Getting Started as a Visually Impaired Person (VIP)
It’s easy to get started as a Visually Impaired Participant or VIP as we call them. Foresight works with individuals experiencing low vision or total blindness, but all are declared legally blind. You must be at least a Level 4 skier or snowboarder or above - that means you can put together a series of turns and stop on your own. If you've never skied before, haven't skied in several years or haven't skied since losing your sight we recommend booking an instructor with Vail's Adaptive Ski School. Once you have mastered the basic skills and reached a Level 4, Foresight will step in to provide guiding services at Vail or Beaver Creek Resorts.
Foresight charges a $150 daily participation fee for our services. VIPs receive a complimentary lift ticket, equipment rental if needed, shuttle transportation from either Denver International Airport or Vail/Eagle Airport, a guide and a shadow, and lodging reservations assistance with our two hotel partners only. Additional donations beyond the daily fee of $150 are greatly appreciated to help offset the costs of operating the program. *The daily fee will be waived for those who donate generously.
Contact us by phone at 303-506-3859 or [email protected] with your desired dates of travel and specific needs. The next step is to complete a Participant Questionnaire and sign the required liability waivers. We also need a letter from your doctor stating your degree of vision loss and clearing you for skiing or snowboarding.
The questionnaire will help us:
Once we receive your questionnaire, we will be able to confirm availability so you can book your trip. Please follow up with us if you haven't heard anything one week after submitting your registration form.
Sample Day*
Foresight Ski Guides, Inc. is a tax-exempt non-profit organization as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code but contact your tax adviser to be sure your specific donation is tax deductible.
Foresight charges a $150 daily participation fee for our services. VIPs receive a complimentary lift ticket, equipment rental if needed, shuttle transportation from either Denver International Airport or Vail/Eagle Airport, a guide and a shadow, and lodging reservations assistance with our two hotel partners only. Additional donations beyond the daily fee of $150 are greatly appreciated to help offset the costs of operating the program. *The daily fee will be waived for those who donate generously.
Contact us by phone at 303-506-3859 or [email protected] with your desired dates of travel and specific needs. The next step is to complete a Participant Questionnaire and sign the required liability waivers. We also need a letter from your doctor stating your degree of vision loss and clearing you for skiing or snowboarding.
The questionnaire will help us:
- Learn about your visual impairment
- Learn about any other medical needs
- Identify your skiing/snowboarding experience
- Match you with an appropriate guide and shadow
- Know what dates you are interested in skiing or snowboarding
Once we receive your questionnaire, we will be able to confirm availability so you can book your trip. Please follow up with us if you haven't heard anything one week after submitting your registration form.
Sample Day*
- 8:30am - Meet Foresight host and guides at Golden Peak base area.
- 8:30am - 9:00am - Obtain ski/snowboard equipment if necessary, review grooming report, discuss goals for the day, get ready to head out
- 9:00am - 9:30am Foresight guide will do an informal vision assessment and work with VIP to determine the most effective method for guiding
- 9:30am - Ski or snowboard!
- 12:30pm - Lunch break
- 1:15pm - More skiing or snowboarding
- 3:30pm - 4:00pm - Return to Golden Peak base area. Wrap up
Foresight Ski Guides, Inc. is a tax-exempt non-profit organization as defined in Section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code but contact your tax adviser to be sure your specific donation is tax deductible.
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