I am sad Track 3 is cancelled. It's a gift to me. Here are some questions I answered after last season:
What made you decide to try skiing with Track 3?
I don’t remember.
How would you describe your experience in the program and how it has evolved over time?
Not an easy question. At first I had so much fun on the big hills. Then later years I found it too scary to go on the chairlift. So happy to stay on bunny hill for a few years. Made it easier to learn turns and how to slow down. Got impulse to fall on magic carpet so it became hard to ski bunny hill. The Track 3 people are so nice. They really think I should try big hills. They bought me a harness for the chairlift so I couldn’t fall off. They showed my Dad how to ski so he could go on the chairlift with me. This time, so not nervous in chairlift. On the big hills you are so skiing. Life gets good when the nervous feeling leaves.
What is your favourite thing about the program?
The nice people.
What is the “special ingredient” that makes your time at Track 3 both successful and enjoyable?
There are a few things:
a) It is nice to start later than everyone. There is less noise. Then I don’t feel too sensory sensitive. It helps me try scary things in a calmer way.
b) I have the nicest, most patient teacher. She thinks it’s not my fault I get nervous. She really believes in me.
c) Track 3 so loves when students are happy. They never blame students for a bad night.
How do you feel when people are surprised that you are involved in such an activity?
I think people are really closed to new talking ways. They are really closed to thoughtful, silent people. However skiing is easier to believe. Real life letter talking autistics are the best at proving we are amazing at many things.
What would you say to let others’ fears rest about downhill skiing and the body-brain disconnect?
There is a tether to help if you need it.
