Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS) and Alpine Adventures

    Although OAS and Alpine Adventures are not specifically Hoodoo programs they are listed here to give you more information about healthy programs that are open to everyone. "OAS exists to provide a positive and safe winter recreation experiences to individuals with disabilities and their families. The primary objective of OAS is to educate, instruct, and train persons with disabilities to become proficient and confident snow sports participants, while educating their families and friends in how to assist them in reaching this goal."

    Brochures explaining more about OAS are available outside our Snowsports School. Classes for volunteer instructors, family members, and adaptive skiers are available through the program at Hoodoo. The hours of participation are 9 AM to 3 PM, reservations must be made at least three days in advance by appointment through OAS. The ski buddy program through OAS are normally on Saturdays and Sundays and is at Hoodoo or Mt Bachelor Ski Areas.

    Alpine Adventures fits the same needs for those in the Valley. This program is run from the Eugene Outdoor Program at River House. Volunteers assist with instruction and general procedures on Fridays, January through March and must be an intermediate or better skier, but no previous knowledge of adapted skiing is necessary. Training, transportation and lift tickets to Hoodoo Ski Bowl provided. College credit available. The participants on the other hand don't have to have any background, only be willing to have a lot of outdoor fun. The sleds or other special equipment that might be needed are provided.

    Please remember that while Hoodoo is a supporter and sponsor of these programs they are NOT  Hoodoo programs. If you call Hoodoo for information, most likely you will not be able to contact anyone who knows what you need. For information you should call Kendall at OAS at 541-317-3784 or on the web go to www.oregonadaptivesports.com. For the Eugene program talk to Kellie Nemke, 682-6324 or kellie.l.nemke@ci.eugene.or.us. To get to the Alpine Ventures website go to www.eugene-or.gov. On the left side of the page click on Recreational Services. Next go to Outdoor which is found on the left side. Finally, click on Alpine Adventures.

    I know that skiing is intimidating for many people and it might be especially so for the parents of special needs children. But no matter what the ability of the person is, going down the Hoodoo mountain is fun and doable with the help of the organization volunteers. I hope that you will take the time to check this out.