The impact that Achieve Tahoe has had on our family is hard to put into words. They have given us a priceless gift, the ability to ski together as a family. When we walked in the door three years ago we had no idea our lives would be forever changed. The entire team at Achieve, including staff and volunteers, are comprised of incredible people. Miles has always been treated the same as any other little boy who wants to rip up the mountain, no one ever doubted his abilities. This set the stage for him to develop his confidence and grow to love this sport, skiing is now his passion. Mike, who is now in his second year as an Achieve volunteer, recently passed his Alpine Level 1 instructor exam and is well on his way to becoming adaptive certified. Rose and Reid are growing up at Achieve, learning the ropes, one day they will be out on the mountain in their own Achieve jackets. Thank you will never be enough.
My adult daughter with autism participated in Achieve Tahoe's skiing program. The program is very well organized. My daughter hasn't skied for ~10 years, so she was nervous and worried just about everything including the weather. She got 4 half day private skiing lessons, spread over two weekends. She felt very comfortable towards the 4th lesson! Instead of hearing her complaining non-stop, I see her smiling and having fun the whole time. All her coaches were amazing! They are not only great at teaching skiing, they are in high spirits, and played along with my daughter's silliness very well! We cannot wait to come back next year!
We are truly grateful to Achieve Tahoe for all the wonderful programs they offer for our child. We participated in both their summer and winter sessions this year, and as it was our first time, he absolutely enjoyed every single one of them. The staff, in particular, are incredibly patient and genuinely care for the kids—my child remembers and loves each and every one of them.
As a parent, it also gives me a chance to relax and breathe, knowing he’s in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. Inclusivity for children with special needs is deeply meaningful to us, and Achieve Tahoe provides exactly that. We know this will be a lifelong activity for our family, and we couldn’t be more thankful.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have found Achieve Tahoe. It's a hidden gem for families with loved ones who have disabilities. Their service exceeded my expectations in every way. The coaches and staff are not only friendly but also highly professional. They took detailed notes on my son's progress and continuously introduced new ideas to help him improve. I'm truly grateful to have Achieve Tahoe available at Lake Tahoe.
Best charity ever! They go above & beyond in helping everyone, and are super transparent in every aspect.
The instructors were so joyful and skilled and were able to get my son laughing and relaxing so his body and mind could move in the right way to ski. Typically his sensory processing and learning challenges cause him to be quite anxious and sometimes freeze up when facing new tasks. It was amazing to see how well he did skiing with his awesome Achieve instructors!!
It’s a blast, thanks to Julie and Alex. Their patience, expertise, and genuine care for my autistic child’s unique needs made all the difference in his very first ski lesson. Moreover, their ability to create a calm and structured environment on the slopes was impressive and definitely helped him a lot. My kid had so much fun and would love to be back.
This is my son, who can’t walk 100 yards upright. It turns out, that on skiis, he’s got perfect posture. And look at his smile!
For years my husband and my other 2 kids have driven up to Lake Tahoe, while my oldest specialist needs son watched us drive away with a babysitter. My heart could only be 75% happy up in the Tahoe trees, knowing that my son was left behind.
Year after year, I watched him in the review mirror, missing out. Until—I found Achieve Tahoe. I was extremely skeptical that my son would be able to stand on skiis. He’s non verbal. Not potty trained. Very impatient. When I called, Marina was 100% certain that he’d be skiing. Impossible I thought. But I decided to go with her momentum.
I met his instructor and helper. Yes, TWO instructors for my boy! They had the temperament as if I had hand picked them out of a lineup. Kind, patient, curious, un-phased by his disability. They had energy and excitement. Again—momentum.
His first lesson I watched the full half day. I had never cheered for him like this before because he never did any other sports. It was fun to be his spectator. But it was a lot of work for those instructors. The best part was that he got to spend the day in the lodge with us. In the car ride up and back. And experience the gondola. I could be 100% happy because Achieve Tahoe made it so my disabled son wasn’t excluded.
Now—after 5 lessons, this boy can ski with this harness. He loves it. He likes to go fast and be with us. No more watching from his bedroom, wondering where his family is off to.
No special needs parent has time to write reviews. So that should tell you how grateful I am for Achieve. They are true angels. You feel like you’re a family. There’s a feeling of solidarity and joy.
The one down side is there aren’t more locations. I wish Heavenly had one because it’s so easy to park and be right on the mountain. We attend at Northstar and the parking and walk through the village, can be really difficult and tiring before you even get started. There’s hardly any handicapped. No chance of snagging one. So that’s the downside. We went 2x to Alpone Meadows and it’s a dream. Tons of handicapped, you park, and right there is the Achieve Tahoe office. We just don’t have passes there as his family so we opt for Northstar. 5 out of 5 recommend!
Achieve Tahoe has been one of the best parts of my son’s life. Through this incredible le organization, he has finally found a sport and recreation that he loves and can be supported in. Achieve Tahoe can truly serve anyone and in times where my son hasn’t been able to be served before because of the significance of his disability, Achieve Tahoe steps right up to the challenge and he thrives. I am beyond grateful for this incredible organization — it has been a huge blessing in our lives.
My disabled child has been skiing with Achieve Tahoe for years. They are awesome. All their volunteers are incredibly supportive and knowledgeable. They keep excellent records so that they are prepared for my child's specific needs every time. We recommend them to every family of a disabled child that we meet.
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Achieve Tahoe was such an incredible program! My nephew Michael had a great time learning and skiing with them. I really appreciated his instructors and their program so very much. My nephew learned how to get on and off the ski lift safely, do turns and stay in control while skiing. He is a high functioning, 22 year old adult on the Autism spectrum with Developmental Delay and I was concerned he would have trouble paying attention in a group lesson. Achieve Tahoe provided a wonderful opportunity for my nephew to have individualized attention so he could gain confidence while skiing and do something new and different successfully. The instructors were helpful and even debriefed with me afterwards to share the language they used so I could continue to ski with my nephew in a seamless manner. I would highly recommend Achieve Tahoe to anyone who can benefit from their program.
was first time booking the lesson with Achieve Tahoe and all went great, I was amazed to see how experienced and professional were Greg and Chris, my kiddo came back happy and excited.
Would love to see more open spots as its hard to book any!!
Without Achieve Tahoe I don’t think I would be doing ski lessons, this is something I thought only normal people did. My friends are now joining as well, one friend is BLIND and she has so much fun!
We do the summer program too.
The program is AMAZING ⛷️⛷️⛷️⛷️.
It has taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to.
Achieve Tahoe has made a huge impact on my life.
Thank you very much to Michael, Ho Kaan, Marina, Blair and Everyone at Achieve Tahoe for welcoming me with open arms and always making me feel very excited to come to as many of the events as possible.
We love the Achieve Tahoe program. It has allowed our family the opportunity to ski as a family and given our son great confidence on skis. Everyone is patient, kind and make the lessons great fun.
