Kids with challenges (both physical and mental) deserve time on snow. Moms with kids who want to experience snowsports have programs from coast to coast to help with the planning. We’ve crowd-sourced resources to help you plan your snow adventures with our list of where to find an adaptive ski program near you.
First an Education on Adaptive Programs
A ski resort is open to the public therefore falls under the disabilities act. Mountains should have facilities that make access possible for families. That being said, as realists, we know some mountains are friendlier than others.
Get the rules here: accessadvocates.com/all-skiers-have-access-under-ada-compliance-rules-for-ski-resorts/
We’re providing a list of mom-recommended programs by region below. And here’s one more resource, the Epic Adaptive Pass. The Epic Adaptive pass is $524 for the year. Find out more here.
As you start planning your ski adventures, please start early. Many of these programs book early. Call ahead to get details, I’ve listed links with more information with each location.
Learn More About Adaptive Skiing
Check out our interview with Tracy Meier, Chief Program and Education Officer at the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah.
Tracy shares how the NAC creates life-changing outdoor experiences for individuals of all abilities—including adaptive ski and snowboard programs for kids, veterans, and families. If you’ve ever wondered what inclusion looks like on the mountain, this episode is a must-listen.
Mid-Atlantic Adaptive Ski Programs
Liberty Mountain, Fairfield, PA: Blue Ridge Adaptive Snow Sports, Inc. (BRASS) has a mission is to enhance the lives of people with disabilities through adaptive snow sports and recreational activities. They achieve this by offering ski and snowboard instruction for people with disabilities at Liberty Mountain Resort in the form of visually impaired/CI, stand-up skiing, or sit-down skiing with the use of special equipment. Adaptive snow sports allow people with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors and freedom of movement. BRASS is led and run by volunteers dedicated to providing an exciting experience for the students. Their highly trained volunteer team includes instructors certified by PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) as well as those training for certification. Find out more here: www.brasski.org/
Snowshoe, WV: In partnership with Challenged Athletes of West Virginia, they offer “Skiing is for everyone!” Adaptive program offers one-on-one lessons for 3 and 4 Track Skiing, Mono and Bi-Skiing, the Visually Impaired, and individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Learn skills that will carry over into your everyday life. More information here www.snowshoemtn.com/plan-your-trip/lessons/ski-and-snowboard-lessons/snowshoe-adaptive-winter-sports
Wisp, McHenry, Maryland: With the help of our Lions Club members, local volunteers, student volunteers, local businesses and Wisp Ski Resort we have helped hundreds of students from Maryland area schools go downhill skiing! The Club has built a relationship with the Maryland Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind which allows it to publicize the program directly to the parents of visually impaired children. The Club is celebrating the 50th year of the Blind Skier program next ski season in 2023. Find out more here deepcreeklions.org/service-programs/blind-skiers/
Midwest Adaptive Ski Programs
Adaptive Adventures: The Midwest Ski and Ride program provides individuals residing in Wisconsin, Illinois and the surrounding states an opportunity to learn to ski through weekly ski lessons. Adaptive Adventures works in partnerships with local mountains including Wilmot Mountain, WI; Alpine Valley, WI; Cascade Mountain, WI; The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva, WI; Seven Oaks Recreation Area, IA, and Spirit Mountain, MN. Get more information here adaptiveadventures.org
Alpine Valley Ski Resort, East Troy, Wisconsin: Sewasp.org They provide adaptive skiing in southern WI. SEWASP (pronounced “see-wasp”) provides adaptive alpine skiing and snowboard lessons for people with disabilities in southeastern Wisconsin and surrounding areas. “Adaptive” refers to the modified equipment and teaching techniques used to enable skiers and snowboarders to participate safely and as independently as possible. Instruction is generally provided at Alpine Valley Ski Resort near East Troy, Wisconsin (southwest of Milwaukee on I-43), on Thursday evenings from January through mid-March. Sewasp.org
