If you’re planning a trip to the slopes this February, you might witness something incredible. ENVISION Blind Sports is a nonprofit based out of Mercer, PA whose mission is to provide sports and physical activity opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Since 2013, ENVISION has organized trips to The Peak so blind and visually impaired skiers can enjoy The Peak’s trails with the help of trained volunteer guides.
Peek’n Peak prides itself on welcoming all Winter Adventure lovers who want to experience the joy of their slopes. “We love the mountain,” said Ben Friday, a program specialist at ENVISION. “The Peak has been really accommodating for us.”
ENVISION Blind Sports was founded at Slippery Rock University in 2012 under the direction of Wendy Fagan, who currently serves as an instructor in the university’s adapted and physical activity program. ENVISION fulfills its mission by offering the blind and visually impaired with outdoor recreational opportunities, an annual summer camp at Slippery Rock University, and seasonal sports clinics. They also provide educational support to parents, teachers, schools, and coaches.
During their trips to Peek’n Peak, each ENVISION skier is matched with two trained guides based on their age and experience. The thrill of sliding down The Peak’s trails really brings together the skiers and volunteers. “People who come here make lasting friendships,” said Friday.
Soon the group will be making their way to The Peak for their seventh year. ENVISION will bring skiers on February 2nd for a day trip, and then they will return with a new group for a long weekend over February 16th, where they plan to try snow tubing along with skiing.
People travel far and wide with ENVISION to experience the opportunities they provide, and they gladly welcome athletes of all ages and skill levels to participate in their programs. “We never turn down an athlete,” says Friday. In the video below, you’ll see Salmaan, one of the athletes who traveled all the way from Chicago to enjoy what The Peak has to offer. For more information about ENVISION Blind Sports, visit their website at envisionblindsports.org. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.