Our family would not have been able to have been able to experience being on the mountain without the scholarship and the generous support from achieve staff, who also helped provide some of the snow gear we didn’t have to borrow for the lessons.
When I picked them up after their second day of lessons, they were exhausted but incredibly happy. One of my sons was so proud of himself that he walked around the village with me for over an hour, sharing everything he’d learned and how accomplished he felt. My other son is already planning future snowboarding trips!
This entire experience has truly been a magical Christmas gift for our family, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the opportunity for ski lessons tailored to my neurodivergent children. Achieve Tahoe is remarkable— it not only provided the support they needed, but also set them up for success, which is something we don’t always find with other opportunities.
Our family has participated in 2 summer activities with Achieve Tahoe and we have had an amazing time during both sessions. The programming allows our son, who is autistic and struggles with coordination and "keeping up" in many sports, to enjoy trying new sports and activities without the competitive nature that can be found elsewhere. He is just allowed to learn new things and enjoy them at his own pace. We also love that our family can participate as well, making it a really unique and fun experience for all of us, which in turn becomes a great family memory. The staff & volunteers of Achieve Tahoe go above and beyond to make sure all of us have a wonderful time, all while making sure everyone is participating in a safe manner. We really have been blessed to participate in Achieve Tahoe's Sierra Summer Sports days!
My ski journey has been filled with excitement, friendship, challenges and a lifelong passion for carving turns; floating in fresh snow and hanging with family/friends in some of the most breathing-taking places one can only imagine.
The feeling of accomplishment after looking back up the slope and seeing freshly carved tracks in the snow that led to where I am standing was further amplified since a helicopter had dropped us off at the top of that peak. The smiles I shared with my family/friends who were part of this is a lifelong memory.
This passion was interrupted 25 years ago with the onset of neurological issues that prevented me from many activities including skiing. My winters became barren and void of that connection that was an integral part of my soul.
All this changed in January 2024 when my 32-year-old son John was in my office looking at ski pictures of trips to Vail, Tahoe, Sun Valley, Snowbird, Alta, Mt Bachelor, Mammoth and Heli Skiing. He mentioned those pictures were an inspiration and he too had begun his ski journey, however, it would not be complete without skiing with his parents. Tears instantly flowed down my cheeks. After a while, when I regained my composure, I decided we would ski together next winter. With this as a backdrop, I contacted Achieve Tahoe and explained my limitations. I was accepted with open hearts and volumes of encouragement. A month later I was skiing with two Achieve Tahoe ski instructors at NorthStar. The first run we took was quite a challenge. Coupled with their compassion, I was determined to reacquaint myself with a part of my soul that had been dormant for many years. Surrounded by two Angels, we adjusted our expectations and pushed ahead. At the end of the day, I could not contain my excitement and tears again flowed freely. This time they were tears of joy and a new found awareness for what lay ahead.
Today, August 28, 2024 I purchased an Adaptive Ski Pass. Thank you Achieve Tahoe for guiding me along this new journey.
With gratitude,
Stephen A. Stanley
I want to thank Haakon and his team so much for these past two skiing days. My son had lots of fun with Mads and Connor - both are great instructors with lots of patience!
It’s difficult for my son to adapt easily with people he does not know, and surprisingly he adapted very quickly these past days!
I’m very happy I heard about this program - it’s amazing being able to have access to instructors that are used to working with difficult children. The lower price point offered is great for any parent with neurodivergent children, but the peace of mind offered is invaluable.
Knowing that your loved ones will be skiing with someone that will take care of them, accept them as they are, and make sure they have fun in the snow will definitely give them happy life-long memories.
I hope I can be back next year!
My son Luke has been with Gary at Northstar for three days this week, and I cannot express how outstanding Gary has been. Despite not having Venmo, I made sure to find an ATM to tip him because his dedication and kindness deserve recognition. Gary was a perfect fit for Luke and it made this experience truly exceptional. I wanted to extend my gratitude not only to Gary but also to Achieve Tahoe for providing such incredible volunteers.
Reflecting on Achieve Tahoe and its remarkable program always makes me quite emotional. Witnessing the genuine connections formed by caring volunteers like Gary, who not only teach my child to ski but also deeply connect with him, is truly incredible. Their level of compassion and dedication is rare, and it's something I wish everyone could experience. Achieve Tahoe is an amazing organization, and I'm eager to share its impact with others.
Having a child with special needs presents unique challenges, and it can be an emotionally taxing journey. However, one of the saving graces for many families is the presence of programs like Achieve Tahoe. These programs offer not just support but also a sense of community and understanding that can make a world of difference.
With Gratitude,
Lisa C.
Dear Achieve Tahoe,
On January 28, 2024 UCP of Sacramento and Northern California had an exceptional experience with Achieve Tahoe. Twenty kids and parents left Sacramento for a fun and exhilarating day of skiing at Alpine Meadows. The day was filled with such happiness and ebullience. All our kids had transformative experiences that allowed growth, social interaction, inclusion, and fun! The staff were all unreal and so cheerful, supportive, instructive and kind.
UCP looks forward to our next journey with your special and wonderful organization. It truly was amazing to see our kids racing down the slopes, some had never skied, a few stayed up on the higher slopes for hours.
We thank you kindly and are blessed for this opportunity you provided, please thank all your staff who participated. Many parents were thankful for this day!
Sincerely,
UCP
The Achieve Tahoe is an amazing place. They have dedicated staff and volunteers who devote their time to teaching without judgement. They provide all lessons and have the patience to meet all people with disabilities. Being deaf attendants at the ski center we received the best possible training that is unmatched anywhere. We will ever be grateful to the Achieve Tahoe and look forward to continue training our two sons and ourselves with this organization. Thank you for all that you do.❤️
Achieve Tahoe is an amazing organization. As a father of a 7-year-old son with ASD and other medical needs, I always had the fear and doubts about him being able to learn to ski and more importantly how long would it take and what would be the best environment for him to learn.
Before finding Achieve Tahoe, I looked at traditional ski schools, private lessons and available options and didn't really find anything that would adapt and understand his needs and learning process. Our first lessons with Achieve Tahoe were amazing, they adapted to his needs and understood exactly some of the challenges and limitations while maximizing his potential to excel during his learning process. I will be forever grateful for this organization and will continue my son's learning process with them in the future.
The team, staff and instructors and achieve Tahoe are amazing, dedicated and with a deep sense of purpose in what they do. I recommend Achieve Tahoe without reservation to any parent out there whose child is on the spectrum or with special needs.
My step-daughter is 22, has Down Syndrome, and LOVES the Achieve Tahoe summer water events! She's participated 3 years in a row and can't wait for next year's event!
Her favorite things to do there are riding on the jet ski and being pulled in the float behind the boat.
She's normally 100% driven by food, so I fully expedited her to be first in the lunch line. Nope. She opted for a 3rd ride on the jet ski even though she knew lunch was being served!
I consider that the biggest testimony of how much fun she was having out on the water. :-)
Achieve Tahoe is a significant source of joy for our daughter, Skylar, and our entire family!
