One of the many things to do when you visit Follansbee Inn in North Sutton, NH, is skiing. The entire family can engage in this winter sport, even if one of you may need some form of adaptive skiing equipment.

Plus, guests of Follansbee Inn get a discount on lift tickets at Mt. Sunapee!

What, you might ask, is adaptive skiing? It is the use of special adapted equipment that allows almost anyone with any kind of physical or mental condition that would prevent them from using standard skiing equipment to enjoy skiing with the rest of the family.

A program called New England Healing Sports Association, NEHSA, conducts lessons at Mt. Sunapee in adaptive skiing. These volunteers are well-trained and serve people of all ages and any kind of disability.

Some examples of adaptive skiing include:

Tri-Track Skiing – uses one ski and two outriggers for upright skiing.

Four-Track Skiing – uses two skis and two outriggers.

Other skiers who are blind, visually impaired, hearing impaired, or deaf can also ski with special instructors accompanying them. Those individuals who are developmentally delayed also can ski with instructors.

Some adaptive skiing equipment also allows people without the use of their legs to get out on the snow. Mono-skiers sit in a shell made of fiberglass on a standard ski. Short outriggers are also used for stability. Skiers who have little or no use of their arms/upper body can become bi-skiers, sitting down with two skis under them. They may be tethered to instructors.

What are some of the benefits of adaptive skiing?

For one thing, it allows the entire family to enjoy the outdoors and skiing. It gives parents an opportunity to ski on their own for the time the instructors are teaching their children to use the adaptive skiing equipment. Later, it gives the kids a chance to show their parents what they’ve learned and for the entire family to be proud.

In addition to the family benefits, adaptive skiing builds confidence in those who learn to use the equipment. It gives them the chance to socialize with others who are enjoying the same sport. Adaptive skiing helps develop balance, coordination, motivation, and fitness in a sport that helps people enjoy the outdoors.

When you decide to take advantage of the Mt. Sunapee area and adaptive skiing equipment, there is no better place to stay than Follansbee Inn. The ideal bed and breakfast to come home to in the Sunapee/Dartmouth region is Follansbee Inn. Call 603.927.4221. Or visit www.follansbeeinn.com. Come see us along the shores of Kezar Lake for an enjoyable and relaxing time.