Meadows Learning Center Adaptive Lessons

At the Mt. Hood Meadows Learning Center, it is our goal to make snow sports accessible to people of all abilities. Adaptive Lessons through our Meadows Learning Center cater to a full spectrum of skiers and snowboarders from beginning to advanced. Our trained instructors, guides, and assistants will help you access the slopes in a safe and fun way!

Please email AdaptiveLessons@skihood.com for more information. 

What Equipment and Lesson are Right for Me:

We offer adaptive ski and snowboard lesson to a wide range of abilities. At Mt. Hood Meadows, our instructors are specially trained in teaching lessons for individuals who experience a variety of cognitive, mental, and physical barriers to skiing and snowboarding.

Adaptive lessons are available for students with cognitive, mental, and physical disabilities. Some common diagnoses of our students include: Low vision or blindness, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Spinal Cord Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Amputation, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Down Syndrome, PTSD, and more. Students with other needs or supports may also be eligible for an adaptive lesson.

A diagnosis or disability does not necessarily qualify a student for an adaptive lesson. Adaptive lessons are appropriate when a student requires 1:1 support from a trained instructor, due to a medical or personal barrier, that is unavailable in one of our group or traditional private snowsports lessons. If you have any questions as to whether an adaptive lesson is appropriate for your situation, please contact AdaptiveLessons@skihood.com.

Alpine and Snowboard rental equipment are available from our Rental Center. Specialty equipment, such as stand up outriggers, are available when needed or upon request.

Bi-Ski Explanation: 

Bi-skiing is a downhill ski technique whereby you are seated in a device attached to an articulating undercarriage, which is mounted on two uniquely designed skis. The design of the bi-ski offers a lot of stability and maneuverability and has a wide appeal to skiers with a variety of disabilities.


Mono-Ski Explanation:

In adaptive skiing, a mono-ski is a piece of sit-down equipment that enables people to ski sitting down in a molded seating apparatus or bucket, similar to a motorcycle's sidecar. The mono-ski is the most difficult piece of sit-down equipment to use because it requires the greatest balance, strength, and coordination.

Three-track and Four-track (Standing with Outriggers) Explanation:

Outriggers are pieces of equipment, resembling forearm crutches, that can help with a student's balance and timing by providing extra points of contact on the snow. Hand-help outriggers are often used for stand-up skiing to provide the student with additional support. Three- and four-track skiing is typically suggested for students who are able to stand on one or both legs on standard skis but may require additional balance support with the use of outriggers because of limited strength in the lower body. Three-track skiers have three points of contact with the snow, typically with two legs on standard skis and one arm using an outrigger. Four-track skiers typically have four points of contact with the snow through both legs and arms. Skiers may participate in three- or four-track skiing with either natural or prosthetic limbs.

Two-track Skiing (Standing without Outriggers) Explanation:

Students will typically use both legs and standard skis for two-track skiing. Additional support can be provided through tethering, tip retention devices, and more. Students will also be receiving one-on-one support for any additional learning needs.

Adaptive Snowboarding Explanation:

A member of our team will work with participants to adapt the snowboard lesson to each individual's abilities and interests. Additional equipment, such as hula hoops, bamboo poles, and increased visual, verbal, and/or one-on-one support is also available to enhance the learning process. Stand-up outriggers may also be used during snowboard lessons to provide students with additional support.

Book Lessons in Advance

All adaptive lessons must be booked 72 hours in advance. To ensure lesson availability, it is recommended that you book 7-14 days in advance.

Checking in and Cancellations

If a member of our team has confirmed your reservation, we will be able to complete your purchase at check-in on your lesson date. Check-in is recommended at least 90 minutes prior to your adaptive lesson time if you are renting equipment and no less 30 minutes prior if you have your own equipment. The Adaptive/Private Lesson Check-in Desk is located in the Sahale Lodge on the main floor at the far left sales station. All cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance by emailing us at AdaptiveLessons@skihood.com or will be subject to a $25 cancellation fee.

Safety & Health Considerations When Requesting an Adaptive Lesson

Before booking an adaptive lesson at Mt. Hood Meadows, please consider the health status of participants wishing to learn to ski and ride with us. Due to the nature of adaptive snowsports instruction, every student will inevitably be within 6 feet of their instructor at some point during the lesson (whether inside or on the chairlift). Though we can accommodate minimizing risk through PPE, there is inherent risk in coming into close contact with your adaptive instructors. While we wish that all students could come learn with us, please use caution when requesting a lesson, particularly for students with more serious medical conditions, as it is impossible to eliminate all risk.

*Reservations Required for adaptive equipment and lessons