DREAM Adaptive Recreation is partnering with Glacier Nordic Club this winter to provide access to Nordic trails to individuals with disabilities.

Support for this partnership, including adaptive training and equipment, was made possible with generous funding from the Tracy Foundation, according to a release, and keeps with DREAM’s mission to ensure everyone has access to outdoor recreation.

DREAM Executive Director Julie Tickle said the organization is excited to partner with Glacier Nordic Club to make another winter landscape accessible to those with disabilities.

“Nordic skiing is a great compliment to our long-standing adaptive alpine programs at Whitefish Mountain Resort,” Tickle said. “All community members should have the opportunity to recreate together. We are grateful for the support of Glacier Nordic Club leadership, staff and volunteer instructors and look forward to working together.”

The long-standing Chet Hope Youth Ski League for youth ages four to 12 will now be offer the opportunity for children with physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities to participate alongside their peers.

The seven-week program is celebrating more than 40 years of teaching and improving classic ski skills with trained instructors through fun and games while exploring the snow-filled landscape. The program begins Jan. 6 and runs through Feb. 22 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays on the groomed trails at either the Glacier Nordic Center at the Whitefish Lake Golf Course or Meadow Lake Nordic Trails in Columbia Falls.

The cost is $50 for each seven-week session and scholarships are available. Individual adaptive private lessons for ages 5 to adults will also be available by appointment at the Glacier Nordic Center.

Cameron Blake, Executive Director of Glacier Nordic Club has been looking forward to expanding their reach.

“Glacier Nordic is excited to partner with DREAM to offer adaptive Nordic skiing at the Glacier Nordic Center and make our trails available to all skiers,” she said. “We are especially thrilled to see the Chet Hope Youth Ski League become inclusive and welcome all children to experience the thrill of being active and outside in winter.”

To learn more about the Chet Hope Youth Ski League or to register, visit glaciernordicclub.org/ski-team/chet-hope-ski-league.

To learn more about volunteering with the adaptive Nordic program, and about adaptive lessons for all ages, contact DREAM Adaptive Recreation at (406) 862-1817 or programs@dreamadaptive.org.