Hannah enjoying a day of skiing on the mountain
For this month’s Athlete Spotlight, we talked to Hannah Jones, a vision impaired skier.
Vision impaired skiers are supported by guides who ski in front or behind them, and verbally identify any upcoming hazards or turns they need to make.
After first having a go at skiing in 2019, Hannah developed a love for the sport and has been hitting the slopes ever since. Read on below for the full Q+A.
How did you first get involved in skiing?
I have been skiing for the past two winter seasons. I first got involved when I attended the 2019 Adaptive Snow Sports Festival in Queenstown. I also joined the Parafed Otago snow sports programme. Having support from these organisations made me feel more comfortable to get involved.
When I’m not at the mountain I practice at Snowplanet.
Do you have a favourite memory from your time on the slopes?
I was ecstatic after building confidence at the Adaptive Snow Sports Festival. When I went back down south to ski at Cardrona with Parafed Otago, I spent the first day on the beginner slope, and on the second day, I skied down my first green run, which I was so excited about. Stunning views on the skyline run!
Since then, I have mastered using the chairlift, which gave me some anxiety at first, and I am almost ready to progress to blue runs which is my goal for this winter season.
Do you have any moments from your time skiing that you are especially proud of?
I participated in the fun ski race at the Adaptive Snow Sports Festival, and it was a challenge!
Hannah and two others pose for a photo on the mountain
What is something that people might not know about you?
I used to have silicon fake irises in my eyes. They had to be taken out due to complications, and my eyes have permanently been stained blue by the paint that was used in them to give them colour.
Want to learn more about adaptive snow sports? Visit the snow sports page on our website to find out more.