What we do

Our students are at the heart of everything we do

Through our integrated approach, life-changing results are achieved for our students, their families and carers.

Snowbility is the brainchild of Ski Development Coach, Richard Fetherston, who discovered the incredible benefits that could be achieved for people with additional needs and mental health challenges through ski and snowboard coaching.

Based at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead, we have created a safe environment with an infinite sense of adventure and fun, where each student feels special and every course is tailored to deliver a unique personal experience.

We have a team of fully qualified ski and snowboard instructors with the knowledge, experience and passion to provide tailor-made coaching for a wide range of complex physical, psychological and mental health needs, including learning disabilities, autism, dyspraxia and deafness. We aim to enrich the lives of our students, parents, carers and teachers we work with, by giving people with additional needs and mental health challenges the opportunity to develop both emotionally and physically through skiing and snowboarding.

Our integrated approach and flexible coaching methods help every student develop their skiing and snowboarding skills, allowing their impressive natural abilities to be expressed, to give them a sense of achievement and pride. This engagement, in a purposeful activity, enhances their social, emotional and communication skills, whilst improving fitness, balance, concentration and ultimately, self-confidence.

Helping every student achieve their own personal goals

We work in partnership with our students, their families, carers and other health and social care professionals to develop a personalised programme centred round the needs of each individual. Our ethos is to deliver a culture of inclusion at all levels of skiing and snowboarding, so that our students are respected and valued for the fantastic contribution they give to the sport.

By following a carefully designed orientation and de-sensitising programme for all our students, we can help them engage and fully understand the concept of skiing and snowboarding. Each student is able to work at a pace and level appropriate to their needs in a fun, exciting and relaxed environment that feels comfortable and safe.

Bringing out the very best in every individual we teach

Our carefully selected and specialised team of fully qualified ski and snowboard instructors are BASI (British Association of Snow Sports Instructors) or IASI (Irish Association of Snow Sports Instructors) qualified and registered, as well as experienced in both indoor and alpine environments.

We provide all our coaches with specialist training to teach students with additional needs, enabling every individual to achieve their full potential through snow sports. Coaching methods are adapted to the abilities, natural talents and goals of each student and we completely respect the individuality of their own specific needs. We also have a team of support staff with extensive experience in learning disabilities, nursing and social care assistance.