In 1985 DREAM was started as a result of the efforts of a disabled veteran. The DREAM program was patterned after the original and now world famous, adaptive program at Winter Park, Colorado. DREAM started out small and remains relatively small with an annual budget of about $30,000. However, the number of people we help and the number of lessons we give annually continues to grow. DREAM operates at The Big Mountain Ski Resort near Whitefish, Montana and on a small scale at Blacktail Mountain Ski Resort near Lakeside, Montana.

The DREAM program is a volunteer non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote opportunities for skiing and other winter activities for children and adults with disabilities.

DREAM is a Sec. 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is supported solely through contributions and efforts of our volunteers. DREAM "ski buddies" and instructors are all volunteers and it is one of only a few adaptive ski programs in the United States that provides free services to its participants.

A majority of DREAM participants live in or near the Flathead Valley. DREAM works regularly with students in schools throughout the Flathead Valley, Libby and Eureka. DREAM also provides services to destination adaptive skiers and disabled members of families visiting our local ski areas.

With more than 18 years of service to the community, DREAM has made a point of:

• Providing our services at no charge to the participant.
• Providing area school children and adults, and families from across the country, with unique special attention.
• Attracting quality volunteers who form the backbone of our organization. DREAM annually has 100 volunteers or more helping both on and off the snow.
• Learning & teaching others about the proper use of the specialized techniques and equipment that make up adaptive skiing.
• Training both our staff and our volunteers. DREAM also sponsors Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) certification classes in both Alpine and Adaptive skiing for its volunteers.
• Making sure that everybody is safe and that all people have fun.
• Educating the community about the value of our program and the special needs we have in order to continue our services free of charge.

Helping People With Disabilities

Volunteers have special training in adaptive skiing and equipment such as bi-skis, mono-skis, outriggers and try-skis to meet the needs and goals of our participants.

DREAM does not charge for its services!

DREAM services are provided free of charge to all participants. For this reason, donations are vital to the survival of our organization.

DREAM has specialized adaptive skiing equipment (e.g. mono-skis, bi-skis, outriggers and try-skis) that we provide at no charge.

Standard equipment and clothing must be supplied by the participant. Skis and boots can be rented at each of the ski resorts or in Kalispell or Whitefish. The Big Mountain will often rent ski equipment at a reduced rate for DREAM participants.

Becoming a DREAM participant

A majority of our participants come as part of a local school group or organization. Many of these participants come to the mountain and ski with DREAM volunteers on a consistent basis over the ski season. Beginning in 2004-2005, Individual participants are referred to the DREAM program from the Big Mountain Ski School adaptive program. If you are interested in skiing (or boarding) on an individual basis contact the Big Mountain and they will guide you through the process. A parent or legal guardian must sign if the participant is under the age of 18.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the fact that we rely on volunteers, RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED AND MUST BE MADE IN ADVANCE.

Becoming a DREAM Volunteer

Our volunteers come from all walks of life, but we all have common interests: skiing and lending a hand.

Volunteer application forms are available on our website or can be picked up at the Big Mountain at our office on the lower floor of the Outpost. Or call 862-1817 for more information. Training is provided at the beginning of each ski season and throughout the winter.

DREAM does not charge for our services and we rely almost exclusively on volunteers for the operation of all areas of the program. You do not have to be able to ski to volunteer for DREAM. Fundraising and administrative volunteers are always needed and appreciated!

We are always in need of help from people and businesses who share our vision and commitment. DREAM relies totally on donations to run our organization and any amount is always appreciated.

You don't have to ski to be able to help!

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

DREAM has been in existence for over 18 years due mainly to the efforts of volunteers and the Big Mountain and kind hearted individuals and businesses like you! Without your support, DREAM cannot exist.

Donations are our only revenue source, as DREAM does not charge for its services. To make a contribution simply make a check payable to DREAM and send it to:

DREAM
P.O. Box 4084
Whitefish, MT 59937


Volunteer Manual | Volunteer App pt 1 | Volunteer App pt 2 | Participant Form
© 2000 - 2010 Dream Adaptive Recreation, Inc.
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