In the ski industry, there have been significant advancements in providing adaptive skiing and riding opportunities for individuals with mobility limitations. However, according to Marina Gardiner, guest services director for the nonprofit Achieve Tahoe, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, especially when it comes to access from parking to the snow. At the Mountain Travel Symposium, Gardiner highlighted the difficulties faced by customers at the Village of Palisades Tahoe base of the Palisades Tahoe ski area. Customers are required to travel through the village before accessing a tram, gondola, or lift, which can pose challenges for individuals with mobility limitations.
Gardiner emphasized the importance of having plenty of accessible parking spaces available at ski resorts. She praised the Alpine Meadows base of Palisades Tahoe for its accessibility, noting that she could park just 100 feet from the snow and easily access the chairlift within three minutes. Providing accessible parking close to the snow is crucial for individuals with disabilities as it ensures that they can easily access the slopes without facing obstacles.
Gardiner stressed the significance of making accessibility a core part of newbuild designs in the travel industry. She suggested that all hotel rooms should be accessible, and existing ski lodges should be modified to improve maneuverability for individuals with disabilities. While some resorts have made progress in providing accessible facilities, there is still a need for more inclusive designs that cater to the needs of all guests.
Achieve Tahoe offers affordable and inclusive recreational activities in the Lake Tahoe area, including subsidized daylong lessons for individuals with disabilities. Gardiner mentioned that there is a high demand for accessible lessons, and Achieve Tahoe can sell daylong lessons for $160, catering to individuals with mobility limitations as well as other types of disabilities. She highlighted the importance of programs like the ones offered in partnership with Northstar and Palisade Tahoe, which provide free lift tickets for Achieve Tahoe’s participants and volunteers.
While efforts have been made to improve accessibility in ski resorts, there is still work to be done to ensure that individuals with disabilities can fully enjoy skiing and snowboarding. By focusing on accessible parking, inclusive designs, and affordable lesson programs, resorts can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all guests. Collaborating with organizations like Achieve Tahoe can help ski resorts better cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities and provide them with the opportunities to participate in winter sports activities.