Being one of the ‘best mountains in the country’ isn’t just about snow quality and terrain anymore. Many world-class resorts now also have world-class adaptive sports programs and have increased accessibility over the last several years. These adaptive programs often have highly skilled instructors, and a range of equipment to help skiers of all ability types get out on the slopes.
A number of these organizations also have year-round programs so that adaptive athletes can participate in skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, horseback riding, and so on.
Many mountains have some kind of adaptive center nowadays, but here are a few standout programs at mountains that also offer incredible skiing.
Photo: Dave Obzansky
1. Park City, UT
The National Ability Center’s McGrath Family Mountain Center at the base of Park City Mountain Resort has made it easier than ever for adaptive skiers to get out and ski at one of the biggest mountains in the country.
The NAC’s instructors teach about 4000 ski lessons every year and are all experienced in working with adaptive skiers with a variety of needs. The center itself is on 20+ acres of property and also has year-round activities available to adaptive athletes such as horseback riding, rock climbing, and sled hockey.
Photo: Getty Images/ Mengzhonghua Photography
2. Steamboat, CO
Known for its blower pow and producing Olympians left and right, Steamboat Springs held the first ever Special Winter Olympics in 1977. Now, Steamboat’s adaptive sports program, STARS, is one of the premier programs in the country for adaptive athletes.
Instructors and volunteers offer half and full-day lessons for adaptive skiers, snowboarders, and snow bikers. STARS also offers fully accessible lodging just outside of town for folks coming to visit.
Related: The 6 Best Ski Resorts for Beginners
Photo: Mt. Bachelor/Ikon Pass
3. Mt. Bachelor, OR
Oregon Adaptive Sports offers year-round recreation opportunities for adaptive athletes. Alpine ski lessons are offered at Mt. Bachelor, as well as nearby Hoodoo Ski Area, and Mt. Ashland.
The OAS team is well versed in teaching adaptive skiers and has a variety of equipment available so that adaptive athletes can enjoy Mt. Bachelor’s 4,000+ acres and 360 degrees of prime PNW volcano skiing. OAS works with more than 400 adaptive athletes annually.
Photo: Trent Bona
4. Crested Butte, CO
Crested Butte’s steep terrain and high annual snowfall aren’t all it’s known for. Crested Butte’s Adaptive Sports Center’s instructors are well-versed in teaching adaptive skiers helping them thrive on the slopes.
The ASC offers a range of adaptive ski equipment for all types of adaptive skiers and aims to “optimize independence and help others reach their skiing goals,” according to the program’s website. The ASC also offers scholarships to ease the financial burden of ski lessons.
Related: 5 of the Best Aprés-Ski Resorts in the World
Photo: sboice/Getty Images
5. Keystone, CO
Keystone Resort has a partnership with the Keystone Adaptive Center, a program under the world-renowned Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center to provide lessons to adaptive skiers. BOEC’s instructors use one-on-one instruction and a variety of equipment and techniques to help adaptive skiers learn and grow on the slopes.
The cost of all adaptive lessons offered at Keystone includes instruction, equipment, and a lift ticket for the student, and lessons are available to all adaptive skiers and snowboarders over the age of 4.
Courtesy of Peak Resorts
6. Mount Snow, VT
Known for its terrain parks and producing some of the best slope athletes, Mount Snow also has an incredible non-profit adaptive sports program. Adaptive Sports at Mount Snow is almost entirely volunteer driven and has folks with a range of skills and expertise working to get adaptive skiers out on the slopes.
As a non-profit, they offer affordable adaptive ski and snowboard instruction for athletes. ASMS also has a peer volunteer program to provide adaptive youth athletes with the benefits of skiing and bonding with their peers.
Related: 6 Best All-Inclusive Ski Resorts
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