Wrapping up Winter 2017

For many people, spring means melting snow, warmer temperatures, spring break on a beach, baseball season, Easter, and other typical spring concepts. For most, spring is a time of joy and happiness as winter finally takes its leave. For snowboarders and skiers, however, spring means the sad end of another ski season.

The ski season has managed to hang on for a few more weeks where I live (Colorado), but the window for the 2017 ski season is closing fast. In fact, advertisements for buying a 2018 ski pass have already popped up suggesting that it’s never too early to think about next year!

Speaking of next year, if you’re a snowboarder or skier, you should consider getting involved with the USA Deaf Sports Federation (USADSF). This organization works closely with deaf athletes and helps them train and prepare for Deaflympics competition. There are many ways you can get involved with the USADSF including making financial donations, being a social media warrior, and donating old equipment.

If you’re more into snowboarding and skiing than being on the sidelines, you can participate in National Deaf Ski and Ride days and weekends with the US Deaf Ski Snowboard Association (USDSSA). This year the Ski and Ride weekend took place in early March across four resorts including Breckenridge, Colorado; Mammoth Mountain, California; Okemo, Vermont; and Brighton Mountain, Utah.

In addition to possible, excellent discounts, you can meet other USDSSA members at social gatherings that you can attend after skiing and snowboarding. Membership in the USDSSA is open to anyone, but members with less than a 55-decibel hearing loss in the better ear get to enjoy full membership privileges (with the exception of becoming and voting for officers of the association). The membership fee for individuals is $20 and $30 for families.

So when the cold and snow return next year, consider getting out and enjoying the snow and the mountains!