Each year, members of the Deep Creek Lions Club organize their annual Blind Skier Service Program, which allows children with varying levels of visual impairment to learn to ski. Some of the skiers in the program have skied before, while others are experiencing the magic of the mountain for the first time. Each skier generally has two guides that stay with them, and then other guides who help maintain safe boundaries in front and behind the blind skiers. The guides are comprised of Deep Creek Lions Club members, local volunteers, and local high school students. Many of Railey Realty’s agents have volunteered in the past, and agent Mike Wallace hit the slopes with the skiers this year. Wisp Resort is a perfect resort for this program, as it features long, wide green slopes on North Camp and a great mix of green and blue slopes, perfect for learning.
The children in this program come from all over the state, including the Maryland School of the Blind. The blind skiers are assisted down the mountain with special equipment depending on their skill level. The skiers generally start out with a special pole, the skier in the middle holding on to the pole, and a guide on either side. This allows for the skier to get the feel of their skiers and movement without having to worry about steering or speed. As the skier advances, they can move to the tether, which connects them to a guide skier behind them. This helps the skier learn how to turn independently. After that, depending on skill and sight level, the skiers can ski unassisted, with vocal help from guides on either side, advising them when to turn or slow down. The skiers who participate often come back year after year, advancing their skills with confidence.
This year, the program took place four weeks in a row, offering the Bling Skier Service Program to four different groups. Railey Vacations is proud to help provide the housing for this program each year. The owners of Ski Harbor 21, Deep Creek Chalake, and Deep Creek Village 34 generously donated their homes for the traveling skiers and their families.
If you’re interested in volunteering or donating, you can find more information on the Deep Creek Lions Club website.
Connect