Tales from the Corners

If you are looking for the best ski resort deals, plan in early October. Whether you are planning to ski close to home or out West, you are sure to save dollars and headaches. There’s nothing like the present to plan for the future. Ski trips can be costly. With equipment rental or purchases plus transportation costs, skiing doesn’t come cheap. That is why many of us in the area like to stay close to home for a winter-like adventure at resorts like Appalachian Ski Mountain in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Appalachian Ski Mountain offers a smorgasbord of ski ticket packages including multi-day rates ranging from two to five days. If you are a bit rusty or there is a beginner in your group, this resort has numerous lesson plans featuring the “Learn to Ski Package.” These lessons are offered in the early or late portion of the ski season. Members of the French-Swiss Ski College give students the confidence to hit the slopes. If skiing is not your thing, Appalachian Ski Mountain off

Cycling, canoeing, horseback riding, rock climbing, swimming and skiing. For years, the disabled, injured and impaired were told that it was impossible to participate in these activities. That way of thinking changed about 11 years ago in Park City, Utah. This was when an anonymous donor provided the funds to help create the National Ability Center. Set on 26 acres of land outside of Park City, the National Ability Center provides sports and recreational opportunities for those with disabilities. Whether it’s a brain injury, ADD, Down Syndrome or Spina Bifida, participants are given the chance to reach their physical potential through the use of adaptive saddles, hand cycles and customized ski equipment. “Society used to cast those with disabilities aside,” says J. Ryan Jensen, the Marketing-Outreach Manager for the National Ability Center. “Here, we make it possible for them to be a part of society.” The National Ability Center -- known as the NAC -- includes a 17,000-square-foot indo