Skylar is on The Spectrum, is non-verbal, and very sweet!
We are committed to creating a life of exploration, fun and learning for her.
I discovered Achieve Tahoe on an internet search quest in alignment with this commitment, and I applied for a scholarship because I could not afford to do this otherwise.
We are grateful to have been awarded a scholarship from The Katherine Hayes Rodriguez Scholarship Fund. Through this generous gift, I have witnessed my daughter achieve the extraordinary!
As a parent of a child with Special Needs, one the most precious gifts I have been given in my life is to witness my daughter doing things we thought were not possible. We have been given the opportunity to explore what is possible for my girl!
With the generous, patient, & loving staff and volunteers of Achieve Tahoe, Skylar has scaled a 50 foot Rockwall and has shot arrows! She even got a bullseye!!
We are able to share Skylar's accomplishments with our family and friends and we deeply appreciate Achieve Tahoe!!!
Achieve Tahoe has been a "dream come true" organization for my daughter and our family!! My 13 year old non speaking autistic daughter loves water. However, other than swimming, we never tried any sports with her because my husband and myself have no experience with any water sports activity. Also, because of her disability, and the challenges that come with it, we were apprehensive of trying anything new that we are unfamiliar with, because of safety concerns. However, thanks to Achieve Tahoe, and their amazing staff and volunteers, my daughter and our family were able to participate in water sports like Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddle boarding, Sea Doo riding and Tubing for the first time ever in a safe environment! We had so much fun as a family!! My daughter had such a great experience, that we participated in the Sierra Summer Sports for two consecutive months this summer! The staff is very warm and friendly and the volunteers are all experienced in water sports. They took the time to get to know my daughter and were very patient, supportive and encouraging. My daughter had the BEST possible time!! It was definitely the highlight of her summer!! She was laughing and giggling, and screaming in excitement every time she participated in any of the water sports. Her favorite is Tubing. Achieve Tahoe is a great platform for people with disabilities and their families to enjoy water sports! It truly helps us realize that disability is not a limitation to enjoy life to the fullest!! We are very grateful to have this opportunity for our daughter and our family!! We definitely intend to participate every year going forward!! We also got the opportunity to meet other families, who have spoken highly about their ski lessons, and we hope to try skiing too in winter. A BIG THANK YOU to Achieve Tahoe and to their amazing staff and volunteers!! You rock!!
Our experience with achieve tahoe has been excellent . We participated in their summEnkoer activities as a family . This was one of the few experiences where the whole family had fun for the entire trip . We were together and had a great time and that is so precious . My exceptional daugter and her exceptional nuerotypical sibling participated together .I am including what they had to say about the experience
Kriya 11 years( she spelt this out )-Love the main idea of lot of support so that i could team with my sister . Enjoyed the lake activities . It was overwhlmigly lovely
Sahana 9 years : The trip with achieve tahoe was splendid . Achive tahoe is full of kind , lovely , engaging people and we had a perfectly lovely time there . Personlly the trip at the beach was the best experience with them for me .
Achieve Tahoe has been such a wonderful organization! Their volunteers an experience with special need kids and also are extremely loving and patient with them. We have tried more than 10 sessions one on one ski class with my boys (both of them are on the autism spectrum) at different ski resort but they had made very little progress. With Achieve Tahoe, they both mastered “pizza” skill in just one session and started to really enjoy skiing ever since! The administration staff are also kind and so flexible. They are always try their best to meet the need of the family with special need children/adults. They are more than wonderful. My boys enjoys more outdoor and sports and are so confident with themselves ever since we started to have them participate Achieve Tahoe classes!
We continue to be huge fans of Achieve Tahoe. This winter my son skiied mostly with Randy and Karen who are both fabulous instructors. He improved tremdously, finally being able to ski intermediate slopes on his own. This meant he could ski with friends and family and see the amazing views from the top of the mountain. His self-confidence soared. All of the staff and volunteers are so kind and caring. Can't say enough good things about Achieve.
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My ten-year old is an above the knee amputee. He took five days of lessons last April at Achieve Tahoe. He'd skied a few times before elsewhere but always needed a lot of assistance. By the end of the week, he was taking the lifts by himself and making it down all the green slopes on his own. His instructors encouraged him to use outriggers, something he'd been reluctant to do, which really helped. They worked on adjusting his boots to get the proper lift and angle on his prosthetic leg. All of the instructors were so patient, encouraging and highly skilled. We are huge fans of the organization and can't wait to ski with them again.
Each year my Visually Impaired son does ski lessons at Achieve each year. The instructors are exceptional at pushing him to improve and keeping him safe while having the best time. It is the highlight of his winter and he looks forward to it each year.
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This was such a wonderful experience for my son Michael!! He was 26 when he was very critically injured in a car crash when his friend fell asleep at the wheel. Michael wasn’t expected to survive (basically broke the right side of his body, and suffered 5 massive brain injuries)... but he did, and far surpassed what anyone would have expected!! I have to give a lot of the credit to his OT, Tom McCoin, who has worked with, and challenged, Michael for the last 7 years, since Michael had his right leg amputated at the knee. They’ve become friends rather than PT/client. Tom used to volunteer at Achieve Tahoe, and encouraged Michael to give it a shot. So we got him some warm clothes, and headed up there. Everyone we dealt with was SO eager to make Michael as comfortable as possible - both physically and emotionally!!! The young man holding on to the tether behind Michael’s seated ski, told him that he was doing better than some people who he’d helped numerous times!! If I remember right, Michael went down that hill 10 or 12 times!!! He was a champ!!! Can’t wait to get him back up there again!!!
We had an amazing experience a few weeks ago at Achieve Tahoe Alpine Meadows. The instructor, staff and volunteers made it all feel super safe. And it was amazing to see my son skiing again. He is a joyful, but complicated neurodiverse kiddo and we are so grateful for how everybody rolls with it and figures out how to create a successful experience for him. So grateful for this program.
Achieve Tahoe has made such a difference for my adult disabled children. Being able to enjoy the outdoors with the support that they need is outstanding. Most are activities I could not do on my own with them. They have both skied at Alpine Meadows and have had an amazing time. Achieve Tahoe provided all of the proper and safe equipment for their needs and everyone is so nice. All of the volunteers have been patient and well versed in special needs. This program allowed my son to be able to participate in the sport along with his able bodied friends and family. My daughter has enjoyed the sailing opportunity which was a favorite and an accompanied "hike" this fall that provided the chance to see the lake from a different perspective. Thank you to all of the volunteers!
