AAAT Wins Best In Show at AAPMR24 in San Diego!
We are thrilled to announce that Accessible Alpine Adventure Tours won two prestigious awards at the Annual Assembly of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in San Diego on November 9th, 2024:
Winner:
Best In Show and
Most Memorable Booth
FAQ
What is Accessible Alpine Adventure Tours, Inc. (AAAT)?
AAAT is a non-profit U.S. organization that supports adaptive sports adventures in the Alpine Mountains (Switzerland, France, Austria, and Italy). Founded in Virginia in 2024 by Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) physician, Valerie Jones, the mission is to make hiking and mountain biking safe and accessible for people with disabilities. AAAT provides a combination of adaptive equipment and clinical expertise for individuals or groups who want to experience the therapeutic beauty of the mountains.
AAAT is currently fund-raising to support the costs of these trips, and the adaptive equipment involved, for those with financial constraints.
Why are these trips so amazing?
Experiencing the pristine mountain environment of the Alps is physically and psychologically therapeutic. The majesty of the terrain is truly awe-inspiring, and the freedom of mobility that specialized mountain bikes provide to people with adaptive needs can radically change lives. Hope and confidence may be regained as newly disabled individuals discover a passion for adaptive sports. For those who are learning to maneuver bikes and all-terrain wheelchairs for the first time, skills learned in the Alps can be applied for a lifetime of adventure at home or abroad.
Participating friends and family can learn how to assist their loved ones with the guidance of on-site therapists, nurses, and guides. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in sports rehabilitation and recovery in an immersive, natural paradise.
Who goes on these trips?
Participants come from diverse backgrounds, but typically share a history of neurological injury (spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, strokes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease among others). Some travelers are decades out from their original injury and are sophisticated in their use of adaptive equipment, arriving with their own custom mountain bikes and race records. Other hikers have had more recent injuries or new diagnoses and are figuring out their path forward. Whether a traveler is young or senior, there are natural peer mentoring opportunities and inspiring group dynamics that spring from the challenge of moving through space in new ways.
How much does an accessible tour cost?
Tours include hotel accommodations, transportation (trains, vans, lifts, gondolas) breakfast and dinner, hiking guides, and clinical support staff as needed (may include rehab physician, rehab nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and psychologist). Tours begin at $9,900 per adaptive participant for an 11-day experience.
What costs are additional to the tour?
- Airfare: participants are responsible for arranging their flights to Zurich. If you’re bringing mobility devices and medical equipment, we recommend that you avoid flight transfers in Europe. In our experience, transfers within the U.S. carry a lower risk of luggage misplacement and delays. We strongly recommend direct flights from the U.S. to Zurich for the best travel experience.
- Travel insurance: all participants are encouraged to purchase their own travel insurance. There are also medical evacuation services (covers life flight services to any hospital in the U.S. from Europe) available through Global Rescue.
- Adaptive equipment: we primarily use off-road, hand-cycle, e-bikes for mobility purposes on the trails. Many participants bring their own equipment (all terrain wheelchairs or adaptive mountain bikes) others may need equipment provided. Custom mobility solutions are available through consultation with one of our PM&R Physicians. Keep in mind that if you’re planning to have a custom mobility device built for your trip, it can take manufacturers upwards of 6 months to complete them.
- Transport costs of adaptive equipment: lithium batteries for e-bikes cannot be shipped on commercial flights. We ship these separately a few weeks in advance of a trip. Although most US airlines do not charge extra for mobility device “luggage” if there are exceptions, the participant will be responsible for those costs.
- Helicopter tours and glacier skiing: the opportunity for additional mountain experiences, such as helicopter tours of the Matterhorn, and adaptive skiing are available but carry additional costs. We have adaptive sports specialists who can provide ski lessons and equipment. Prices available upon request.
- Videography services: local videographers are available to capture highlights of your alpine adventure. Drone, Go-Pro, and custom video options available upon request.
How do I register for a tour?
Participants who have their own adaptive equipment and means to cover tour costs may register for upcoming tours via the Alpine Adventure Tour page. Those who would like to participate but have special needs, require adaptive equipment, or would like to request a scholarship to participate, should apply via the AAAT registration page.
