Breaking down barriers: On the slopes
Travelling with a disabled child comes with challenges, but that doesn't mean adventure is off the table. A trip to Mt Buller in Victoria proved that with the right planning - and a bit of help - anything is possible. WORDS: TATYANA LEONOV
Until recently, travelling with a disabled child wasn't too different from just travelling with a child - but as Millie nears five, my back is feeling the strain of constant lifting. Millie lives with Angelman syndrome, and while she can walk short distances, she's unsteady and can't manage stairs or anything beyond a few metres on her own. Her older sister, Ariana, is seven, and as a family, we've been travelling together since the kids were tiny. We're also adventure travellers and love to spend our time outdoors among nature - I always tell people our eldest learned to crawl in Mauritius, walk in Finland (in minus 20deg. temperatures), and talk in Argentina.
When the opportunity came up to take Millie skiing, we didn't hesitate. But then as we started planning the reality check kicked in: Millie isn't able to walk in snow boots, hold onto a ski instructor's hands, or balance on skis. But we'd heard about sit-skiing and figured if there was a way to get Millie on the slopes, we'd find it. Mt Buller seemed like the perfect place to try.
SNOWY SWEET SPOT
Our first lightbulb moment came when deciding where to go. Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA) helps make snow sports accessible for people with disabilities, working across multiple resorts, including Mt Buller. Having spent years battling ski field crowds in New South Wales during school holidays, we were ready for something different. Victoria's winter school break is usually a week later than New South Wales', and suddenly, the idea of driving a little further seemed well worth it. We broke up the drive in Albury, which turned out to be a great decision - sometimes detours lead to the best discoveries.
Choosing Mt Buller (208km from Melbourne) was easy. The ability to stay on the snow, walk to the ski lifts, and have easy access to the toboggan park was unbeatable. For Melburnians, it's the closest snow resort, but for us, it was the perfect mix of accessibility and experience.
SKIING IN SYNC
If you're travelling to the snow, planning is essential. Add accessibility needs to the mix and there's even more to consider. Not all ski resorts are created equal when it comes to inclusivity and accessibility, and the details like shuttle services, equipment hire, and accommodation layouts can make or break the experience.
We stayed at Alpine Retreat Mt Buller, which wasn't step-free, but manageable. We could either carry Millie up the stairs or help her walk, though she wasn't thrilled about tackling them in snow gear. Carrying her was no easy feat either. Fortunately, a shuttle picked us up every morning, taking us straight to the main village.
We joined DWA a few months before heading to Mt Buller and booked guides online for what would be our first-ever adaptive skiing experience. On our first day, we were met by the program head and four volunteers. Millie's sit-ski was prepped, its straps ready to hold her snugly in place. After securing her and making sure her mittens and beanie stayed on, she was off! One volunteer pushed while the others skied alongside to keep her safe and ensure other skiers were aware of her. By day two, we needed fewer volunteers, and my husband, Evan and I took turns skiing alongside her.
Watching Millie glide down the slopes from the chairlift was magical. The wind lifted wisps of her blonde hair from beneath her helmet, and we could see glimpses of a wide smile under all the snow gear keeping her cosy. From above, we could also spot Ariana in her lesson area, focused and determined as she carved smooth lines through the snow.
BEYOND THE SKI RUNS
We didn't spend all our time skiing. A sled dog experience with Australian Sled Dog Tours was a highlight for the whole family. I carried Millie in a carrier, knowing she'd want to snuggle every thick-furred, blue-eyed dog, while Ariana tried to memorise all their names. The crisp mountain air was filled with excited yips as the huskies bounced in anticipation of their next run. You can book sled rides, but for us, meeting and patting the huskies was enough.
Tobogganing was another must. I grew up tobogganing during winter holidays, and no snow trip feels complete without a few wild rides down the hill. Mt Buller has a dedicated toboggan run, and while Ariana sped down solo, Millie needed an adult to hold on tight - otherwise, she'd have bounced right off. She squealed with delight every time we zipped down the mountain, her laughter blending with the crunch of sleds carving through fresh powder.
WHERE TO WARM UP
One of the best things about being in the mountains is the food - hearty, warming, and exactly what we crave after a day in the snow. At Mt Buller, Kaptan's at Pension Grimus is a must, where ordering a schnitzel (and a shot of schnapps) is practically tradition. The rich aroma of sizzling butter and crisp, golden breadcrumbs filled the air as we stepped inside, our cheeks still rosy from the cold. There's a lift to skip the stairs, and a quick call ahead means they'll have a table ready to suit mobility needs.
The Villager, Birdcage, and Black Cockatoo also offer easy access and solid alpine fare, while Harry Burns, accessible via RideShare, has front-row seats to the Bourke Street ski run - perfect for sipping a hot chocolate while skiers fly past.
For more, head to mtbuller.com.au and disabledwintersport.com.au
