Blind Skiers...WTF?
 

So I'm up on the mountain today, and as I'm taking the picture below, I hear this strange metallic bleating noise over and over again, and getting closer. I look and there's a guy with a kind of megaphone on his helmet, and behind him are skiing two people in bright orange ski gear with signs saying "CAUTION BLIND SKIER" on them.

As the leader skied ahead, the two blind folk followed the megaphone noise. Occasionally the leader would say things like "sharp drop to the left" or "trees at 10 o'clock" and these two tried to react accordingly.

Is it just me, or is this vaguely ridiculous? Do blind people really need to ski? I mean the thrill of the pull of gravity can be had in many less dangerous places, and for the thrill of cold air on your face you only need to open the freezer.

Perhaps I'm just politically incorrect on this, but I thought the whole thing ridiculous.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1236473392.jpg

more power to 'em, is my take. that is some serious nerve on their part. i do agree that it seems a bit extreme. i am glad that i have good eyesight.

i personally love the blind drivers.......why else would drive up atm's have brail on the buttons :D

LOL! that is so true!

So I'm at the gun range, and there is some guy in body armor down range with this strange metallic bleating coming from a helmet on his......

Why don't they ski at night?

because they need someone that CAN see to guide them.

I remember running a 10k race in DC years ago and there were two guys in front of me holding a tether or lanyard together. One was blind and one was his guide. It was kind of weird.

I've skied while blind drunk, and it was pretty fun.

blind skier
 

I was instructing and guiding blind x-country skiers for years and those people are as normal as you and I, They just can;t see, but still have lot's of fun and have the right to enjoy live.
Blind fold your self one day and try a short ski with a guide. You wuill see it is more difficult than you think.

I don't think anyone is underestimating the difficulty of it :)! I could certainly envision x-country, but downhill is a whole 'nuther matter. To be clear, I am not knocking them at all, it's fantastic that they attempt such endeavors imo.

Best part of skiing for me is to go to the top of the mountain on a sunny day and enjoy the warm sunshine on my face and the incredible views.

They may not be able to enjoy the views, but they can enjoy the warmth of the sunshine.

They should be commended!! and hell they are no worse than all the other idiots ( and by idiots I mean intermediate skiers) clogging up the slopes that they don't belong on ( sorry bit of a ski snob)...

I remember seeing them years ago when I used to ski. Nothing new. I think they get free lift tickets, which would make the sport a lot more affordable.

Where were you skiing? (And taking pictures).

My niece, who is blind and also has cerebral palsy. Is learning how to ski, she wants to learn to ski because the rest of the family skis, she participates in all the activities my other nieces do. i.e. soccer, swimming, etc..

I'm extremely proud that my niece has the courage to try..

The ski hills we frequent serve handicapped skiers and their guides with special programs. Their courage and determination shames the poseurs. I'd rather be on the mountain with them than the skiers with shriveled souls.

Whistler.

I meant no disrespect to the blind. None. There's even some blind guy that flew across the English channel recently in a light aircraft.

I just can't help thinking "why?" Perhaps I've seen too many Clint ("a man's gotta know his limitations") Eastwood films.

Imagine two blind kayakers. In a party of 4 total. In Greenland. Planned trip couple of thousand miles. Have to land from bobbing kayak on ice/rock occasionally, not to mention going to the bathroom on unfamiliar territory every day.:eek:

IIRC the local Coast Guard equivalent did have to get them, because of storms/end of summer and unable to proceed at projected pace.

I've been teaching handicapped kids and adults skiing for eleven years now. I got started when I wanted to go skiing with my own severely handicapped son.
Everyone has a right to the mountain.
You should stop and talk to someone with a disability some day and you just might find your WTF attitude might change

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1236533788.jpg

My son and I after some spring skiing

Steve

It's funny that people who are about to disrespect someone always start with "I mean no disrespect"
As for the "why" maybe they ski for all the same reasons you do?! Maybe they enjoy everything about it, the challenge, the exercise, the social interaction with other skiers.
Maybe they don't want to sit home listening to Clint Eastwood movies.

I'm just glad they don't have to listen to people like you to telling them what their limitations are.

Again, instead of passing judgement why don't you ask one of them about their experience, though you appear to have it all figured out for them already

Steve

Steve,

If every picture tells a story, my guess is that your family has a bunch of good ones to tell.:cool:

Paul

You're a great man, Steve.

The OP's question is beyond silly.

I really meant no disrespect, and apologize unreservedly if I caused offense.

This an emotionally charged subject and perhaps I shouldn't have raised it.

I would be interested to hear how you feel about blind people flying—as an extreme activity for someone who cannot see. Should we encourage impaired people to reach that far beyond their capabilities? Are there any limits to this?

This is an issue which is much debated where I live because of the Winter Olympics (and para-Olympics) coming to this town next year.

