Category: Program

It’s hard to believe it’s been a full year of operating under COVID conditions, but we have been able to adapt and overcome and continue to operate. Sadly, our winter season has come and gone and we’re gearing up for Spring! Although we had a smaller than normal winter season we still had an amazing time enjoying the outdoors in the North Country. This winter we were able to offer Alpine Skiing and Riding, Nordic skiing and Winter hiking programming. This year’s Nordic program had some of the best snow conditions that ASPNC has seen in years. This small program has a dedicated group of volunteers that came out every week to share their love of Nordic skiing with our participants. This year they were really able to work on technique.  Winter Hiking was a great time and really got to enjoy our new snowshoes and micro spikes, provided by a generous grant from the Tillotson Foundation. Over the last couple winter seasons it seems like micro spikes are all that we get to use but this winter delivered some beautiful snow to try out new equipment with. Everyone loved the new shoes and they have proven to be an excellent addition to our fleet of equipment.  Our Alpine Ski and Ride program ran again this year out of Cannon Mountain. Alpine programming was one of our trickier programs to run logistically with COVID, due to the use of the lodge. ASPNC is beyond grateful for our partnership with Cannon Mountain and thankful that they again expand our space in the Peabody lodge to allow participants and volunteers to safely distance while inside. Though our season was shortened by a delayed start due to weather, we were able to wrap up our season with our 50% capacity goal for lessons, providing 250 lesson sessions. Though much of our sit down equipment had a delayed season, we were excited to get most of our participants in sit down equipment, including the TetraSki and the TandemFlex, out for some gorgeous and sunny ski days in March. 

Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country (ASPNC) is gearing up for an expanded adaptive snowshoe and winter hiking program this season thanks to an impactful grant from the Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. As part of ASPNC’s strategy to offer as many safe, adaptive sports and outdoor recreation opportunities as possible to people with disabilities during these difficult times, they are doubling down on their winter hiking and snowshoeing program. “This activity will allow our participants and volunteers to get outside in the woods and stay active during the winter season in a safe, socially-distanced way,” said ASPNC Program Manager, Nate Hanson. “We really appreciate the support from the Tillotson Fund and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.” said ASPNC Executive Director Thomas Shovlin. “This investment has allowed ASPNC to add 20 pairs of snowshoes and microspikes to our program, and most importantly, allowed us to expand the number of days we can offer this program.” The grant also covered the purchase of a new TrailRider, a specialized piece of equipment that ASPNC uses to offer year-round hiking experiences to people who use a power wheelchair or have significant mobility challenges. Other partners who helped make this program happen for ASPNC include TSL Snowshoes and REI North Conway. ASPNC will be offering winter hiking and snowshoeing programs three to four times per week and registration for participants who have disabilities can be completed online at www.adaptivesportspartners.org or by calling the office at 823-5232. This winter season, ASPNC is also offering a limited alpine skiing and snowboarding program seven days a week at Cannon Mountain and Nordic skiing opportunities at Franconia Inn and Ski Hearth. If you would like to participate or volunteer to help others enjoy the outdoor experience, please contact Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country at 823-5232 or email info@adaptivesportspartners.org.