Buck Hill, Burnsville Minnesota: Padraig’s Place, a local non-profit organization, and Buck Hill Ski and Snowboard School have come together to provide a fun experience for skiers and snowboarders with both physical and cognitive disabilities. More information here: adaptiveskiing.net/clubs/alpine-skiing/item/padraigs-place
Challenge, Mountain, Boyne Falls, Michigan: Established in 1984 as a non-profit organization, Challenge Mountain was the first independent adaptive skiing program in northern Michigan. Today, Challenge Mountain offers a wide variety of opportunities that continue to enrich lives and empower individuals living with disabilities through year-round adaptive recreation. Get more details here challengemtn.org
Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute: Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute gives more than 1,200 lessons each year at six locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin. They run programs at Welch Village, Hyland Hills, Afton Alps, Trollhaugen, Spirit Mountain, Giants Ridge and Lutsen. Get more details here www.allinahealth.org/courage-kenny-rehabilitation-institute/programs-and-services/volunteer-opportunities/ski-volunteer-information
Michigan Adaptive Sports: A non-profit organization that teaches people with disabilities how to participate in recreational activities. It looks like this is currently on pause. Get more details here www.michiganadaptivesports.com/
Perfect North, Lawrenceburg, IN: This program enables individuals to develop new skills, build self-confidence and enjoy the sport of skiing and snowboarding in a safe, fun and positive environment. They serve individuals with a wide array of disabilities including (but not limited to) vision and hearing impairments, amputees, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophies, birth defects, paralysis and cognitive disabilities. Each experience will be individually designed for your own personal experience. All Adaptive Lessons include private instruction, adaptive equipment rental, and a lift ticket. All lessons should be paid for on the day of the scheduled lesson, prior to lesson start time. Pre-registration is required at least 48 hours in advance. More details here: perfectnorth.com/adaptive-programs
Pine Mountain, Iron Mountain, MI: Moving Mountains runs the program with volunteers. Get more information www.movingmountainsap.org/
Sundown Mountain Resort, Dubuque, IA: Adaptive ski lessons are available at Sundown Mountain Resort for blind and physically challenged individuals of all ages. The 60-minute adaptive ski lessons are tailored to the need of the skier. They have a variety of specialized equipment available. Friends and family are encouraged to participate. The goal is to help the skier achieve the greatest independence and adventure that adaptive skiing has to offer. For reservations or more information, call 563-556-6676 ext.112. They have also hosted Special Olympics events here. More details here www.sundownmtn.com/lessons/
Northeast Adaptive Ski Programs
Canon Mountain, Franconia NH: They strive to keep our programs affordable, but recognize that some may need additional support to access programs. ASPNC offers sit down and stand up opportunities for alpine skiing and stand up snowboarding. Alpine lessons are Tuesday through Sunday. Athletes can compete in Special Olympics Regional and State games. The Special Olympics Alpine Team- North Country United- typically train together at Cannon Mountain on Sundays. More details adaptivesportspartners.org/winter-programs/
Gunstock NH: Lakes Region Disabled Sports is the Adaptive Snow Sports School at Gunstock Mountain Resort. They help child and adult students with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges to enjoy being on snow. They have specially trained instructors and volunteers to make a memorable on snow experience. More details lradaptive.org/
Greek Peak Adaptive Snowsports, Cortland, NY: The Greek Peak Adaptive Training Center, a building specifically designed for accessibility and snowsports, opened in January 1995. Greek Peak Mountain Resort not only supports GPAS, but also supports our athletes by offering special rates for skiers with disabilities through the Adaptive program on Saturdays and Sundays. Book your reservation here: www.gpadaptive.org/reservations
Double H Ranch, Lake Luzerene, NY: has a ski mountain and specializes in adaptive skiing. The Double H Ranch, co-founded in 1992 by Charles R. Wood and Paul Newman, provides specialized programs and year-round support for children and their families dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Get more details www.doublehranch.org/programs/winter/
