
Alpine Ski & Snowboard, adaptive - Twin Cities
Courage Kenny Ski & Snowboard offers one-to-one instruction in adaptive skiing and snowboarding techniques that accommodate people with a variety of disabilities. Downhill skiing and snowboarding lessons are available for beginner to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Get one-to-one instruction in adaptive skiing techniques. Our volunteer instructors specialize in teaching skiing and snowboarding with the use of adaptive equipment to ski or ride.
We also offer a Development Race Team for athletes interested in competing in alpine racing.
Alpine skiing and snowboarding is offered weekly for eight weeks at for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
2023 SITE LESSON DATES and TIMES available (to consider for your preferences)
- Afton Alps – Saturdays, 9:30am-11:30am, January 7 – March 4
- Hyland Hills – Sundays, 9am-10:30am, January 8 – March 5
- Hyland Hills – Sundays, 11am-12:30pm, January 8 – March 5
- Welch Village – Sundays, 9am-12pm, January 15 – February 26 (6 week session)
- Trollhaugen – Sundays, 12:30-3:30pm, January 8 – March 5
- Hyland Hills – Mondays, 6-8pm, January 9 – March 6
- Development Race Team at Hyland Hills – Mondays, 6-8pm, January 9 – March 6
- Hyland Hills – Wednesdays, 6-8pm, January 11 – March 8
No lessons Feb 18, 19, 20 or 22
Learn more
Who it is for
Lessons are available for intermediate to advanced athletes with disabilities, ages 6 to adult. Appropriate for people with a physical or cognitive disabilities who may need the assistance of adaptive equipment. This includes people who have amputation, visual impairment, stroke, cerebral palsy, brain injury, autism, spinal cord injury and other physical or cognitive disabilities.
There is a 200 pound weight limit for all skiers and snowboarders due to equipment manufacturer specifications and ski instructor safety.
Our volunteer instructors specialize in teaching skiing and snowboarding with the use of adaptive equipment to ski or ride. Priority is given to students who need adaptive equipment, subject to availability. This may include those with physical disabilities, and sensory and visual impairments.
Good to know
Safety
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute requires the use of appropriate ski helmets by both participants and volunteers. There is a 200 pound weight limit for all skiers and snowboarders due to equipment manufacturer specifications and ski instructor safety. The maximum weight limit for participants may be lowered for ski instructor safety as needed. You may be asked to provide a note from your physician confirming your weight.
If we have to cancel three or more lessons during the regular season due to weather, a make-up lesson may be offered in March, depending on volunteer and ski area availability. No refunds are available for missed lessons or weather cancellations.
Weather Policy
Lessons will be canceled when the air temperature is expected to be colder than 5 below zero and/or 10 below zero wind-chill. Cancellation decisions are made each lesson day based on local weather reports and other factors.
Attendance Policy
If you miss more than three lessons without prior notification, you forfeit your spot and the next person on the wait list will be given the option to fill your position.
To participate in in-person activities:
- Sign mandatory PARTICIPATION FORMS & WAIVERS.
- Register online at CK ACTIVE or click the links below for more info.
Get involved
Volunteer Information
Introduce someone with a disability to the world of snow sports. Experienced skiers and boarders are needed as volunteer instructors. Additional volunteers are needed to assist with registration, getting skiers to and from the lifts, and working with equipment. All volunteers receive instruction on adaptive equipment and techniques. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
To volunteer, contact CKRI Volunteer Services at 612-775-2727. Learn more about becoming a Volunteer for CKRI Ski & Snowboard.
For information and to register
Contact information
Tara Gorman
Phone: 612-775-2314
Phone: 612-775-2314
Fee information
See registration link for fee information.
No participant will be turned away due to financial hardships. Cost sharing and scholarships applications are available upon request. Contact CKRIsportsrecreation@allina.com for more information.
What to bring
- Ski helmet (required)
- Winter clothing including a hat, gloves/mittens, boots (for sit down skiers)