy outlet, something to focus on, and it’s been incredible to be a part of this positive change for him and his family.”
For more information visit HoliMont.com