6 Montana Winter Activities for People with Disabilities
Posted on: Nov 01, 2024
When days get shorter and the snow starts to fly, it can be an isolating time for many people with disabilities. But being active throughout the winter can help build community, reduce mental health struggles, and let you try something new. If you’re not sure how to get out there this winter, try some of these activities for people with disabilities around Southwest Montana.
Montana Winter Activities for People With Disabilities
Try Adaptive Skating With Ability Montana
Throughout the winter, Ability Montana offers adaptive skating opportunities to the community. Sled skates, which can range from $800 and up when purchased outright, are available to use free of charge during Ability Montana’s open skates.
Participants sit in a sled outfitted with skate blades, then either propel themselves with a short stick in each hand, or a companion can push them across the ice. To find out more about upcoming open skates, visit our events calendar or contact one of the Ability Montana offices directly.
Join Our Adaptive Hockey League
Take your sled skate skills to the rink during sled hockey days with Ability Montana. In past years, the Helena Miners adaptive team has met regularly throughout the winter to practice, but scheduling depends on interest.
In recent years, hockey has still been an optional add-on during open skate days. Dates and availability vary depending on interest for this community-driven offering, so be sure to reach out to an Ability Montana location in Bozeman, Butte, or Helena if you’re interested in trying out sled hockey this winter.
Eagle Mount Winter Programs
Eagle Mount has been serving people with disabilities for over 40 years, and their winter outdoor recreation programs make it simple to get outside this winter.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Adaptive skiing can look very different depending on the individual. It might involve a sit ski, adaptive snowboarding, or skiing with a sighted guide. But no matter how you shred, Eagle Mount’s programs can get you out on the slopes at Bridger Bowl Ski Area or Big Sky Resort this winter.
Cross Country Skiing
Hosted at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center near Bridger Bowl, Eagle Mount’s eight-week Nordic skiing session is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Come experience a world of winter marked by peaceful trails through the trees and plenty of fresh air to go around. You can see upcoming scheduled dates on their website, or reach out to Eagle Mount directly for more information.
Snowshoeing
If you’re ready to strap a pair of snowshoes on your feet and walk through the snowy woods, you might want to give adaptive snowshoeing with Eagle Mount a try. Adaptive snowshoeing might include snow shoes, kick sleds or adaptive cross-country skis. Or the right adaptive equipment might be a walker with skis on the bottom. Each person is unique, and adaptive recreation equipment is designed to help you get out and enjoy the outdoors. Check out Eagle Mount’s eight-week snowshoeing sessions at Crosscut this winter.
Try indoor meetups to beat cabin fever
Outdoor recreation may be the star of the show when it comes to activities for people with disabilities in the winter. But finding time to get involved in the community doesn’t just include shredding on the ski slopes or tearing it up on the hockey rink. Ability Montana offers a full calendar of support groups, meet-ups, game nights, and more, all year round. Engage with the community and stay active with upcoming events from Ability Montana.
If you have questions about any of Ability Montana’s programs, or you’re looking for other ways to stay active this winter, reach out to an Ability Montana location in Bozeman, Butte, or Helena to find out more.