Jiminy Peak, Hancock MA: The Adaptive program at Jiminy Peak provides ski and snowboard lessons to individuals of all ages with physical, cognitive or developmental disabilities. Jiminy Peak partners with STRIDE Adaptive Sports, a nonprofit adaptive skiing and recreation organization for individuals with disabilities. Adaptive volunteer coaches are PSIA-trained and will assess, equip and teach individuals with special needs, one-on-on, to meet their specific goals, abilities and learning styles. They welcome individuals of all abilities! More details www.jiminypeak.com/Skiing-Riding/Lessons-Programs/Adaptive-Lessons
Labrador Mountain in Truxton, NY: One of the longest running premier adaptive winter sports programs in Central New York, dedicated to ensuring that anyone who wants to is able to participate in winter sports. Each year, ARISE & Ski provides lessons to individuals with various disabilities, including spinal cord injuries, developmental disabilities, sensory impairments and many others. We provide expert instruction and adaptive equipment to ensure all skiers have a safe and fun experience on the mountain. More than 100 volunteers devote their time to training and lessons. SkiCNY lends incredible support to this inclusive recreation program. Get more details https://www.ariseinc.org/services/recreation-and-art/arise-and-ski/
Loon Mountain, Lincoln, NH: New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization that provides year-round adaptive sports instruction to adults and children living with physical and cognitive disabilities. Headquartered at Loon Mountain Resort, NEDS is a nationally-recognized program that helps more than 500 student-athletes enjoy sports like alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing in the winter, and cycling, rock climbing, kayaking, and other activities during the summer months. New England Disabled Sports is a chapter of Disabled Sports USA, and is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of 20 business leaders from all walks of life with a passion for adaptive sports. NEDS operates on a day-to-day basis under the guidance of a full-time staff and more than 250 highly-trained volunteers who instruct students in over 3,000 lessons each year. Get more details here www.loonmtn.com/lessons/neds
Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program, Holiday Valley Mountain, Ellicottville, NY: Dates for the 22-23 season.December 26th – March 19th, weather permitting. They begin accepting lesson requests on November 15th. LASP instills a sense of achievement, independence and inclusion in its students lives. LASP offers lessons to persons with virtually all disabilities, both physical and cognitive. The operative word in this program is ‘adaptive’. If someone wants to ski, the dedicated and enthusiastic Lounsbury volunteers will do everything they can to find a way to get them out on the slopes. The focus is always on what a student can do, not on what they can’t. A single lesson usually involves two instructors and sometimes three depending on the severity of the student’s disability and the type of adaptive ski equipment required.Get more details skilasp1.wixsite.com/lounsburyadaptive
Maine Adaptive: Offering year-round adaptive recreational programs that teach adaptive sports activities to people with disabilities, ages four and up. “Maine Adaptive loves to share all of the best outdoor activities that Maine has to offer with anyone, 4 and older, with disabilities. From alpine and Nordic skiing in the winter, to paddling and cycling in the summer, Maine Adaptive welcomes residents and visitors to its free year-round recreational programs, offered across the state,” says Executive Director Barbara Schneider. They operate out of Sunday River and Sugarloaf primarily, and they’re a really fantastic organization. They also offer a race team. Find out more here www.maineadaptive.org/winter-programs-overview
McIntye Ski Area, Manchester, NH: McIntyre Ski Area is a city-owned ski area adjacent to Derryfield Park in Manchester, New Hampshire, United States. Adaptive Ski and Snowboard lessons are available by appointment. Please email adaptive@mcintyreskiarea.com to book your lesson. Get more details here: www.mcintyreskiarea.com/single-lessons/
Nashoba Valley, Westford, MA: The Nashoba Valley Adaptive staff is an all volunteer staff that is the heart and soul of our program. They are skilled in dealing with students with cognitive disabilities, visually impaired and/or hearing impaired students, and three/four track students (amputees and those with lower extremity weaknesses who require outriggers or forearm crutches with ski tips attached). The minimum age is 6 years old. If you have any questions or you need additional information, please call 978-692-3033 and ask for adaptive. The program is offered on Sunday afternoons at 3:00. Each lesson is one bundled price which includes a 90 minute lesson, a lift ticket, and rental equipment. More details: skinashoba.com/adaptive-lessons/