The Head Injury Association of Northern Nevada (HIANN) has had the pleasure to partner with Achieve Tahoe the past two years in offering specialized services to our membership which focuses on individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Our first event was held at Donner Lake with Achieve Tahoe providing an extensive full day of on water sports events including kayaking, boating, jet skiing, and a variety of other activities including a delicious lunch. HIANN offers over 50 programs per year for our members and this was by far one of our most popular. Attending members and caregivers gave outstanding comments for the event and we really looked forward to offering two more events like this with Achieve Tahoe in 2020, but as with many of our activities, they were cancelled due to Covid. We did have Achieve Tahoe provide organizational and onsite support for 3 hikes this year, all successful. We also took advantage of their ski program at Alpine Meadows which our members enjoyed. I would give the Tahoe Donner Lake Day 5+ stars. Don't miss out on this one if you are considering it for 2021. We surely will not. The skiing event is a 5 as well. The volunteer staffs for both of these events were nothing short of incredible and I have no idea how they can find so many wonderful dedicated people, and we cannot forget that HIANN does have some physically disabled people that require extensive assistance and support that participate. This is a great organization to work with. Our only issue has been the administrative paperwork that is required for each person to participate. If your organization is geographically diverse like ours with members that have varying degrees of technical skills, make sure you get organized in advance. With that said, Achieve Tahoe offers a wonderful set of services and great staff. We could not offer programs like this without the support of a wonderful organization like Achieve Tahoe.
I was introduced to the program through Move United. It has been nice to participate in the virtual seated workouts to stay active and interact with others. Thank you for the opportunity! Maybe someday this Iowa girl will come out to see the in person opportunities.
I started skiing with Achieve Tahoe when I was eight years old, and I have been participating in the winter and summer programs for nearly 30 years. I started snowboarding when I was in my late twenties. They helped me make the transition from skiing to snowboarding and made it easier than I ever expected. It was super hard at first, but it got easier and easier as I practiced and got stronger. Gaining my independence made me feel confident and help me realize I could do anything. The staff at Achieve Tahoe have been so great and supportive throughout the years.
-Erin Freeman
Achieve Tahoe has had a major impact on my family. For ten years, my nonverbal, severely autistic son has been treated as a treasured friend by everyone in the organization. Connor has learned to snow ski, to waterski, and many more sports. As his expertise in sports has grown, so has Connor’s confidence in himself. He has become more independent and can now advocate for himself. It is very gratifying to see respect on the faces of his teachers and therapists when we share photos of Connor engaging in all these activities. Once they see what he can do with Achieve Tahoe, they realize how much more he is capable of in all aspects of learning.
For me, there is nothing more wonderful than to see Connor’s joy when he is participating in Achieve Tahoe activities. For Connor, Achieve Tahoe is just fun.
The Achieve Tahoe motto says it all: If I can do this, I can do anything. On a daily basis with this organization, people living with physical and other challenges do things once thought impossible. From snow skiing to rock climbing, participants with the widest possible range of disabilities acquire new athletic skills in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. With these achievements, invariably comes the question: What other things in my life can I do? The volunteer experience has been life changing for me. It has been an opportunity to combine passions for outdoor activities and "giving back".
I came to Achieve Tahoe to offer my assistance without any expectations. What I immediately came away with is an amazing appreciation for the value the organization provides. The team of staff and volunteers is dedicated to being person first and works very hard to serve all participants at an exceptional level!
The ability for the organization to assist people with disabilities in so many different ways continues to impress me and I am humbled by the opportunity to be a small part of the team that provides people with a way to enjoy life that they may not have otherwise dreamed was possible. Achieve Tahoe is a highly respected organization and is very effective and efficient in its delivery of services.
I joined Achieve Tahoe as a volunteer in 1999 and have found this to be a fabulous organization with an incredible mission that is delivered by spectacular staff members and volunteers. The ability to provide life changing experiences for Achieve Tahoe participants and their families has yielded some of the most fulfilling moments of my life. I hope to continue working with our incredible participants and staff for years to come.
This will be my forth season volunteering as an instructor at Achieve Tahoe's winter program. (I also volunteer during the summer at their summer program). It has become a labor of love and something that I looked forward to with the approach of every winter. Helping participants progress, and perhaps more importantly gain independence and have fun, is incredibly rewarding. The full time staff and interns who work at Achieve Tahoe are, honestly, some of the brightest, kindest and most talented people I have ever known. They make me strive constantly to improve my own skills, while I am humbled by theirs. Many of our participants face a litany of challenges in their daily lives and to see them enjoying our mountain environment, even if only for a day, makes whatever small effort I make worthwhile.
Achieve Tahoe has exceeded my expectations for virtual programming. The instructors are all friendly, patient, and motivating. My brother enjoys participating in all of the classes. The culinary club has become a favorite not only for my brother, but myself. It has enabled us to cook together, and have new experiences. Thank you Achieve Tahoe for all you do!!
I have had a variety of fantastic experiences with Achieve Tahoe, with adaptive skiing and exercise classes. I have relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis ( which makes my balance and muscles on my legs and arms weak, so I use a cane while walking). The Adaptive Skiing program at Alpine Meadows is fantastic, allowing me to enjoy the slopes with the aid of an instructor ( sometimes 2) who understands my needs and is really encouraging, especially with using adaptive equpment. The ski instructors are very enthusiastic - as are the exercise instructors who have devised a variety of exercises to keep us in shape in the off season.
My son Oscar, who is almost 20 and has Prader-Willi syndrome, started learning to ski with Achieve Tahoe when he was just 8 years old. We feared his low muscle tone, anxiety, and learning and behavioral issues would get in the way, but the staff were well-equipped to manage all of that and Oscar returned from each session so happy and confident. Now he can even ski with the family on the greens and easier blues...something we'd never thought would be possible.
And then this Spring, when COVID-19 hit, Oscar started the online fitness classes, and loves them! The instructors are kind, intuitive, and patient, and spending those 40 minutes with them is the highlight of his day. One day, when very few people showed up to class, the instructor encouraged Oscar to help lead the session!
In all of our experiences with Achieve Tahoe, Oscar is 100% a person first, which allows him to thrive and feel comfortable trying new things. We are so grateful!
Para-skiing last winter is the absolute most fun I’ve had since I’ve been in a wheelchair. (Nine years)
Being outside in the snow, fresh air, and going fast was so awesome.
I’m very grateful for the staff and volunteers who made this the best experience ever!
Kristine
My brother has skied with Achieve Tahoe almost every year for the last 15 years. We started with Scott, who was an absolutely phenomenal instructor and have had multiple amazing instructors since. The first time we skied with Achieve Tahoe, I remember this experience so vividly because it was really one of the first times the my brother and I were doing something physical together since his car accident. It was such a thrill for both of us. Having trustworthy, fun, and engaging instructors made my brother want to continue to come back and have amazing experiences. I look forward to it each year. I am so happy Achieve Tahoe exists and love what they do for the community. If you are considering skiing with them, you absolutely should!
Our 25 year old son who was raised with a love of the outdoors, has spent the last several years unable to participate in most recreational activities due to increased anxiety associated with his autism diagnosis. Fortunately we discovered Achieve Tahoe a year ago, and what a remarkable year it's been. This incredible organization has provided patient encouragement from skilled and enthusiastic instructors. It's been a year of remarkable firsts. From bravely attempting kayaking, jet skiing, and water skiing to his first time on skis, the opportunities they've provided have contributed to his growing sense of pride and the enjoyment he once found in recreation. Their kind support has given him back the confidence he once had to challenge himself to try new things.
