Adaptive Snowsports
Welcome to our Adaptive Snowsports Programme
The Remarkables Adaptive Snowsports Programme aims to assist anyone with a disability to get out and have fun on the snow. We’re here to give you whatever help you might need to achieve your skiing/boarding aspirations and to share our wonderful alpine environment.
Snowsports are a fantastic way to get exercise and meet friends at the same time and the programme works to ensure there is virtually no limit as to who can participate. With the right equipment, instruction and/or complimentary volunteer support, anyone can enjoy the thrill of the mountains regardless of ability!
The Remarkables is not only an excellent facility for accessing the outdoors and snowsports but is also fantastic ski area for families. There’s plenty of sunshine and plenty of entertainment in a beautiful alpine environment.
Complimenting all that is on offer at The Remarkables, programme kids aged 6 and under receive free day lift passes.
The Remarkables also offers spectacular views across Lake Wakatipu with its elevation ensuring the snow is crisp, user friendly and the slopes provide something for everyone.
Our Adaptive Instruction Team
Ross James heads up the Adaptive Sports programme with over 20 years disabled snow sports instruction and disability services experience.
Ross leads our team of qualified adaptive instructors, trained volunteers, and experienced staff, who understand the adaptations and needs of those participating in adaptive snowsports. Safety, fun and learning are the focus for the programme.
The Remarkables programme volunteers are available for on mountain snow support for anyone requiring assistance accessing the mountain. Volunteers are available free of charge on an advance booking basis. Unique to the Remarkables programme our volunteers are also available to help students cement new skills taught by an instructor.
It is essential that individuals / groups wishing to use this service book in advance.
Adaptive Instructor Qualifications
In conjunction with Disabled Snowsports NZ (DSNZ), the Remarkables Adaptive programme offers adaptive training for volunteers and training towards qualifications for adaptive instructors. Information about how to become a volunteer or an adaptive instructor is available at
DSNZ Helpers or
email the programme directly at school@theremarkables.co.nz
(please include the word ADAPTIVE in the subject line)
or contact Ross directly on ph: 03 442 4613.
What’s Needed to Participate?
- A Windproof jacket and trousers (can be rented on mountain if required)
- Hat / Beanie and gloves.
- Sunglasses or goggles
- Sunscreen
- Some money for café/ refreshments
- Equipment Hire
Rental per day
We have a pool of adaptive equipment available on mountain and can access further equipment should it be needed. Advance bookings are recommended to ensure that your needs are met.
| Equipment | Non DSNZ Member | DSNZ Member |
| Outriggers | $20 | $10 |
| Sit Ski's | $40 | $20 |
| Links | $10 | Deposit |
Lift Passes & Lessons
At the Remarkables we offer members of DSNZ a 50% discount off the price of a day lift ticket. If that person needs the help of a volunteer and they bring their own, then their helper also receives a 50%discount off their day lift ticket.
Instruction
One-on-one instruction in snowboarding and skiing is offered at the early bird rate of $85/hr at any time of the day. We suggest that you leave time to practice between lessons.
For beginners we recommend 1 hour of practice to each one hour lesson and 3 hours of practice to each 1 hour lesson for all other levels.
Volunteers
If you would like to make use of our trained volunteers to assist you on the mountain please contact us to make a booking. This service is free of charge.
Volunteers are trained in all aspects of adaptive snowsports including sit skis, sighted guide, 4 track, and buddying someone with an intellectual disability.
The booking form is good way of letting us know your needs so that we can best accommodate them.
How to get in touch
The Adaptive Coordinator is based on the mountain and provides the first point of contact for people wishing to access the Adaptive Snowsports Programme.
For general enquiries or to make a booking contact the Snowsports School at the Remarkables
Email: school@theremarkables.co.nz
Phone: (03) 442 4613
To download an Adaptive Programme pre booking form click here
Booking ahead is recommended.
For a print ready Adaptive Programme 2008 information sheet click here.
The Remarkables programme has been made possible by the generous assistance of Disabled Snowsports New Zealand, and the support of Southern Alpine Recreation Ltd and The Remarkables Alpine Resort.
About Disabled Snowsports NZ
Disabled Snowsports NZ is a national charitable organisation that helps to remove participation barriers and encourages people with physical or intellectual disabilities to get involved in Snowsports.DSNZ is the national advocate for Adaptive Snowsports, supporting programs run by its seven regional branches and New Zealand’s alpine resorts. Support includes promotion, adaptive training for instructors and volunteers, fundraising for new equipment and hosting national fun and competitive events.
To find out more about NZ Disabled Snow Sports, membership and support click here
To Join DSNZ
Membership form & more information can be downloaded by clicking here
or you can collect a form from The Remarkables Adaptive Coordinator
To register clients should bring
1. Passport photo
2. Doctors certificate/letter verifying disability/impairment
3. Membership fee
4. Completed membership form