Northeast Passage: Empowering individuals with disabilities to define, pursue, and achieve their Therapeutic Recreation and Adaptive Sports goals. Three program areas are: Adaptive Sports & Recreation, Recreational Therapy and Teaching & Research. For participants 5 to 92. Participants come from all over New England. Located on the campus of the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH. Find out more here www.nepassage.org/
Stride: STRIDE offers adaptive ski and snowboard lessons at 3 mountain resorts in New England: Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, MA; Catamount Mountain in Hillsdale, NY; and Titus Mountain in Malone NY. Lessons run from November to April for mono-ski, bi-ski, visual or hearing impaired, ski-bike, intellectual disabilities, 3-track, 4-track, and adaptive snowboarding. Advanced reservations are required! STRIDE is an official PSIA-E member school as well as a member of Move United, a Paralympic Sports Club, and Special Olympics Training Club. Get more details here www.stride.org/ski-snowboard/
Sunapee, Newbury, NH: NEHSA offers adaptive skiing, (stand up and sit down), adaptive snowboarding and ski bike lessons.Adaptive ski and snowboard lessons are available to individuals of all ages and abilities, December through late March. Taking part in adaptive winter sports provides participants an opportunity to learn new skills, build physical and mental strength, and have a great time outdoors with friends and family. Get more details here nehsa.org/winter-programs/
Swain, New York: Shared Ski Adventures is SportsNet’s adaptive learn-to-ski and snowboard program held at Swain Ski Resort. Shared Ski Adventures (SSA) has existed as an organized program for almost 40 years, offering safe, affordable, high-quality ski opportunities to children and adults with disabilities. Skiers benefit from individualized lessons with trained, attentive, and caring instructors and the availability of adapted ski equipment. A team of dedicated volunteers, ensures positive successful experiences, on the snow, for individuals of all abilities. Find out more here: https://swain.com/shared-ski-adventures/
Windham Mountain, Windham NY: Opened in 2005, the Gwen Allard Adaptive Sports Center has become a model facility for serving individuals with disabilities through adaptive sports programs. The Center resides slope side on beautiful Windham Mountain, New York just 2.5 hours from New York City in the Catskill Mountains. The 7,200 square foot building allows nine ASF staff members and 250+ volunteers to provide service and educational opportunities for ASF participants and an educational programming model for disabled sports organizations throughout the United States. All student services are available on one floor, including a well equipped rental shop. The beautiful and comfortable great room provides a cozy place for families, students, and instructors to gather during the day. Get more details here: www.adaptivesportsfoundation.org/adaptive-sports-center-at-windham-mountain/
Wachusett Mountain, Princeton, MA: Ages 5 and up. The Wachusett Mountain Adaptive Program uses up-to-date techniques and equipment to create a lesson environment which helps individuals build confidence and self-esteem while promoting independence and personal growth. Our objective is to provide an experience that will bring joy and a feeling of freedom to the students. The instructor staff is trained in dealing with physical, cognitive, hearing, visually impaired and developmental disabilities. The lessons are given in an atmosphere that is enthusiastic and upbeat. Get more details www.wachusett.com/Lessons-Rentals/Lessons/Adaptive-Lessons.aspx
Yawgoo Valley, Exeter, RI: Offers adaptive certified instructors. Being an extremely small hill they’re not able to offer full services like larger mountains. But they strive to be as inclusive as they can be! Yawgoo Valley is the only surviving skiing resort in Rhode Island. It is located on a hill in Exeter, south of Providence
Vermont Adaptive Ski Programs
Start with Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports. Vermont Adaptive is the largest year-round disabled sports non-profit organization in Vermont, offering the most diverse program opportunities. In addition to sports, year-round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical and emotional disabilities. Get more details here: www.vermontadaptive.org/