From baby steps to giant leaps. Thank you Achieve Tahoe for all you have done and continue to do!
My son has been participating in Summer and Winter Sports for over 25 years. The wonderful loving staff and volunteers have taught him to overcome her fears and know that...I can do it! From being dragged he is now first in line
Achieve has transformed the trajectory of our two kids on the spectrum! They have helped build their physical and social confidence by patiently and compassionately taking things at their pace, skillfully coaching them and encouraging them along the way. This experience on the slopes and out on the water with their winter and summer sports programs has had a ripple effect - improving every area of their lives, as they feel so much more capable of what comes their way. We can’t say enough great things about Achieve! Thank-you for everything you do!
Achieve Tahoe has offered my son the opportunity to experience snow skiing and water skiing in a manner I never thought possible. The professionalism of all involved was awesome and more importantly the care and respect given to each participant and their family was wonderful. We are huge fans and will continue to be a part of the Achieve family.
My son learned to ski with this organization about 12 years ago when he was about six. He has learning disabilities which prevented him from doing group lessons and regular private lessons were beyond our budget. The patience of the staff here was incredible and he developed the confidence to progress quickly. Skiing has become his sport, he loves to be out on the mountain & can now beat me down the blacks. I am eternally thankful for the staff of Achieve Tahoe for enabling my family to all enjoy memorable holidays on the slopes.
Every ski season we spend 4 glorious days brings our students with disabilities to learn and improve their snow skiing skills. Each year the amazing volunteers and Achieve staff make it “The Best Day Ever!” For all of our students! We can’t say enough amazing things about Achieve Tahoe and all who make it such an amazing experience!
AChieve Tahoe has made a huge difference in our family’s skiing experience at Tahoe. We never thought it would be possible to ski with our disabled son, Jody. AT got our non-verbal, cognitively and physically disabled five year old to use the chair lift, ski down mountains and enjoy a sport for the first time. Josy is now almost 13 and is beating his big sis and parents down the mountains. We are thankful to the dedicated, kind and enthusiastic staff at AT.
Josy is very proud of his accomplishments and can feel like a regular guy when he is out on the mountain. He feels like a champion. Thank you Achievetahoe!!!!!
My experience with AT was as an instructors guide. My family and I had been skiing Alpine for years. We all noticed and appreciated what the organization was doing-- it blended what we all love to do ( experience skiing and boarding-outdoor activities) along with just helping folks out. What struck me as a special add on, was simply giving parents of our younger participants to have just a few hours to enjoy the mountain or just kick back. Once my kids left the house, and I had a bit of time available I started volunteering.
I was overwhelmed with the mission and selfless people at the organization. Soon thereafter I was honored to be asked to join the board and have served for the past 6 years.
I am still as amazed and enthusiastic about the mission and all the great people that volunteer and work at AT. No better organization to give time, effort and donations.
JohnKruger
I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to see former patients that I have cared for at Children’s Hospital Oakland take to the slopes with Achieve Tahoe! Masha is one of my favorite students! I’ve’ volunteered here for many years and seen amazing transformations!
What an amazing organization! They were kind, patient and so knowledgeable. I grew up on skis but never thought it would be something I could share with my son. My son had brain cancer at age 3 and is now 14. He is non verbal and walks only sometimes with the help of a walker. Thank you Achieve for getting him on the mountain! You gave us a day the whole family could enjoy together. Achieve Tahoe is truly a gift.
August,2012...A Day that changed my life forever.I was a Single Mom of a 3 yr old son. Working 2 Full Time(yes,FT) jobs and still able to workout 6days a week and play with my boy.
I was handling transportation at San Jose Airport. A passenger needed a cab, I grabbed her 75lb bag with my left arm, let her in the cab and lifted the rear hatch with my right...Fully extended,right knee on rear bumper to stable.....Cab driver put cab in Reverse....That moment put me in a wheelchair and severely injured left shoulder....Drs said(6 to be exact) Id never walk again...7th Dr, 7 procedures,got me upright,but with a cane...
I went to Achieve to get back SOME of my adventurous soul and being able to ski downhill in a bucket,made me cry with joy.
Some dont understand how important ut is to get back your independence,your adventurous self..
The Team at Achieve Cheered me on and let me learn how to use the bucket ski and by the middle of the mountain,first pass, I did it!
The Instructors spoke so clearly and made it known that they were RIGHT THERE,if I needed..I felt like Batman on the Downhill!
THANK YOU for giving that day to me..My son was able to snowboard next to me and his eyes were tearing up as well....
I have been skiing with Achieve Tahoe for over a decade. I have paraplegia and use a sit-ski. The instruction has been unparalleled. And, the lessons are fun. Through Achieve Tahoe, I have been able to ski with my family, and my young adult children now work as lesson assistants there. I recently joined the Achieve Tahoe board because I believe so strongly in the organization and its mission.
Truly dedicated people from instructors to administrative staff trying to make a difference to those that gifted in a different manner.
Finding myself clinging to a rock climbing wall a good 20+ feet up, I realized in a light-bulb moment my fears and anxiety had vanished. The Staff at High Altitude Fitness had guided me with truly caring encouragement as they shared their passion to convince me to take the first hand hold. Then the first step. Then the next step. Before long this big old Vietnam Vet got lost in the joy of accomplishing something I never thought I would or could ever do! I had achieved a level of positive growth so sorely missing in my life. Achieve Tahoe had given me an oppertunity to challenge myself without any pressure or rules. They presented me an oppertunity with no strings attached. I finally achieved a dream even if it wasn't Half Dome or El Capitan. Along with the younger Veterans with me, we learned more than rock climbing, we learned there are Folks that care and want to be a part of our healing. Something Vets from my era are not used to receiving. It's humbling but, oh so rewarding to start to grow after all these years. Thank you, Achieve Tahoe.
This organization has the specialized equipment and instructional methods that allow anyone with any disability to participate in snow skiing. I learned to ski on one leg and later how to ski in a monoski in which you ski sitting down. The experience changed my life and started me thinking about what I could do instead of what I could not.
We ski, we are a skiing family and we were worried that our son would never be able to ski. When he was 4.5 we found Achieve Tahoe and never looked back. He is now a skier! He is now 11 and skis with Achieve Tahoe every year, multiple times a year. He much prefers to ski with Achieve Tahoe than he does with us. The instructors are amazing. They have taught him to ski and they make the lesson fun and engaging, so much so that he always wants to go back. We are thrilled that we have Achieve Tahoe as a resource for our son with disabilities. With the help of Achieve Tahoe we are able ski as a family.
Achieve Tahoe helped our 5 year old son with ASD learn to love skiing! After a few failed attempts in "regular" group ski lessons and trying to explain our son's special needs to various instructors - a ski program director suggested we try lessons through Achieve Tahoe.
