Winterpeg for Everyone: Accessible Skiing Spotlight at Fort Whyte Sunday Afternoon
Join us for an accessibility-focused afternoon of cross country skiing with a special invite extended to persons with disabilities and their families to have fun and share their experiences with peers!
This event is presented by Fort Whyte Alive, Accessible Sport Connections Manitoba and Winnipeg Trails. It is proudly funded by Access Credit Union and we are pleased to have communications and staff support from UpGoal Foundation.
Why come out? Fort Whyte is GORGEOUS this time of year. PLUS: You get lots of winter fun, where visitors of all abilities are welcome to enjoy the trails and explore adaptive equipment.
There will be skis, kicksleds and ahkios to try. For those in need of adapted equipment, we have various styles of sit ski and wheel blades. We will have warm drinks, warm snacks, even painting supplies and, of course, good company.
Whether you are new to skiing, returning to the trails, extreme adventurer or just up for a 5min little jaunt in the snow, this inclusive event persons with disabilities to experience winter together in a supportive and welcoming environment. Family and friends welcome.
Throughout the day, guests can try out different equipment, chat with subject matter experts, warm up and recharge with hot chocolate and bannock roasting (while supplies last). Families are welcome to visit the indoor colouring station, a cozy spot for kids to take a break, get creative, and warm up before heading back out onto the trails.
RSVP
We strongly urge everyone to use the RSVP link below as it helps let us know how many are coming. If you have any questions about skiing and how your disability may impact you and what we can offer, please reach out to [email protected] because we’d love to hear from you.
Cost
Ski equipment and access to the trails is free and included with general admission to FortWhyte Alive.
Free for FortWhyte Alive Members
No one without funds turned away. If general admission to Fort Whyte is a barrier to anyone participating in this event, just reach out to Winnipeg Trails and mention that you would like a complimentary pass for the day and we would be very happy to cover the cost.
Note:
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This event takes place indoors and outdoors. Please dress for the weather
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If you require more information about accessing the site or general event details, please contact [email protected].
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The suggested entrance to FortWhyte Alive for this program is through the Alloway Reception Centre at 1961 McCreary Rd.
How to get there.
FortWhyte Alive is accessible by car as well as our north and south walking trails. FortWhyte Alive is also accessible by Transit Plus as we are a designated Drop-Off Location, see the Winnipeg Transit website for more information. https://info.winnipegtransit.
Need transport assistance?
Please note that if you would like assistance to travel to the event for some reason (ie. you will be carrying special equipment or feel more comfortable being picked up to ensure arrival) we would be happy to help. Please email Jared Funk at least 24 hours prior to the event with the subject line “Fort Whyte Transport”. If that window has elapsed, you may text us at 204-797-1962 and we will do our best.
Winnipeg Trails would like to thanks the City of Winnipeg Department of Public Works and the Province of Manitoba’s MAF grant for helping us make this and other events happen.
Map and a Note for Vision Impaired Users
There is a map of the trails below. Note for persons with low vision, blindness or other vision impairments the map shows a series of loops at the end of a stretch of trail running for 1.5km straight north from the reception centre. The trailhead for the ski trail lies approximately 25m north of the doors to the main reception centre and is straight west/left of the firepit near the sod house. Staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide more guidance and any support desired. A typical ski adventure at Fort Whyte is approximately 6km depending on the route taken, or can be of any shorter length if going out and back. We have some staff who have some training as a ski guide for vision impaired skiers (and love doing it!), and we are also willing to share some basic tips with any sighted skiiers who might want to learn how to ski with others who normally can’t (its not so complicated and very fun). Regardless, we would love to connect so please email [email protected], if you have want any reassurances or have any questions.
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