BART Program Vermont: They have a very active BART program- they do wonderful work getting everyone on the mountain and their lodge is main level accessible with a ramp option for entry. The Bart J Ruggiere Adaptive Sports Center offers ski and snowboard lessons for people that have a cognitive and/or physical disability at Bromley, Stratton and The Hermitage Mountains. The Bart Adaptive Sports Center has a dedicated corps of over 50 highly trained volunteers, many of whom are PSIA Certified, that provide lessons using the latest in adaptive techniques and equipment. Get more details here www.bartadaptive.org/
Burke Mountain: Partners with Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country (ASPNC) to make adaptive opportunities & instruction available to people of all abilities, ages 3+. All people with disabilities welcome, including those with physical, developmental, and emotional/behavioral disabilities. All Adaptive Lessons are by advance reservation only. Sessions booked through ASPNC include: equipment rental, adaptive equipment, lift ticket, and trained volunteer instructors. More details here www.skiburke.com/skiing-and-riding/lessons-and-rentals/lessons/adaptive-lessons-ages-3/
Mount Snow, West Dover, VT: Works with Vermont Adaptive. Get more details here adaptiveatsnow.org/
Pico, Killington, VT: Vermont Adaptive has a great program here. They also have summer programs. Get more details www.picomountain.com/things-to-do/activities-amenities/vermont-adaptive
Sugarbush, Warren, VT: This is home to the new year-round, $2.5 million Adaptive Sports Facility. Sugarbush also partners closely with other adaptive sports organizations like High Fives Foundation, Flyin’ Ryan Foundation, and Kelly Brush Foundation. The resort hosts several events with these organizations throughout the winter, including the ever-popular High Fives Fat Ski-a-Thon each spring.
Stowe, Vermont: They have an adaptive program in the ski bucket and instructors trained to teether. Instructors are all qualified professionals in the Ski & Snowboard School with specialized training in adaptive coaching. Your first lesson will start with an assessment and time will be taken to properly fit adaptive equipment as needed. Get more details here /www.stowe.com/plan-your-trip/ski-and-ride-lessons/category/adaptive-lessons.aspx
Zeno Mountain Farm, Lincoln, VT: The Mission of ZMF is to support lifelong friendships and opportunities for people with and without disabilities and other marginalized communities. They host annual retreats and camps in Lincoln, VT and offer skin camps. Currently, they have 12 different retreats throughout the year spanning over 100 days. Get more details zenomountainfarm.org/
Western Adaptive Ski Programs
Challenge Aspen, Aspen, Colorado: Creates life-changing opportunities by encouraging participation in activities designed to redefine limits, recognize abilities, and transfer to everyday life. Get more details here: challengeaspen.org/
Crested Butte, Colorado: Offers everything from snowshoeing to snowboarding. When it comes to skiing, they offer mono-ski, bi-ski and alpine. The Adaptive Sports Center’s expert instructors specialize in helping individuals with disabilities push themselves on the slopes of Mt. Crested Butte. Whether you’ve never skied in your life or you’re an expert, they can tailor an experience that helps you grow as a skier. They will help you decide what’s best for your abilities. Scholarships are available. Get more details here www.adaptivesports.org/adventures/winter-adventures
Breckenridge, Colorado: Since 1976, Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) has provided adaptive sports programs to individuals from all 50 states and 10 countries around the world. Offerings included adaptive winter ski and snowboard programs at Breckenridge, Keystone and Copper Mountain Ski Resorts, and summer programs on local rivers, lakes, and bike paths. Get more details boec.org/adaptive-ski-snowboard-program/
Eldora, Colorado: Located at the base of picturesque Eldora Mountain, just 21 miles outside of Boulder, CO, Ignite Adaptive Sports harnesses the heart and dedication of the Front Range, surrounding mountain, and Northern Colorado communities to provide children and adults with disabilities access to Colorado’s amazing outdoor winter sports. They offer alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ski biking, and snowshoeing lessons. Get more details igniteadaptivesports.org/
Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Jackson Hole Mountain Sports School provides the ultimate mountain experience for individuals of all ages with disabilities and/or adaptive needs. Our Adaptive Program caters to the full spectrum of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to experts. Trained adaptive instructors offer children and adults alike an enriching mountain experience. With specialized adaptive equipment and teaching techniques, anyone can access Jackson Hole’s legendary terrain. Get more details here www.jacksonhole.com/adaptive
