GETTING THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED INTO THE BACKCOUNTRY

Backcountry organizations and applications across the continent have been created to serve an array of functions: safety, education, preparation and planning. More locally however, The Braille Mountain Inititave is a non-profit with a focus on accessibility. Based out of Invermere BC., the program works to prepare and enable visually impaired athletes to get out in to the backcountry. Tyson Rettie, the organization’s founder, worked as a ski guide and avalanche professional before losing his vision in a matter of weeks due to the sudden onset of a rare optical condition. 

Although there are limitations as to the extent of travel that can be done in avalanche terrain by those with visual impairment, the Braille Mountain Initiative aims to provide blind skiers with the opportunity of experiencing the same feelings that motivate most of us up the skin track. With trained guides, safe terrain choices, less people and unlimited space, athletes can ski freely and enjoy some of the freedom pow turns that keep us frothing. 

Check out the Braille Mountain Initiative’s website here.