Southeast Alaska provides the perfect backdrop for recreation. With trails, mountains and the ocean outside our back door, we find any excuse to be outside! ORCA plans a wide-range of adaptive outdoor pursuits for all abilities and interests.
OUR PHILOSOPHY:
Recreation influences all aspects of a person’s life: employment, social life, physical and spiritual well being, as well as a sense of place in community. Challenging recreational opportunities give an individual a chance to recognize their ability to succeed. We believe that individuals do their best in environments where they are included and valued as equal and participating members. ORCA staff work to plan a variety of events and inclusive activities to ensure a wide range of opportunities and access for everyone.
Summer
Alaska provides a myriad of opportunities for recreation. Rain or shine, we offer hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities, as well as biweekly outings for youth and adults that include: fishing, zip-lining, whale watching, camping, rock climbing, horseback riding, rafting, outdoor art and swimming. ORCA also offers two inclusive youth day camps for youth 7-18yrs. Overnights trips and campouts include tent and cabin camping in the Tongass National Forest, as well as multi-day trips throughout Alaska, Northern Canada, Mexico, Hawaii and the Lower 48 States.
Winter
As snow begins to fall, our short days are jam-packed with opportunities to get outside. In addition to the weekend ORCA Ski & Snowboard Program at Eaglecrest Area, ORCA offers weekly after-school activities for elementary, middle, and high school students, including: snowshoeing, ice skating, Nordic skiing (cross country), bonfires, snow play and sledding.
ORCA Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Program
Every weekend, January through Mid-April, ORCA provides adaptive ski, snowboard & Nordic (cross-country) lessons and ski guides to individuals with disabilities at Eaglecrest Ski Area in Juneau, AK. The ORCA Ski & Snowboard Program’s certified PSIA/AASI Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Instructors are available to teach children and adults of any ability (or disability). More information can be found at our Adaptive Snowsports page. Reservations required. Contact: 907-321-2704 or email juneau-orca@sailinc.org.
When it rains…
…it pours here in Southeast Alaska. If the weather prevents us from having fun outside, we turn to the many indoor facilities Southeast Alaska has to offer. Swimming, ice skating, indoor climbing, open gyms, tennis and shelter bonfires are just a few of our “rainy day” activities.
Sport Protection
At SAIL, we are committed to creating programs where every participant, staff member, and volunteer feels safe, respected, supported, and included. Our Sport Protection Handbook provides guidance for promoting positive, healthy, and respectful environments across our recreation and sports programs. It outlines the expectations, responsibilities, and practices that help us protect participants and respond appropriately to concerns. Through this work, SAIL strives to build a culture of trust, accountability, and inclusion in every program and activity we offer.
Read the Sport Protection Handbook:
SAIL is committed to creating safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for everyone involved in our recreation and sports programs. If you have a concern about conduct or a potential violation of our Sport Protection policies, we encourage you to report it.
The Sport Protection Violation Report Form may be used by participants, families, staff, volunteers, or community members to report concerns involving anyone participating in a SAIL program. All concerns will be taken seriously and reviewed in accordance with SAIL’s policies and procedures.
If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. Your report helps us maintain a safe and supportive environment for everyone.
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Supporters, Partners and Affiliations:
ORCA Adaptive Program is a Chapter of Move United.
ORCA Adaptive Ski & Snowboard Program is a member School of Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and is made possible through the sponsorship of Hecla and the close partnership with Eaglecrest.
ORCA Adaptive Program receives adaptive kayak trainings from American Canoe Association (ACA)
ORCA Adaptive Program is a partner with Americorps / Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest
The ORCA Program is partially funded by the citizens of the City and Borough of Juneau through sales tax revenues.
