No Limits: Opportunities for all in Winter Recreation and Beyond

Around this time of year, families begin planning their winter sports programming in anticipation of the upcoming ski season. Family ski trips and after-school and weekend ski and snowboard teams are the hallmarks of winter adventure in Tahoe. However, for many within the community, various circumstances can lessen their accessibility to such activities.

Finding offerings that can accommodate the unique needs of families experiencing economic hardships, disabilities or other impairments can be daunting. To help facilitate winter fun for everyone, below is a list of organizations that provide opportunities for inclusion in winter recreation, community events and activities to ensure all families can get excited for the season ahead.

Achieve Tahoe
Offering an adaptive sports program for individuals with cognitive, sensory or physical disabilities all year long, Achieve Tahoe provides specialized equipment and instruction to suit the specific needs of each participant in a wide range of activities and athletic pursuits. Achieve Tahoe focuses on providing safe and supportive access to outdoor recreation while helping people gain independence and develop new skills at every level.

Visit their website to learn how you and your family can participate!

Elevation Truckee
Offering a variety of meaningful services for individuals ages 18 and over, Elevation Truckee helps people with different abilities break barriers to achieve their goals of self-expression, functional and healthy living skills,  vocational skills and more. As part of its programming, Elevation Truckee provides opportunities for recreational enrichment, community interaction and integration. To learn more about day programs, independent living services and tailored day services, click here.

High Fives Foundation
Through various programming, the High Fives Foundation promotes sports safety and provides funding and other resources for athletes, military veterans and first responders who have suffered life-changing injuries to heal through adaptive sports on the snow, in the water or on the trails. Visit their website to learn about all the programs offered and how to participate.

Ski for Light
Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center (TDXC) is proud to partner with “Ski for Light,” an international organization dedicated to providing skiing opportunities for visually impaired individuals. Throughout the winter season, TDXC will offer discounted rates and serve as a venue for guide training, supporting this incredible initiative. Click here for more information.

Ski PE at Tahoe Donner
Cross Country Ski Center Winter sports are a prolific part of the Truckee Community. But, not all families may have the capacity to participate. Through a partnership with the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center (TDXC), elementary schools in the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District are invited to explore the trails at the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center. With complimentary passes and low-cost equipment provided, it is a memorable experience for local kids to discover the joy of cross country skiing at a world-class facility. Visit TDXC’s website to learn more.

Tahoe Ability Program
Tahoe Ability Program fosters independence and inclusion for individuals living with developmental disabilities. Through independent living and day programs and tailored services, participants are supported in meeting their individualized goals in health and wellness, community integration, self-advocacy, socialization, literacy and higher education. Tahoe Ability Program partners with local businesses and organizations to provide a variety of enriching activities, learning and employment opportunities and more to ensure success. Visit their website for more information.

Photo Credits: Nick Cahill (Header), Cynthia Cendreda (Achieve Tahoe), Courtesy of Elevation Truckee, Courtesy of High Fives Foundation, Courtesy of Ski for Light (Tim McCorcle), Camy Bretin (Ski PE), Courtesy of Tahoe Ability Program