What did last year's event mean for your family?
I could never get on a mountain and teach my son to ski–not just because of my lack of skiing skill, but because Vincent requires the attention of more than one trained adaptive coach to learn new skills. To see him meet new people, follow directions, and try a new activity SO out of his comfort zone was a reminder to me that Vincent is capable of more than my family and I have expected of him in the past. The event also introduced my family to other families of children with special needs in a very positive way, which I think strengthened the bond my family has with Vincent.
What was your most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment was watching Vincent clamber back up to the conveyor belt after having a challenging first-run, to try again. While I was expecting Vincent to tear up and give up, instead he surprised us all with his determination to keep at it. He was grinning and high-fived me, and turned right back around to give it another go. He trusted his adaptive coaches, who knew just how to react whenever Vincent expressed apprehension or became shy or frustrated, and I think that made all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Hosted by Ski Sundown in New Hartford, Connecticut in partnership with STRIDE and Dollar Giving, the Power Thru the Powder Weekend on February 2nd and February 3rd is one of the largest adaptive skiing and snowboarding events for people with different abilities and disabilities in the Northeast.
A weekend filled with inspiration on and off the slopes networking families to one another as well as recognize and connect with 20+ nonprofit organizations in the community.
Money donated will go directly to cover the expenses of the families to provide them this life changing experience. Additional funds will go to nonprofit organizations in the community including STRIDE and Dollar Giving.
Volunteers must be 16 years or older. (Under 18 requires parental consent). No minimum or maximum age for participants.
Up to two (2) lift tickets for participants and family members accompanying them on the slope are offered at no charge. Lift ticket prices purchased or needed outside the program can be found at the Ski Sundown ticket office or online at skisundown.com.
Directions can be found below.
126 Ratlum Rd, New Hartford, CT 06057
All parking including handicap parking is adjacent to the base of the mountain within close proximity and accessibility of the main lodge and equipment lodge.
There is a limited number of participant spots for Power Thru The Powder weekend.
There are few local bed and breakfast offering accommodations and are located within 10-20 minutes of Ski Sundown. The Simsbury Inn in Simsbury, Residence Inn by Marriott and Avon Old Farms Hotel in Avon are about 30 minutes drive from Ski Sundown.
In the event of cancellation you will be notified. Because conditions and weather can change quickly in New England, please check into this website for updates.
Each participant can bring up to 2 family members onto the slopes. Family members will be able to receive a lift pass free of charge but are responsible for bringing or renting their own ski equipment. Participants can bring as many friends and family members they can to cheer them on from the mountain base. Only skiers and snowboarders with lift tickets and equipment will be allowed on the chairlift and up the mountain.
Please contact the Event Committee immediately by emailing Bobby.Nims@dollargiving.org | Joulia.Shuk@dollargiving.org.
In addition to the appropriate clothing, we want you to bring enthusiasm and excitement. We will have volunteers that will take care of your personal belongings when you’re on the slopes and away from the lodge.
- Dress in layers. Your first layer should be wicking material. Wool or sport performance materials work best. Your second layer should be wool or poly-fleece. Your outer layer or layers should include insulation, wind resistance and water resistance.
- Socks are important. Choose socks made for skiing or snowboarding for the most comfort. Your second best choice is any smooth wool sock. Avoid cotton socks.
- Hand Protection. Insulated, wind resistant gloves or mittens are best. Knit gloves or mittens are not a good choice for skiing or snowboarding.
- Helmets. Helmets are REQUIRED for all Ski Sundown Adaptive Program participants and are part of free of charge equipment rental during Power Thru The Powder weekend.
Adaptive skiing lessons are only available to members of the disabled community. Others may get involved by volunteering in event planning or by helping us fundraise in order to bring as many families as possible.
Eligibility for participation is determined by STRIDE and Ski Sundown. Age is not a prohibiting factor.
Yes, all personal data submitted and shared through this platform is secure. Dollar Giving servers are secured by GeoTrust™ Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption certificates. We use industry leading SHA-256 with RSA encryption when transferring payment information between web browsers, Stripe (our credit card processor) and your bank as well as information submitted through web forms. Additionally, all health information of participants subsequently exchanged with Ski Sundown and Stride is also done so securely.
Yes. Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks will be served to all participants, volunteers and families throughout Power Thru The Powder weekend. Ski Sundown cafeteria will also be open.