What am amazing program! Our son wanted to learn to ski, but he needed the 1:1 attention of the Achieve instructors and volunteers to ensure he was safe and able to effectively communicate back/forth, they also watched for his sensory break needs to prevent overload.
WOW- we were amazed at the dedication of the staff, kindness of the volunteers and all with a high-level of expertise in working with children and adults with special needs. I felt welcomed and enjoyed meeting other parents while we waited for loved ones. Our son is now able to ski unassisted with our family and he feels so proud of his new lifelong skill- this is something we 100% attribute to his positive learning experience at Achieve Tahoe. We feel fortunate to have found Achieve Tahoe and I hope other families and individuals with special needs can benefit from this wonderful program.
I’ve volunteered with Achieve Tahoe’s winter ski program for the past few years, and have always been impressed by the staff’s dedication in providing adaptive sports programs to people with disabilities. This group’s longevity — it was founded in 1967 – speaks to its expertise in delivering programming and in managing a nonprofit organization. I am one of a large group of Achieve Tahoe volunteers; we all receive extensive annual training on how to provide an adaptive ski lesson, and specialized trainings are offered throughout the season. It is so rewarding to work with a client and watch him or her have fun, maybe overcome a fear and accomplish a goal. I have gotten so much more out of this program than I have put in.
Achieve Tahoe is one of the most respected adaptive recreation programs in the world. Achieve Tahoe is consistently the leader in education, training, recruitment, community outreach, raising awareness and providing skilled services to people with physical and intellectual challenges. It is a privileged and an honor to be included in this amazing organization.
Achieve Tahoe helps people achieve their dreams, and it's not just the participants either. Achieve has helped me understand what I am passionate about and how I can change the world through volunteering. Achieve Tahoe is truly an organization that changes lives.
I was paralyzed in a skiing accident at Alpine Meadows when I was 16 years old. It took me 3 decades to return to the sport of skiing and now it's all I can think of at times.
I have Achieve Tahoe to thank for challenging me to do what I didn't think I ever could again. I have Achieve Tahoe to thank for showing me that I can get through the stormiest of winter days. I have Achieve Tahoe to thank for keeping me safe while I experienced the amazing adrenaline of flying down the steepest of snow-covered mountains. I have Achieve Tahoe to thank for some of the happiest days of freedom out of my wheelchair; days of snow skiing, water skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing on Donner, white water rafting on the American and 4-wheeling on the Rubicon Trail. Blessed by their laughter and kindness and forever grateful to the staff at Achieve Tahoe.
Jenny Weast
Achieve Tahoe, an organization of angels helping children with disabilities get involved with adaptive sports and recreation activities, while providing all the support and equipment necessary.
My doughter is on the autism spectrum and skiing with achieve has been amazing for her and for the whole family. She really enjoys the time on the slopes and she loves the team of dedicated volunteers.
My 12-year-old son Matthew has developmental delays and has been an Achieve Tahoe skiing participant for several years. We can’t speak highly enough about the quality of this program and the ways in which they have enriched his experience outdoors, not to mention the ways it has enriched us as a family by showing all of us that he can learn to ski and love it. The staff is so organized and very accommodating. We are constantly amazed at the professionalism and dedication of the volunteers who have worked with Matthew—they are so patient and tireless in their work with him! He loves going there, seeing Marina and all the instructors he has come to know and love. It’s such a welcoming environment and we are greeted with smiles and enthusiasm every single weekend. We are constantly recommending this program to all of our friends and would unequivocally recommend any family to check this program out—you will be delighted with the doors it opens for your child and your family!
Achieve Tahoe works miracles.
When I first signed my autistic son up for ski lessons, I assumed it was really just babysitting. I never thought he would actually learn to ski. Was I ever wrong!
Not only can he now actually ski, he loves it. The people at Achieve Tahoe made it a fun, positive experience. They are realistic in goals, but also never give up on a kid. They kept working with him to get him up on skis, onto the chair lift, and onto real slopes. I am amazed and humbled by all they have done with and for him.
It's been a gift for our whole family. When we had a special needs child, I thought our skiing days were over. Thanks to the people at Achieve Tahoe, we are able to something I never thought possible - go skiing!
I have volunteered for Achieve Tahoe for 6 years and I love everything about this organization. Volunteering for them is one of my favorite things that I do. I love meeting all the participants and their families and watching the joy that is brought to all of them when the participants gets to engage in one of the activities that the program offers. The memories that are created are memories that last a lifetime. The staff and other volunteers are all hard working, compassionate, and enthusiastic people. I can't say enough positive things about this nonprofit.
I love Achieve Tahoe! I started off as an intern and have stayed with the program for 3 seasons now! The inclusive atmosphere and constant push for independence are only part of what makes Achieve Tahoe great. All the staff at Achieve Tahoe are dedicated to providing a once in a lifetime experience, and we constantly push our students to think “If I can do this, I can do anything!” There’s simply nowhere in the world quite like Lake Tahoe, and Achieve Tahoe helps to make it so special!
“Achieve Tahoe is the greatest! We have attended the winter skiing program and just got back from the summer program. I can't say enough about this program and the people who work and volunteer. We had so much fun kayaking, tubing and jet skiing. Our person, Felicia, was amazing. She made us feel comfortable and that we could do it. I never thought I could kayak and I did it! I also got to hang out with Keegan who was my ski instructor last winter. Thank you Achieve Tahoe for the opportunity for us live and love life!
My son, who has Spina Bifida, started in this program 6 years ago. The instructors and staff are encouraging and fun, yet challenge him to go beyond his perceived limits. He's now independent on his mono-ski but keeps up with his lessons as he loves the program and learns something new every time . This is an amazing life changing program!”
The team at Achieve Tahoe are so wonderful. My son, Jon (quad CP with minimal balance or body control, full time power chair user) agreed to his first lesson in December, after lots of convincing aka telling him he was going to try it regardless :). The whole team, Mika (sp?), Shawnna, Camille, and everyone else are so positive and encouraging...speaking and interacting directly with Jon!! (Not us parents) Jon was a bit scared and nervous at first but after the first run he really began to enjoy it, he even asked to go again! This is a really big deal for Jon as he never asks to do any of the numerous activities we've pushed him to try in the past. Thank you so much!
Since the first lesson, Jon has gone skiing with Achieve Tahoe two more times this season and each time he enjoys even more. What a great experience. We are very thankful and looking forward to next season!
Achieve Tahoe has changed the lives of so many people, and for the better!
I have volunteered and worked at this wonderful organization for many decades. Achieve Tahoe is a non-profit that operates and provides year-round activities for participants with disabilities and their families.
For someone who spends numerous hours rehabbing in a hospital, enduring visits to the physical therapist and occupational therapist, a visit to our program is a breath of fresh air.
The participants partake in outdoor activities, learning how to enjoy life, engage in exercise that is FUN, and have a social outlet for themselves and their family.
To say that Achieve Tahoe works miracles on a daily basis is not an overstatement.
