DREAM Adaptive Recreation's roots are deep in the alpine skiing world and for years, it has offered Nordic ski lessons, but this year the organization is piloting something new, the Community Nordic Program. 

This style of program gives everyone an opportunity to come together and try a new sport in a group setting or take a private lesson. 

“This is just a chance for anyone with any type of disability, ages 5 and up, to come and enjoy Nordic skiing and learn the skills but also just be part of the broader Nordic community,” said Julie Tickle, DREAM’s executive director. “It’s a great social activity to meet other community members.” 

Tickle likens the new format to DREAM’s Tuesday night trail rides, popular group mountain bike rides that foster a sense of community. 

“As we’re building this new program, we want this to be community centered,” said DREAM program manager Maddy Westbrook, as she addressed a group of volunteers prior to the ski session. “We want this to be a space where people of all abilities can come and ski in a group setting or take private lessons.” 

Ann Trout and Carleen Koch are Lighthouse Christian Home residents who cross-country skied with DREAM last year and have participated in the Community Nordic Program its first two sessions this season. 

“I've been skiing for about 28 years,” said Trout, who grew up in Whitefish. “Downhill and Nordic.” 

She said she is learning lots from her DREAM instructors. 

Koch has participated in sports with DREAM in the past, but Nordic skiing was her first winter activity with the group. She said she was having fun, even though she’s not a fan of the cold.  

“I like it,” Koch said of the Nordic skiing experience. “You’ve got to stay in balance. You don’t want to fall.” 

Tickle said Nordic skiing lends itself to social interaction more easily than alpine skiing and that the Community Nordic Program is very social. She sees great potential for the program. That thought is backed up by the numbers. 

“We've already surpassed the number of unique participants as well as the number of unique opportunities provided this year and we’re three weeks into Nordic programming,” Westbrook said.  

She credits the social type of programming for the growth. 

“We do group-oriented programming for both veterans and our general population and have seen high success rates with that,” Westbrook added. “It also allows us to better manage and support our volunteer team.” 

Participants aren’t the only ones who enjoy skiing with friends. DREAM volunteers are also keen to gather with buddies and recreate together.  

“This is my third winter and my first year doing Nordic. It's great,” said DREAM volunteer instructor Melissa Jones. “It's a neat sport and it’s fun to help someone else get out and have a great day. 

“My husband is also a volunteer,” Jones added. “It helps us build our community of friends and all those good feelings that go along with volunteering, too. 

The DREAM Community Nordic Program will meet two more times this season, Feb. 6 and Feb. 20, from 4:15 – 5:30 p.m. at the DREAM tent near the Glacier Nordic Center on the golf course. 

The cost of a session is $30 without rental gear or $50 with rentals. Volunteers help with rentals and assure the boots and gear fit properly. Adaptive equipment, like snow sliders and sit skis, is available. The group welcomes skiers of all abilities who meet DREAM’s eligibility requirements. 

For more information visit Nordic/Cross-Country Ski Program - DREAM Adaptive Recreation or call (406) 885-9539, or email [email protected].

    Volunteer instructor Emaline Whithed, participant Carleen Koch and Patty Wick, volunteer instructor, pose for a photo before hitting the trails at a DREAM Nordic Community ski session last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    DREAM Nordic Community nights give everyone an opportunity to meet friends and ski at the golf course. Maggie Polumbus and Kelsey Hovey head out to the trails last week. (Julie Engler/Whitefish Pilot)