Syracuse Area Native Hits the Slopes with Adaptive Ski Equipment
For Brian Amidon, ARISE & Ski is an opportunity to continue enjoying the thrill of flying down snowy slopes. He says: “I am an adrenaline junkie and ARISE & Ski provides me the opportunity to get my fix”.
When Brian moved to the Syracuse area in June of 2005, he was very interested in staying active in downhill skiing, a sport he enjoyed while living in Colorado. But Brian had some pretty specific ski equipment needs. Since sustaining a spinal cord injury, Brian has used an adaptive bi-ski when he hits the slopes. His search for a local ski program that offered a bi-ski met with a dead end until, in 2006, he discovered ARISE & Ski.
Located at Toggenburg Mountain Winter Sports Center in Fabius, ARISE & Ski is the only all inclusive adaptive ski program in Central New York. Since its launch in 1995, the program has grown substantially, from only a handful of participants during its early years to 70 participants during this winter’s ski season. ARISE & Ski takes pride in its ability to offer accommodations to people of all ages and all abilities. The program has a variety of adaptive ski equipment, including mano skis, bi-skis, adaptive snow board equipment, hand held outriggers, and even specialized equipment needed by participants. All of the ARISE & Ski instructors have received or are in the process of receiving the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) Adaptive Certification.
The ski program is made possible through the dedication of about 150 people who volunteer their time each season to help out and join in the fun. Since its inception, ARISE and Ski has also received generous support from Toggenburg Mountain, which provides lift tickets and rentals free of charge, as well as offering space for storing equipment and operating the program. This year, ARISE & Ski gained another sponsor, Alliance Bank, which committed a grant for each of the next three years.
This season, ARISE & Ski’s opening day is January 12th. The program will operate every Saturday and Sunday from January 12th until February 17th from 9:30-11:30 am, and from 1:00 -3:00 pm. Anyone interested in learning more about joining in the fun – as a participant or as a volunteer – can call Richelle Maki at 671-2987. There are still available spaces and the fee for the entire season is $130.00.