Incredibly dedicated and enthusiastic staff...volunteers eager to help...a perfect setting for our disabled participants. This organization is the best Non-Profit I have ever been associated with. For years it has been making a difference in the lives of thousands of disabled folks and their families.
I have been volunteering with this program, winter and summer, for over 10 years. It is an amazing program! We work with people with all sorts of disabilities and help them experience the outdoors. Programs include waterskiing and wakeboarding, snowskiing and snowboarding, kayaking, 4 wheel drive trips, bicycling and much more!
As an example, I've helped blind people ride bikes, paraplegics and quadraplegics to waterski and snowski. We work with kids, adults, disabled veterans, you name it. The program has ongoing training for it's volunteers, so we can really offer a great product to our students. I highly recommend Disabled Sports Far West to volunteers and participants.
This organization helped me leave my wheelchair, find the mountaintop, and ski down! Every chain of limitation associated with my disability was broken by this agency - I went from looking at the snowy mountains and wondering what everybody was doing out there to full immersion, all inclusive, thrilling participation in winter and summer sports because of DSUSA-Far West. I pushed my body beyond my limits, viewed glorious landscapes and made new friends for a lifetime. I can't say enough about this organization, they will stop at nothing to include anyone with any disability in the wonderment of outdoor recreation.
Our sons have participated in both winter and summer sports with DSUSAFW since 2008. They snow and water ski almost every year, and as a family we have enjoyed the 4WD backcountry day trips the past 2 summers. The staff and volunteers are all tops, from management and the office to the folks on the lake/slopes/trails.
The first time I saw our son with Cerebral Palsy skiing down the slope at Alpine Meadows, I cried. Never did we think this boy who had just begun to walk independently would be SNOW SKIING at age 5!! He now loves skiing and looks forward to his sessions with excitement.
At our last waterski session, the staff patiently encouraged our other, very strong-willed but cautious son to try skiing without the outriggers and holding the rope on his own, something he had been very hesitant to do the past session. He succeeded, and left the lake that day with a huge smile on his face and pride in his accomplishment.
There is no way on our own that we could provide the equipment and other necessary resources to enable our boys to participate in these activities. We are so thankful that DSUSA exists to make these experiences possible for our sons and so many others affected by disability.
Thank you, DSUSAFW!! You rock!
I've been volunteering with Disabled Sports USA Far West (DSUSAFW) for about three years. I've also attended numerous events with my nephew, who is a program participant. I can't say enough good things about DSUSAFW in terms of both the programs and the staff. This is a true gem of an organization and one that renews my faith in humanity over and over again.
I have worked with several nonprofits assisting persons with disabilities and Disabled Sports USA Farwest is one of the best due to their focus on skills development and independence for their clients. I am amazed every time a client succeeds at a skill that no one ever expected them to conquer. And it happens Every Day at a Disabled Sports event.
As volunteer at DSUSA-FW ,was used to seeing people energized by the freedom of skiing but one day saw a female positively radiant after her first day on the hill. Introduced myself and asked how her day was One thing led to another and we have now been happily married for 12 years. We still ski and thank DSUSA-FW for bringing us together.
We love this organization! Making sports accessible to everyone is a crucial part of creating true community where everyone has a place and everyone belongs. As parents of a child with disabilities, Disabled Sports presents us with opportunities to see our kid out there, trying new things and gaining confidence. Thank you!
I have been volunteering at Disabled Sports for 3 years now and have seen complete transformations in lives. By helping get people out to do fun, adventurous and exciting sports they help people who are handicapped realize that there is still excitement to be had in this life. To see a smile on the face of someone that comes to Disabled Sports for their first time means the most to me. I know we are helping develop stronger people who have the confidence and experience to get out and live life no matter how challenging it may be. They might only get out once a year and Disabled Sports makes that experience amazing. Something they will never forget. I know I will remember it as the best thing I have ever done. Thanks again to the Team at Disabled Sports USA!
Brian D.
Our church has a session dedicated to the disabled, and this year arranged a ski-trip to Alpine Meadows in Tahoe. My autistic brother learned to ski for the first time as part of this trip. His teacher was Matthew Drexel, and we were all very moved by his dedication to my brother. He was very cheerful and friendly, and taught my brother with the same level of respect as a non-handicapped person. Thanks to Matt, my brother had the time of his life learning to ski. I look forward to going again!
(Link to a video of the lesson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXLasYhUNwQ)
My husband, a wounded warrior and I had the privilege to participate in their adaptive sports program this summer. The experience was nearly overwhelming as the kindness and the entire event were amazingly well organized and executed.
Every one from Disabled Sports USA Far West was great and they deserve all the consideration possible. Seldom have we encountered a more caring, professional and energetic group of people who made our experience one that we'll remember until the end of our days.
Thank you Disabled Sports USA Far West, you're the best!!!
SSG Kelly D. Strong, Senior Combat Medic 870th M.P. Co., 49th M.P. BN, US Army, retired
Kornelia Strong, Department of Veterans Affairs Caregiver-Mentor
Disabled Sports truly made our Ski trip to Tahoe an AWESOME one. Our son is autistic and I (dad) have had such a tough time trying to get him skiing. We had tried various one-on-one lessons at some of the large resorts, but it wasn't until our experience with Disabled Sports (@ Alpine Valley) that things really clicked. My son LOVED it. The instructors were amazingly patient with him. I couldn't recommend them enough.
I have been a client of TASS, the name I warmly remember for over 20 years. My son started there in the 90's. I was poisoned by the contaminated L-tryptophan while I was pregnant. He was born with the disease, lived in a lot of pain and had a lot of leg problems. They were so patient with him even on the days he could barely get out of bed. They would wait. He had become over weight and hated life. Every winter we came and spent a week. My son grew to not only love skiing, but also to love himself. They were all so loving and empathetic my son gained emotional strength as well as becoming an advanced skier, forward and backward. They loved to ski with him. It was hard to tell he was disabled.
During my divorce he was put in the middle by my X and struggled. He stopped coming with me. They all banned together and tried to get him to come. It was like having an extended family. I realized at this point I could take the lessons and grow for myself. I had already been skiing for 30 years and thought I knew everything. They turned my skiing around, made it less stressful on my legs and helped me to regain the love of skiing I had lost due to the pain of which I lived.
I would name names, but I fear I might forget one. The instructors, staff and administrators are ALL some of the nicest caring people we have ever met. My son has been back to get hugs a few times in the last few years and everyone has a big smile for him. I will mention one person who was a major player in my son's leaving the poor me's and becoming self confident. It was Bill who not only is in a wheel chair, but also a champion skier. It helped my son see that if Bill could do that much he could, too.
I even went last year knowing I couldn't ski due to an ankle fracture. I needed my hug fix and got it. Look out you guys, I am coming in February as I always do. It is my birthday present I give myself every year. I live in PA.
