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Aspen Winter Camp, Autism Skis!, Welcomes and Supports All Children and Adults on the Autism Spectrum

Aspen Autism Skis photo Extreme Sports Camp, Aspen Snowmass

Autism Skis! the only winter skiing and snowboarding program that guarantees success for any child or adult with autism no matter where they are on the spectrum announced its upcoming winter camp sessions in Aspen Snowmass for the 2014/15 season.

Autism Skis! is a program of Extreme Sports Camp, a non-profit offering year-round outdoor adventure recreation and learning to those on the spectrum. In addition to its five-day camps, Autism Skis also offers private lessons and mainstream group lessons in conjunction with Aspen Skiing Company. And registrations before Dec. 1 will receive an early bird discount.

The Autism Skis! program is successful across the spectrum because instructors, supervisors, and skills trainers are extensively trained by autism experts using positive and evidence-based behavioral, communications and teaching strategies. The Extreme Sports Camp philosophy is to realize sports proficiency while gaining social experiences and having fun.

At the Winter Day Camp, campers enjoy five days of skiing and snowboarding in Snowmass, one of the worlds premierfamily-friendly ski resorts just a few miles outside of Aspen. Autism Skis is in its fifth year at Snowmass, which boasts vast ski terrain spreading over 3,332 acres with 2.3 million acres of national forests behind it.

The camps home base continues at the luxury resort, Viceroy Snowmass offering convenient on-mountain ski-in/ski-out access.

2014/15Season Camp Dates

  • December 22- 26 (Christmas)
  • December 29-January 2 (New Year’s)
  • February 16-20 (President’s Week)
  • March 9-13
  • March 16-20 (St. Patty’s)
  • March 23-27
  • March 30- April 3

Five-Day Ski ProgramIncludes:

  • Five-day on-mountain skiing/snowboarding*
  • One-to-one private lesson with an Aspen Skiing Company professional specializingin teaching persons across the autism spectrum
  • Support from behavior specialists will also be available throughout the day to ensure success
  • Ski/Snowboard equipment (skis or board, boots, poles, helmet)
  • Lift tickets
  • Lunchand daytime snacks for camper Monday-Friday
  • Monday breakfast Meet and Greet Friday awards ceremony
  • Opportunity to participate in the after-ski social program of fun, relaxing group activities.

Any registration before Dec. 1 will receive a $100 discount. Equipment rental discounts for family and friends are also available. For information on the camp, scholarships and registration, visit http://www.extremesportscamp.org/programs/winter-programs/.

Private Lessons

Autism Skis has 10 specially trained ski/snowboard pros to support skiers and boarders who prefer a private lesson instead of the camp. The private lesson option pairs campers with Aspen Skiing Company instructors trained by Extreme Sports Camp in working with persons with autism.Because it is a 1:1 program, private lessons allow for greater flexibility and convenience for participants than the camp program while still providing them the same quality ski/ snowboard instruction.

Skills-trainer supported group lessons

Families that want their campers to enjoy a lesson with an Aspen Skiing Company professional instructor while developing their social skills in a mainstream environment can request to sign-up for our skills-trainer supported group lessons. Supervised by an ESC staff member, enrolled studentswill participate in one of Aspen Skiing Companys group lessons alongside neurotypical learners of the same age group and skill level. The skills trainer supported group lessons package includes assistance from an ESC paraprofessional throughout the day.

We are the only winter camp of its kind in the country that is committed to success on the mountain for every participant. We take the more involved person to the Asperger’s individual and tailor the experience to each campers needs, said ESC founder Sallie Bernard. Everyone is welcome.

About Extreme Sports Camp

Autism Skis! Is a program provided by Extreme Sports Camp which serves local, regional and national populations of youth and adults across the autism spectrum through experiential, community-based learning opportunities to enhance their health, abilities, personal growth and social engagement. Since 2004, Extreme Sports Camp has tirelessly worked to create innovative services specifically designed to meet the urgent needs of the autism community. These services include summer residential and day camps, winter ski programs, after-school and weekend activities, and adult employment options. www.extremesportscamp.org