A unique piece of equipment has arrived at Kendal Snowsports Club to help people in wheelchairs or walking aids enjoy skiing.
The sit-ski has been sent from Colorado in the USA to the club.
A spokesman said: “For years the club have tried to manage with a junior sit-ski, cramming some regular users into a most uncomfortable seat with their knees almost under their chin – we all put up with uncomfortable equipment sometimes just so we can ski.
“The new sit-ski didn’t come cheap but with generous support by a national organisation Toyota Parasport and a local event that raises money for local charities, The Buttermere Bash we were able to buy the equipment – and a few spare parts to extend the life of the much used and loved junior sit-ski.”
It will allow the club to work with our present group of adaptive skiers and move forward in the future to expand its use.
The spokesman added: “During our Saturday session we can now have up to eight seated skiers. A day after arriving it was in use! The first user was new, from Ilkley and would not have been able to come if the new ski had not arrived.
“The session proved a great success and they thoroughly enjoyed their first experience. They said ‘imagine the wind against your face as you come down the slope, seems simple to us all but if you have never felt anything like it in your life it’s brilliant’.
“The second user was a regular user. The first thing said was how much more comfortable it was, no strain on the back and much better leg position. It may have been the new sit-ski or just a good day but they skied down the slope making carved turns and in perfect control.”