There are those who question the vast amounts of money being spent on the para-Olympic games for example, which, unlike the Olymipcs, have zero chance of recouping those costs through TV and sponsorship revenue. Is this a wise allocation of scarce resources?

I don't know. But I ask the question.

When the issue is debated here there is always a great deal of polite dishonesty in the discussion because of the emotional nature of the subject.

Seriously, what risk, danger or "cost" do blind skiers, being led by a seeing guide, impose on others?

Your original post is silly.

A little heavy on the "Flaming" there Steve-"O"? Jeesh.

We had a blind guy on our rugby team for a couple years, it was funny as all hell when we'd give him the ball.

I have a tough enough time skiing and I can see?.... and as for flying, now that's crazy.
I haven't seen this on a ski hill, but I gotta admit it would strike me as very odd the first time I did; Dott was just asking the question, no need to flame on with your "WTF" comments, etc; especially from a self proclaimed care giver? From your 11 years of skiing with handicap people, you've likely come across some jerks on the hill, sounds like you're carrying a bit of a chip on your shoulder? You should tone that down a little and have more fun with it all.

I enjoyed reading the other replies, thanks; it's amazing what we can do when we remove our self limitations.

Rob - the "WTF" is from the OP; also stated by the OP in the title of this thread.

Edit: I just read Steve's comments again - I don't see "flame" at all.

I do see Steve addressing silliness, and doing so quite well, IMO.

Ha, Ha; my bad. I guess I should just STFU then.

I think Dott meant what the frick though?
No need to lash out these personal attacks; skiing and flying blind is definately peculiar imo.
Us BC Boyz tend to stick together ;)

I must have missed my Wheaties this morning as I don't see the personal attacks.

I see silliness, which I am also capable of at times, and that silliness being addressed by reason.

First I'd ever heard of it was when I read this thread this morning; I've been skiing all my life. Seems its very popular though, I can't imagine how difficult it would be to ski without sight, but I'm sure they're having alot of fun. All the power to them.

I did a little more research and this is actually pretty cool:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1236539806.jpg

The guy at the rear is blind:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1236539859.jpg

Yes.

Ahem.

You live and learn.

Blind skiers. Who knew? But all power to them. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have either the enthusiasm or the balls for this in their position.

I shall try much harder not to offend anyone on this board in future.

I'd more question the whole idea of the 'real' Olympics, just exactly what benefit does anyone get out of who is the fastest slalom skier, crosscountry skier or best hockey team? And lets face it, the Olympics lose money no matter what anyone wants to believe, so what exactly is the point? As fas as I am concerned sports should be for participation, for the fun and chanllenge of it. Not for financial gain or political oneup man ship. As for blind athletes, the mere fact they can accept the challenge of doing something makes me appluad them, not critize. How would you feel if I said you should stay off the hill just because you can't ski as fast as I can?

Back in the late 70's I lived in Killington, skied every moment possible. There were always blind skiers with guides on the slopes. The program has been around for a long time.

Get out much?

It's not a new thing. I think the blind have been skiing around here for the last 30 years.

Edit - Woa, sailchef beat me to it!

Thanks guys.
My kids both love to ski, even though one is strapped into a bi-ski.
I was in Vancouver on business last week and had the chance to watch the Mens Sit Hockey Gold Metal game. Team Canada beat the USA for the gold.
Just because they didn't have legs or control of their limbs below the waist doesn't mean they weren't proud and honored (honoured) to compete for their countries, and just because the game wasn't a sell out doesn't mean they shouldn't have played it or televised it

Whistler has been on the for front of adaptive skiing for years and runs one of the best programs in North America.
They are always looking for volunteers. Most offer a 2-4 course to qualify. You will get to bi ski, mono ski and blind ski. it will show you just how much guts it takes to get out there.
Dottore here is a link to their program

http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/rentals/adaptive/index.htm

Why don't you drop by next time your there and ask them WTF? I'm sure some of their skiers will love to debate you.


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1236546650.jpg

Steve

No Offense, but if you didn't start the thread with "WTF", maybe other people wouldn't be so emotional.

In California you can get a hunting license if you're blind.

Yes...The audience might have applauded if you started the thread

Blind skiers... Cool

Maybe the OP doesn't have much experience with people who are challenged.. by mental or physical disabilities.

I volunteered for 13 years teaching disabled children how to ski. The smile on those kids faces was priceless.
For training we used to take turns in the bi-ski and the mono-ski. Believe me it wasn't easy.
The motto for the organization I was in was "Skiing is For Everyone".

You're kidding right?

And I hope my incredulity here offends no one.

Now I've heard of a Hunters Blind, but a blind hunter? No way.
(just googled it and yup, they're blind hunters too)
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1236566608.jpg