Skiers will agree that there’s a unique thrill that comes with speeding down a mountain. It blends tranquility with adrenaline. The ski industry is continually striving to share this experience with a wider audience, and many nonprofits alongside ski resorts have collaborated to make snow sports accessible for individuals with various disabilities.

For those with disabilities, using adaptive equipment can level the playing field on the slopes.

“No matter your disability, you can get out there and have fun,” a member of the National Ability Center’s ski team shared with YSL News during a December visit. “We’re all just people approaching things in our own ways.”

The National Ability Center, located in Park City, Utah, is a nonprofit focused on adaptive outdoor recreation. It features a range of activities at its ranch just minutes from the town center as well as a significant base near the Mountain Village accommodations.

In collaboration with other nonprofits such as Challenge Aspen in Colorado and Achieve Tahoe in California, there is a significant movement in the industry to enhance accessibility in mountainous areas for everyone.

The Importance of Accessibility in Snow Sports

“Participating in outdoor activities is enjoyable in the moment, but its effects extend far beyond that,” Willie Ford, CEO of NAC, conveyed to YSL News. “It’s entirely possible to aspire for more; just look at what you can achieve.”

Last winter, Achieve Tahoe conducted over 2,500 private half-day lessons for more than 700 participants, with the current season completely booked. This reflects the increasing interest among individuals of all abilities to find delight in winter sports.

In Aspen, another nonprofit pursues similar objectives.

“People with disabilities often face underestimations from others, whether domestically or internationally. Skiing is frequently seen as an extreme sport,” stated Lindsey Cagley, CEO of Challenge Aspen, in an interview with YSL News. “If you can get on the slopes and ski, it opens up a world of opportunities beyond just sitting on the couch.”

Cagley highlighted that for athletes with disabilities, the realization they can ski often leads to unlocking their full potential.

“I spent a week losing sight of my terminal illness; that was an incredible gift that no one could provide … but these wonderful people did it! I haven’t experienced joy, laughter, and enjoyment like that since long before my diagnosis,” shared Mary Grace Porter, a participant in the Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities program, in an email.

The Journey to Making Skiing Accessible

Ski resort representatives frequently point out that skiing is a sport the whole family can enjoy together. Adaptive snow equipment now allows family members with disabilities to join in as well.

Experts and advocates stress that it goes beyond just having the right gear; it also requires suitable facilities and resources to ensure a seamless experience from beginning to end.

At the NAC in Park City, a ski-in, ski-out lodge simplifies and enhances safety for athletes transitioning to their adaptive equipment rather than being carried in through the snow.

Ford and Cagley emphasized that achieving true accessibility involves a comprehensive approach.

“Consider a person who uses a wheelchair; they are likely utilizing a sit-ski,” Cagley explained. “But if they want to grab food on the mountainside, they may not have access to their wheelchair, which is usually parked at the base.”

“We collaborate with the resort to ensure something as basic as wheelchair access at every dining location on the mountain,” she mentioned.

Enhancing Accessibility in Snow Sports

Both Cagley and Ford stated that ongoing efforts and adaptations are necessary to maintain accessibility in skiing, both in physical terms and costs.

“We are not an organization that barges in without consideration,” Ford commented. “We need to reshape the perception that accessibility imposes a significant financial strain on resort operators.”

From a physical infrastructure perspective, advocates suggest that as resorts renovate and expand, they should consider incorporating accessible features like lifts and lodges.

On the financial front, skiing continues to be a tough sport to engage in, regardless of one’s abilities.

Many adaptive participants struggle to fit into standard group lessons, which increases expenses. To help alleviate these costs, every lesson at Achieve Tahoe includes a lift ticket for the day. The organization also provides scholarships for qualifying participants and discounts for veterans.

“At this stage, we rely heavily on partnerships with resorts and support from nonprofits like ours,” Cagley remarked. “The financial challenges associated with skiing aren’t going away. The industry is inherently costly,” yet advocates are dedicated to making this sport more accessible for everyone.