This Colorado Ski Resort Is Making Skiing Accessible To People With Disabilities

Western Colorado’s Steamboat Ski Resort, the fifth largest resort in the state, is working to make their skiing accessible to everyone of all abilities. Steamboat Ski Resort is located in Steamboat Springs and offers around 3,000 acres of skiing and snowboarding opportunities, as well as 170 named trails. That’s in addition to their famous trademarked “Champagne powder” — extremely fluffy, light, and smooth snow with just a 6% water content. It’s widely considered the best snow for skiing.

Steamboat Ski Resort has been working with Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports (STARS) for over ten years now — they’re a non-profit dedicated to providing winter recreational opportunities to people with disabilities. “STARS was formed in 2007 by a group of parents, ski instructors, and management from Steamboat Ski Corporation to help provide improved winter recreational opportunities for people with disabilities,” explains STARS executive director, Gardner Flanigan. The program has steadily developed over the years to now successfully provide skiing experiences to people with cognitive and physical disabilities, autism, Veterans with injuries, and their families on an ongoing basis. Steamboat Resort also ensures an inclusive environment for guests of all abilities. As such, the premises are fully wheelchair-accessible and service animals are welcomed. Parking spaces and pathways are also kept clear of snow and ice. A safe and accessible environment is essential for preventing slips and falls in bad weather.

Whether they’re experienced or completely new to skiing, skiers aged five+ can participate in the program — whether they use ski bikes or ski trikes or have visual or hearing impairments. Instructors can also teach bi-skiers and mono-skiers, as well as two-, three-, and four-track skiers. These private adaptive lessons are tailored to suit each individual’s strengths. As an alternative to downhill skiing, sit and stand adaptive nordic lessons are also offered to skiers that prefer largely flat terrain.

“I had an amazing experience with skiing, thanks to my STARS ski instructor,” Emily F. tells Travel+Leisure. “He made it really fun and took me on adventures that I thought I would never experience. And the best thing was we both like to go fast. He didn’t see my disability as a problem, I was just me. He didn’t make me feel bad if I couldn’t do what he asked of me. He challenged me, but still knew how to have fun.” More than just teaching clients with disabilities how to ski, adaptive programs also successfully help to build independence, confidence, and self-esteem. Emily particularly benefited from the routine of having to get up at the same time every morning and the responsibility of having to be on time for her lesson. “Skiing with my instructor made me feel something I haven’t felt for a long time. Every morning, he would put me in my sit ski and never complain about anything. My depression was gone for a while. He believed in me like nobody has before. I wish I could give him at least half of what he gave me”, she said.

Moreover, Steamboat Ski Resort further offers a host of summer outdoor activities for people with disabilities, including hiking, horse riding, waterskiing, kayaking, and biking, which means guests can participate in any activity of their choice with the right specialized equipment. At STARS, “we work to recognize, respect, and build on the strengths of all individuals and families,” comments Flanigan. “We promote inclusiveness and design our programs to help move people with disabilities along the continuum toward self-sufficiency and independence.”