What funding is available to support my trip?
AAAT provides scholarships (dependent upon future donations and fundraising efforts) and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis after confirming financial hardship and disability status. Those with adaptive equipment needs may require an assessment by a rehabilitation physician (to match ability with appropriate equipment) prior to registration for a trip.
Why are the trips so expensive?
Unfortunately, adaptive mountain bikes suitable for alpine terrain can cost upwards of $20,000 per bike. In addition, most European hotels charge by the person, not by the room, so there aren’t the significant cost-savings in sharing a room (that is customary in the US). Flights, exchange rates, and world events are unpredictable and can affect costs. Lithium batteries needed to power some adaptive equipment must be shipped to Europe separately. Travel with large or bulky items (such as wheelchairs, bikes, and medical supplies) also increases transportation costs. AAAT does everything it can to minimize costs for participants and families, and find sponsorship opportunities to fill gaps.
What tours are available?
Accessible tours are available from May to October of each year. They are scheduled on demand as funding and staffing permits. Once a tour has been requested and dates chosen, additional participants may be able to join if space is available and staffing can meet the needs of additional participants. Notification of available tour spots will be made on the website and via email upon request.
Can my family and friends join me on the tour?
Yes. Group tours are open to adults (>21 years of age) with and without disabilities. Those who do not need adaptive equipment and special accommodations may book their tours through Alpine Adventure Tours – a partner company.
How many adaptive participants can join a specific tour?
AAAT can accommodate up to five adaptive bikers/hikers on one tour, or 12 total individuals.
How do I contribute to AAAT?
We gratefully accept financial donations via PayPal (available on this page) and wire transfers (please contact us for instructions). We can accept checks via FedEx or UPS shipping, but caution against sending checks in the US mail due to high rates of loss and theft. AAAT’s mailing address is P.O. Box 106, White Stone, VA 22578.
All gifts greater than $250 are eligible for a charitable donation letter from AAAT for US income tax purposes.
What will my donation be used for?
Donations, sponsorships, and grants are used to support participant and clinical staff travel and accommodation, operating costs, as well as adaptive equipment purchase and/or rental for participants of limited means. Our physicians, therapists, and guides are volunteers and do not receive a salary for their work/time overseas. Currently we cannot accept used equipment donations due to mechanical risks.
I’m a physician, nurse, or therapist (PT, OT, ST, rec therapist) and would like to volunteer. How do I get involved?
AAAT is grateful for your interest! We have an extensive training process for incoming volunteers. Please complete a volunteer interest form to begin the process. Those with training and experience in an inpatient rehab, sports medicine, or adaptive sports program are especially welcome.
How do corporate sponsors get involved?
Corporate donations are welcome and appreciated. Our Director of Charitable Giving, Heather Spath, is the first point of contact for larger donations, co-branding opportunities, and fundraising.
What if I get injured?
Please understand that all efforts have been made to screen alpine trails and tours in advance for safety and accommodation of adaptive equipment. However, due to weather conditions, local transportation technology, and the fact that Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rules do not apply overseas, we cannot guarantee anyone’s safety. Our clinicians are volunteers and do not have a therapeutic relationship with participants. Local hospitals and clinics are available in each country to tend to injuries as needed. Costs associated with local care is the sole responsibility of the participant.
All participants must sign a release and indemnity agreement prior to travel, accepting personal responsibility for events during the trip, and holding harmless AAAT and its members and Alpine Adventure and its members for any bodily harm that could occur.
That being said, Alpine Adventure, LLC has been hiking challenging trails for 27 years without any loss of life.
Travel insurance and global rescue/life-flight coverage are appropriate backstops against the unlikely event of a medical emergency while overseas.
Does participation in Alpine Activities create a therapeutic or doctor/patient relationship with staff and volunteers?
No. Although we believe that exercise and being in the mountains may improve your wellbeing, you will not be creating a therapeutic or doctor/patient relationship with any of the officers, directors, employees, or volunteers of Accessible Alpine Adventure Tours, Inc. You should always seek medical advice from your personal physician. Overseas you may be able to access the local health system, should a medical problem arise. Travel insurance often covers the cost of local treatment.