Disabled Sports are amazing for working with us; disabled! I am a fairly new paraplegic and they taught me both snowskiing and waterskiing. To be able to teach someone of any level injury in a way that they can excel is awesome! I feel so fortunate to have a fabulous group to be able to get out and enjoy sports. Since I have a very high standard as a business manager, I really appreciated the professionalism and care I received from all those I have encountered at Disabled sports. And, I really have to Thank Bill Bowness for teaching, encouraging and helping me appreciate all that we can do in the snow, in the water and out and about. Thank you to all at Disabled Sports!
I’m a BK amputee that needed a lesson in skiing deep powder. Mother Nature delivered a HUGE storm the day of the lesson. I assumed the lesson would be canceled due to extreme weather. I was pleased to learn they teach in all kinds of conditions. After the lesson, I was so impressed, I signed up as a volunteer. I’m starting my 3rd year.
I started skiing with Disabled Sports USA at Alpine Meadows 15 years ago. I never thought I'd enjoy the slopes again after being paralyzed from a car wreck 32 years ago. I have had so much fun wiping out on the intermediate slope and gliding down the bunny slope. My life is full! People cannot believe that I can snow ski. I tell them its all because of Alpine Meadows adaptive ski program.
Love you guys!
Shirley
I am fortunate enough to have experience with DSUSAFW both as a volunteer and as the guardian of a client. I became involved because I wanted to make sure that my nephew has access to outdoor recreational opportunities. He's only six years old, but the staff of DSUSAFW went out of their way to make sure that he could participate. Thus far, we've had him out in the bi-ski, during their snowsports program, and out on the water ski, during their summer watersports program. The expertise, enthusiasm, and kindness embodied in the DSUSAFW staff is truely outstanding.
Because we (i.e. my nephew and I) had such a great experience, I've now enrolled to be a snowsports instructor. I've already participated as a volunteer during their summer watersports program and was blown away by the quality of the program and how easy staff made it for volunteers to just jump in and get involved (while ensuring client safety and enjoyment, of course). I am very much looking forward to becoming more involved and doing more fun things with my nephew and all the other wonderful people at DSUSAFW.
This organization is so important in the life of our family! It makes a true difference and provides kids and people of all ages not just with opportunities to do things they wouldn't be able to do otherwise, but with tools and confidence to pursue their dreams in life and with the powerful "I can" attitude. What they do is truly remarkable and goes well beyond just the activities - it's character building!
This organization is absolutely fantastic and much needed and appreciated. We live in San Francisco and before we moved here and found Disabled Sports Far West at Alpine Meadows my family member had never participated in any sports due to their disability. This place has really revolutionized my family members' attitudes toward what they are capable of doing and experiencing. We've participated in both monoskiing and summer sports and adventures and have never been disappointed. My family members entire outlook on life has really been affected in a positive way by our experiences with the incredibly dedicated and kind volunteers and paid staff at DSUSA Far West. We have donated in the past and plan to do so in the future because we know that all of the proceeds they collect go right back into the program. It's cliche to say that the staff and volunteers are angels at places like this- but in this case there are few other words that adequately capture the kindness and dedication that these fine people bring to their work. We are really lucky to have such a place within driving distance of San Francisco and we are already planning some winter trips up to Alpine to see our many friends again this year. If you are uncertain as to whether to donate to this organization, I suggest you take the opportunity to go to Alpine Meadows this winter and go observe the staff working with people of all ages and levels of ability to see the joy they bring to students and family alike. You'll be transformed, and you may just want to volunteer.
This is the most wonderful organization! My son learned to snowboard here, and as a kid with learning disabilities he would NEVER have been able to make it in a typical group class. He grew confident in his skills and loved the time he spent with his counselor / teacher, and as a parent I felt completely secure that he would be safe and in great hands.
He has since gone on to winter weekend trips with his dad, who is a lovely skier - and my son can keep up with anything they try. The solid foundation in skills and confidence will be a life-long treasure.
Love you, Disabled Sports USA Far West!
Disabled Sports USA Far West is an awesome organization! We live in San Diego, Ca. But make the 14 hour trip to Tahoe every winter to take our 31 year old son, Zach, with Cerebral Palsy, adaptive skiing. We have been doing this for at least 14 years. Their program is superior to any in S Cal. Haakon, the director, is an excellent leader and has developed a great staff and volunteer team who work tirelessly, year after year, with very little turn over. That tells you they have a work ethic, culture and teamwork that gives first timers or seasoned participants a consistent, quality experience each time they come. The ski instructors and volunteers are excellent skiers, well trained in safety, have great skills in working with a wide variety of disabilities and treat each person as if they are the most important person In the world! It is the finest non-profit we have experienced in 31 years! Skiing is Zach's favorite experience of the whole year thanks to Haakon and his team!
Haakon Lang-Ree 10/30/2013
Beverly, Thank you so much for your kind endorsement. We love what we do! Cindy Smith Disabled Sports
I can't express how wonderful Disabled Sports is! They helped my son get on skis- something that I never ever though would be possible. This was last winter, 8 months ago, and it still gets me choked up thinking about it. An incredible program with a fantastic staff!
Kind patient joyful staff/volunteers who help others gain life skills like confidence and self-esteem that endure well past the day in the snow.
This year will be the fourth year in which my son has been served by Disabled Sports USA. This is a great organization with a fabulous staff of patient, caring ski instructors who know how to bring out the best in their clients. Even though my son has a neurological condition that impacts his balance and reflexes, they know how to coax him into trying his best on skis. He loves every lesson he has with them and is growing in confidence every year. And best of all, I think the lessons are improving his coordination and balance. All year long, he proudly tells his school mates that he loves skiing. You are in safe hands with this terrific adaptive ski school at Alpine Meadows.
We have participated in the adaptive ski program for the last three years and it is so fantastic in every way - the instructors are excellent, the staff is professional and friendly, and the opportunity to be on the mountain priceless. Disabled Sports is providing critical opportunities for physically challenged individuals to experience sports and nature, and the equipment to make them happen.
This is a great program that helps to build confidence and provide the freedom that many may have lost. The inspirational experience for all that are involved is not something money can buy, nor is it measurable by any means. It's a win-win for everyone.
As a volunteer, people thank and praise me for helping out. However, I am the one that is grateful for the eye-opening opportunity this program and the participants have provided. It helps me to keep going when I'm down on my luck or face with big obstacles in life.
I've never met a more devoted, happy, supportive, and hard working group. The Disabled Sports organization is truly amazing and I have seen so many people's lives improved through getting out on the mountain and skiing. The people that use the program would not be able to get out there without the support of Disabled Sports and their selfless and committed staff and volunteers.
We have 2 boys that have autism. My wife found Disabled Sports 6 years ago and we decided to take the boys to Tahoe to try skiing. I was amazed that their instructors had the boys skiing on the first day and we have been coming ever since. In addition we have taken the boys white water rafting, jet skiing, biking, amd sailing among other things. The boys love coming to Disabled Sports and they have a great bond with their instructors. The staff of Diabled Sports is awsome and it is so great to see people with disabilities enjoying activities that you did not think was possible.