Create opportunities for people with disabilities

This Winter, I began to teach skiing for people with disabilities through Achieve Tahoe. Achieve Tahoe creates year-round opportunities for families like mine to do the things we love together. I hope you will join me in supporting them.

I have always loved to ski, but the sport has never meant more to me. Few things make me happier than to see the smile of someone who is experiencing the weightless glide of skiing for the first time, or who has regained that feeling after a traumatic event.

I also get the chance to repay a huge debt. When I was little, my dad taught me how to ski. Now we get to learn together as he gets back on the slopes. (Note: I refused to make a turn for about 3 seasons, he has been a better student.) See the bottom of the page for a video of him skiing with Achieve Tahoe at Squaw Valley earlier this year!

If you are able, please help me support Achieve Tahoe and the great work they do to make stories like ours possible. More information on the organization is below:

Achieve Tahoe leads the way in adaptive sports and recreation for people with disabilities. With over 50 years experience, our trained staff and volunteers guide you in discovering life without limits. Our specialized adaptive equipment and teaching methods allow us to accommodate almost ANYone with ANY disability.

Our Mission is to provide affordable inclusive physical and recreational activities that build health and confidence.

Brief History In 1967 Jim Winthers, a World War II Veteran of the 10th Mountain Division and Director of the Soda Springs Ski School, brought together a group of Vietnam Veterans to support each other as they learned to cope with their disabilities. These Veterans taught themselves and others how to ski. From there, our organization was born.

Achieve Tahoe has continued its rehabilitation orientation and remains dedicated to the belief that sports are a vital part of the process in which individuals with disabilities gain self-confidence, mobility, and greater independence. Our programs promote education, socialization and employment. They help turn tragedy into triumph by instilling in participants the knowledge that it's not their disabilities, but their abilities that count.

Family Orientation We encourage the whole family to participate in many of our programs and activities. This can strengthen family bonds while ending the isolation of individuals with disabilities by uniting families through recreational activities.