Jon & Kate Plus 8

Jon outside the National Ability Center's Ski & Snowboard Center at Park City Mountain Resort.

At the end of the ski season, we had the opportunity to host Jon Gosselin of TLC's Jon & Kate Plus 8 at the National Ability Center's Ski & Snowboard Center on the hill at Park City Mountain Resort. Jon learned about the recreational programs the NAC offers and volunteered with our Ski Program Assistant Manager, Tracy. The two of them help one of the NAC's most adventurous participants, Shay, on a ski lesson. Shea has Cerebral Palsy, and skis both on the Greatest Snow on Earth during the winter and in the water that snow leaves behind during the summer.

Jon tests a pair of outriggers (to aid in stability during ski lessons) as Tracy explains the program.

Jon met up with Tracy and Shea (along with a two-man camera crew) for an overview of the Ski & Snowboard Program before hitting the slopes. They talked about the different equipment and training needed for adaptive skiing. With the background Jon's father had in working with people with disabilities, Jon seemed to pick up on things pretty quickly. He was impressed with the variety of situations that the NAC could adapt lessons for. Being a nationwide leader in adaptive recreation for people with physical and cognitive disabilities means the program managers and ski instructors need to be ready for just about anything! Last year our instructors taught more than 20,000 lessons for the fourth consecutive year.

Shea and Tracy enjoy a good laugh with Jon before heading to the ski lift.

Early that morning, conditions were perfect with a few inches of snow having fallen overnight. It didn't take long for the snow to really start falling as the three headed out for the lesson. The group skied as much as they could in the white-out conditions before calling it a day.

We look forward to hosting Jon and the rest of his family should they ever decide to come to Park City again.

If you would like to learn more about the programs offered at the National Ability Center, you can visit our website at DiscoverNAC.org or call us at 435.649.3991. We provide recreation for people with disabilities throughout the year, and we encourage you to give us a call if you are interested in water skiing, horseback riding, cycling, archery or rock climbing with us this summer! Winter registration won't begin until September, so enjoy the warm weather while it's here. The snow will return soon enough.

If you are interested in supporting us in our mission, you can donate to us through PayPal, or you can contact our Development Officer, Scott Lyttle at 435.200.0983.

Tours of our facility are free and are available Monday - Friday 9am-5pm. Accomodations outside those times can be made by emailing our information inbox at info@DiscoverNAC.org.