Restrictions are sloooowly easing, and now we're dreaming of travelling around Victoria! There are so many wonderful places to explore, but in winter we can think of nothing better than the snow fields.
An awesome combination of excitement, adaptability, skill, and hot chocolates, snow sports offer something for everyone. Disabled Wintersport Australia is here to make sure everyone can access it and have a great time on the slopes.
Keep reading to learn about alpine access and accommodation, on-snow programs, how you can get involved with your family and friends, and skiing in the time of COVID-19.
So, this month, let's learn all about Disabled Wintersport Australia!
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Love Sport? Let's learn about... Disabled Wintersport Australia
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Established in 1978, Disabled Wintersport Australia has supported generations of snow sports enthusiasts to find a way into extreme sports and explore the opportunities available to them in our beautiful alpine regions.
It was founded after Ron Finneran, OAM, realised his dream of attending the Winter Paralympic Games. Mr Finneran, alongside Nick Dean and Bruce Abel, led the charge in developing Para-Winter Sport in Australia, and in the 41 years since has transformed the opportunities available to Australians with a disability.
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So, what does DWA do, who do they service, and how can they help?!
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To put it simply, DWA’s primary purpose is to remove barriers that stop Australians with a disability having equitable access to the snow. They do this through their “Four Pillars”, which are the Resort Services, Managed Camps, Training, and Alpine Access Programs – we’ll explain more about each coming up.
DWA operates at all five major Australian resorts and is happy to offer services to any Australian with a disability that needs modified assistance to access the snow. In the past this has meant help for people with visual impairments, amputations, or a variety of cognitive disabilities – they are happy to modify their services to ensure you can have a safe and amazing time on the slopes!
They do this through some incredibly designed adaptive equipment and volunteer adaptive snow sport guides. Their guides are trained in disability awareness and in the use of the equipment they can support you with, which include sit-skis, communication headsets, and lots more!
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Alpine Access and Accommodation
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Let’s start with the Alpine Access Program. This program is aimed at ensuring facilities and services at resorts allow equal access to Australia’s snowfields.
During its 40th Anniversary Year, DWA was proud to open a new fully accessible facility at Howman’s Gap in Falls Creek – the first of its kind above the snow line in Australia. This building is now the base of camps programs providing services to all DWA members, ensuring that they are able to enjoy the experience of visiting the snow with the same comforts as anyone else.
It is also available for members to book with their families and friends, outside the scope of DWA run camps and programs. With at least one camp running a week at Falls, the facility will be home to athletes and volunteers from all over Victoria coming to put their stamp on the Australian ski industry.
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On Snow Programs
DWA’s bread and butter are their camps programs. These offer a structured opportunity to explore the opportunities available to you on snow. Their camps are organised several times a season, taking on average 8 to 10 members along with trained guides that allow unique experiences to be achieved and great memories to be made.
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The camps offer an all-inclusive opportunity, including:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Lift-passes
- Access to equipment
- Adaptive Snowsport Guides
- Lessons can also be purchased for those new to the snow
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While they do recommend camps to first timers in-particular, some of their most experienced athletes also join in on them because of the mates they get to be with, both new and old! If you would like to find out more about the camps program, please head over to the DWA website.
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The Resort Services Program allows members to experience the snow how they want – with family, friends, or even alone.
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After submitting a request, DWA provides access to our Adaptive Snowsports Guides and/or equipment as needed. This program is quickly becoming a member favourite as it allows people to visit the snow on their own time and with whoever they want. If you are new to the snow however, we recommend that you grab a resort instructor to help you learn the basics!
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DWA has big plans for the future as they look into making sure the Australian Alpine region is available to members all year round. The “Green Season Program” will continue to strive for greater accessibility to these remote areas, while looking into other sporting and social opportunities for members! This will hopefully mean mountain biking, lake sports and exploring the regional communities that they work within.
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COVID-19 update:
While COVID-19 has changed their plans for this coming winter, they are still hoping to move forward with some form of services. DWA will work with staff, government, and resorts to ensure their final product will be a health-conscious and great experience for any members who are able to explore the snow this year.
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To sign up as a member for DWA there are two basic steps:
- Register as a member online:
- $159 annual membership for full members
- $79 annual membership for volunteer guides
- Ask your GP or another medical professional to complete our Supporting Medical Documentation
- DWA needs this specific form because of how it covers NDIA and Government compliance requirements
If you would like any more information, please visit the DWA website or contact the DWA team who will be happy to provide any extra information.
Website: www.disabledwintersport.com.au
Contact: info@disabledwintersport.com.au
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For Victorian site locations and more information, head to the AAA Play's Find An Activity Snowsports page here.
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AAA Play is an initiative supported by the Victorian Government.
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