Our strategy

Disability Snowsport UK’s dream is of mountains and ski slopes free from barriers, where disabled people can learn and take part alongside family, friends and community.

Mission: To make snowsport accessible for everyone; regardless of disability, injury or experience.

‍We work to remove the barriers to taking part so that disabled children and adults, and their families be more active, make friends and have fun by taking part in snowsport.

We also work towards ensuring that the snowsport sector includes more disabled people.

We do this because:

Evidence shows disabled people don’t have enough opportunities to take part in activities that enable them to be healthy, active and connected.

The snowsport sector isn’t as inclusive as it could or should be.

‍We do this by:
‍· Providing expert adaptive teaching for individuals, families and groups across the UK
‍
· Providing holidays and activities in the UK and worldwide

· Providing social and recreational skiing groups

· Working with governing bodies, training organisations and partners to widen access, increase awareness and share knowledge

You can read our full strategy and key documents here:
Strategy 2022 - 25
Theory of Change - What do we want to achieve, why and how?
DSUK Summary
‍

Our proud history

DSUK has over forty year's experience of teaching adaptive snowsports in the UK. We worked with the British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI) to introduce the Adaptive Snowsport Instructor qualification pathway. Here's how it all began...

1970s
‍
David Morris FRCP MRCS DCH, a consultant paediatrician and adviser to the National Spastics Society (now Scope) was convinced that the movement available through skiing could have valuable benefits in enhancing coordination, balance and self-awareness in young people with Cerebral Palsy (CP).

These highly controversial ideas met with resistance but a pilot scheme proved incredible benefits.

1980s - 1990s

It became clear that many other disabled people could benefit from snowsport. The Uphill Ski Club formed as an independent charity. This meant that other disabled people could access snowsport, not just those living with CP.

Over the years, our activities widened so that all disabled people, regardless of disability, injury, or experience, could access the benefits of snowsport.

The Noughties

In 2005 two other charities (the National Handicapped Skiers Association and Scotland’s Alternative Skiers) joined the Uphill Ski Club. To reflect this new body The Uphill Ski Club changed its name.

In 2007 The British Ski Club for the Disabled and the Uphill ski club merged together under our new name, Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK). It's been an exciting 40 years for us.
‍

our values

As a staff team we hold ourselves, our skiers, and each other accountable to the below values which we agree and review each year.

welcoming

We offer a warm welcome to everybody. Whether you are living with a disability, injury or limb loss, or want to help those who are, you can expect a warm and friendly welcome.

Celebrating Difference

We celebrate individual difference. We believe that everyone deserves the power of snowsport in their lives and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive space for all.

Challenging and supporting

We will challenge and support you. We believe in your full potential and are excited to work with you towards achieving your goals.

being honest

We will be honest with you. We will share our honest opinions on what will or will not be possible within any given constraints. We will provide honest feedback on your performance and progression.

listening

We will listen to you. we recognise that you are the expert in your own life. We will listen to you and strive to meet your individual needs.

staying positive

we will strive to maintain a positive attititude. we all have tough days but we will try to maintain a positive Attitude, because what we achieve together is awesome!

learning

we learn from our experiences. we might not always achieve what we instend to but we believe that failure demonstrates effort. We celebrate our effort and courage because we were brave and we gave it our all.

What They Say?

What Our clients Say?

"When I became disabled my whole world changed. I needed something that would make me feel alive again, something that would make me feel the blood pumping around my body and give me the thrill that I needed in my life. Thank you DSUK!"

CLAIRE

ADAPTIVE SKIER