New Mexico Adaptive Sports: They offer year-round opportunities for children and adults with disabilities to enjoy a variety of adaptive activities including skiing, snowboarding, watersports, yoga, cycling, rock climbing and more. Programs are open to children and adults with disabilities at locations throughout New Mexico. Some programs are open to family members and caregivers. Get more details here: www.adaptivesportsprogram.org/
Park City, Utah: Ski or ride with the National Ability Center at Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort. Instructors are trained in adaptive techniques for 2-track, 3-track, 4-track, Mono-Ski, Bi-Ski, snow slider, ski bike and snowboarding as well as guiding skiers and riders with low vision or blindness. Instructors are also well-versed in adaptive ski and snowboard techniques to teach individuals with intellectual disabilities and individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired/hard of hearing. The goal? To get you skiing or riding independently with friends and families. You’ll be fitted with adaptive equipment at the start of your lesson. Once you’re comfortable you can rent equipment to use on your own! Get more details here discovernac.org/programs/adaptive-recreation/adaptive-skiing-snowboarding/
Steamboat Resort, Colorado: Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports – STARS is an exclusive partner with the Steamboat Ski Area and is a 501( c ) 3 whose mission is to empower and enrich lives through adaptive recreational activities. STARS provides adaptive ski and snowboard lessons for clients with disabilities on the mountain for youth and adults with autism, cognitive and physical disabilities and injured Veterans. Trained staff and volunteers provide personalized instruction to help each individual reach their highest potential. STARS uses adaptive techniques and specialized equipment to help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate. Get more details www.steamboat.com/plan-your-trip/lessons/snowsports-school/adaptive
Wasatch Adaptive Sports, UT: Skiing & snowboarding lessons are offered primarily at Snowbird, Alta, and Sundance. Students can sign up to ski at Brighton and Solitude upon request. Get more details: wasatchadaptivesports.org/
Winter Park, Colorado: National sports center for the disabled in Denver. The NSCD provides therapeutic recreation, competition and adaptive sports for children and adults with disabilities. Based in Winter Park and Denver, CO. They’ve re-invented adaptive equipment, technology and coaching methods. Get more details https://nscd.org/
West Coast Adaptive Ski Programs
Achieve Tahoe, California: has an excellent program at Palisades. They provide year-round outdoor recreation activities for people with cognitive, sensory, and physical disabilities. The snowsports program provides private adaptive ski and snowboard lessons for all abilities. Achieve Tahoe seeks to utilize each individual’s abilities to help them find the greatest amount of independence in recreation. The Achieve Tahoe Program Center is located at Alpine Meadows at Palisades Tahoe in the North Lake Tahoe area of Northern California. Lessons are offered at Alpine Meadows, Olympic Valley, and Northstar. We are open daily for lessons from December 14, 2022 through April 29, 2023 (conditions permitting). Get more details: https://www.achievetahoe.org/participate/activities/snowsports/
Oregon Adaptive Sports, Bend, OR: Since 1996, Oregon Adaptive Sports has been working to empower people of all abilities to fully engage in the outdoors and to live an active, healthy and thriving life. Look for their Winter Programs in skiing, snowboarding and cross-country at both Mt. Bachelor and Hoodoo Ski Resort. Get more details here oregonadaptivesports.org/
Mammoth Mountain, California: has an adaptive program – Eastern Sierra Disabled Sports. They have some wonderful programs and are a great resource. They equipment and instructors to provide a wide range of activities for students of all ages. Skiing (standard skis, bi-skis or mono-skis) and snowboarding. Reservations are required. Get more details here disabledsportseasternsierra.org/
Equipment Resources
If you are a family that wants to take on more adventures, you might invest in some equipment like the Bi-Ski. Note: it takes two adults to lift and ride with the bi-ski. Get more details here: enablingtech.com/products/kids-bi-unique-bi-ski
MORE SKIING RESOURCES FROM MOMTRENDS
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- 12 Ways to Recycle and Resell Old Ski Gear
- 5 ways to save money on your next ski trip
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