Matthew Corkum shares how he got into downhill skiing with the help of Rocky Mountain Adaptive.
I have spastic cerebral palsy, which impacts my gait, dexterity and balance. I grew up helping out on our family farm in Nova Scotia, and, as an adult living in Calgary, I’ve stayed active by cycling in the summer and fat-biking in the winter — regular movement helps my muscles and joints stay loose and pain-free, and feeling good fuels my active lifestyle., an organization that runs programs for people with disabilities so they can participate in outdoor sports.
My first lesson was both terrifying and thrilling. Even getting onto the magic carpet was scary! To begin, the instructors had to figure out what kind of adaptive equipment would work best for me, and we settled on outriggers — poles with little skis on the end of them for extra balance, so it’s like I have four skis instead of just two. Because my right foot pronates inward, which makes rightward turns more difficult, they taught me how to do small, tight turns to control my speed.
Once I started linking a few turns on the bunny hill, it was exhilarating. Skiing on the same mountain as my friends made me feel included. I was hooked! I began hitting the gym to strengthen my right leg to improve my rightward turns. My trainer there also taught me how to get up after a fall by laying on my stomach and using unloaded barbells to push myself up. Now I ski independently, get off the lift without assistance, and use my outriggers to right myself when I fall.
After four seasons, skiing has become a big part of my life. I love the accepting ski community and the friends I’ve made through the sport. I’m now comfortable on all beginner and most intermediate runs, and I ski regularly at Lake Louise and Fernie. I’ve also skied at Whistler and in Zermatt, Switzerland.
This journey from never-ever to passionate skier led me to become an RMA director in 2022, so I can make sure as many people as possible have the opportunity to learn to ski if they’re so inclined.
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