A person using adaptive ski equipment navigates down a snow-covered slope, surrounded by a post-card perfect winter landscape.
SKI & SNOW

Adaptive Skiing and Snowboarding: Breaking Barriers, One Turn at a Time

Adaptive skiing and snowboarding are about more than just getting outdoors in the winter—they’re about breaking down barriers, creating lasting memories, and sharing the fun of the mountains.
BY: NANCY BOUCHARD
Skiing and snowboarding are great ways to increase physical fitness, develop skills and have fun with friends and families. But for individuals with disabilities, these sports can seem out of reach. The good news is that adaptive programs are making skiing and snowboarding more accessible, with advancements in equipment and instruction that help people with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities enjoy winter sports. Plus, many organizations provide grants that are designed to lower financial barriers—which can be high when you include the cost of lift tickets, instruction, and specialized equipment.

The Center of Disease Control estimates that more than 70 million Americans live with disabilities. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) and the Rehabilitation Act (1973) expanded access to public spaces, including ski resorts. But there’s more to skiing and snowboarding than ramps, elevators, and ADA-compliant bathrooms. In order to really provide access, there has to be a way to make skiing and snowboarding more welcoming to non-traditional skiers.

As Leah Persichilli, Program Director at Bend-based Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS), explains, many people don’t know about adaptive sports, so it is important to get the word out. "Most athletes get involved with OAS through word of mouth,” says Persichilli. “We’ve established a strong reputation both locally and within the broader adaptive sports community. Our athletes include both local participants and visitors to Bend, with many incorporating OAS into their travel plans or coming specifically to ski or ride."
A person using an adaptive sit ski and poles glides down a snow-covered slope alongside a traditional skier. Snow-covered peaks rise in the distant landscape.
Adaptive skiing gained traction after World War II, when soldiers with disabilities sought ways to reconnect with outdoor activities. In the 1960s, the invention of the sit-ski enabled individuals with spinal injuries or limb loss to schuss down the slopes. By the 1970s, adaptive ski programs were growing across the U.S. and Europe. Alpine skiing was included in the 1988 Winter Paralympics and snowboarding was added in 2014.

In the early days, adaptive skiing and snowboarding were about making adjustments to equipment. But today, the goal is much broader: it's about ensuring that everyone, regardless of physical, cognitive, or sensory abilities, can be fully part of the action. Increasingly, adaptive athletes are taking their place among able-bodied skiers and snowboarders. There are many forms of adaptive skiing and snowboarding, all of which provide a sense of freedom, increased confidence and, hopefully a lot of fun.

Persichilli notes that OAS's programming is designed to foster continued growth for individuals with disabilities, as well as an initial experience. "We serve many athletes who want to continue in the sports they’re introduced to at OAS,” explains Persichilli. “We offer ample continued learning, from first turns to advanced instruction on both the snow and the trails. Our instructors are certified with governing organizations, so athletes know they’re receiving high-quality instruction, with plenty of room to grow." The goal is always to encourage athletes to reach their greatest level of independence in whatever sport they are pursuing. And, if they wish to purchase their own adaptive equipment, OAS assists them in finding grants to help fund those purchases.
An amputee skier using a single ski and adaptive poles glides down a snow-covered slope, while an instructor watches from a distance.

Innovative Gear and Techniques

Mono-skis and bi-skis allow individuals with limited mobility to ski with the assistance of skilled instructors. Adaptive snowboarding uses specially designed chairs mounted on boards, with hand controls for steering. Instructors are trained in techniques like using verbal cues for blind athletes and visual cues for hearing impaired athletes. In addition to equipment, there’s now apparel specifically for designed for adaptive athletes, so they can stay warm, dry and protected while enjoying snowsports.

Joe Jackson, Program Coordinator for Oregon’s Mt. Ashland Ski Area, says "Adaptive skiing may have a high barrier to entry, but once you’re on the slopes, the possibilities are limitless, unlocking not just new skills, but newfound confidence and freedom with every turn."

The most important thing to know about Adaptive Skiing and Snowboarding is how to get started. A good place to start is an internet search for Adaptive Sport resources in your area. For some ideas, here are some of our favorite programs and organizations.
More than a dozen skiers traverse a snow-covered slope at Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah, which is known for its partnership with Wasatch Adaptive Sports.

Sundance Mountain Resort—Sundance, Utah

Sundance’s partnership with Wasatch Adaptive Sports provides adaptive lessons and programs for veterans and individuals with disabilities. The upcoming MVP Program will offer veterans and their families a chance to reconnect with nature and mountain recreation. As Sundance's team puts it, "The mountains have the power to heal, and it is our responsibility to give back to the men and women who have served each of us.” Slated to open for the 2025/26 season, the plan is for a 63-room, ADA-accessible inn at Sundance Mountain Resort’s base, with all costs covered for participating veterans and their families. Sundance Mountain Resort will launch their MVP for Winter 25/26--when the new Inn opens. 
OAS serves individuals of all ages with a variety of winter and year-round sports. Known for strong community ties, OAS helps athletes of all abilities access equipment and grants to promote independence.
One of the largest adaptive sports organizations in the U.S., NSCD offers skiing, snowboarding, and other outdoor activities for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Adaptive Sports Center — Crested Butte, Colorado

You’ll find tailored ski and snowboard lessons for athletes with disabilities, with year-round programming that includes hiking and cycling.

Wasatch Adaptive Sports — Sundance, Utah

In partnership with Sundance Resort, Wasatch Adaptive offers affordable adaptive lessons for athletes of all ages, specializing in Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) Adaptive techniques.
A snowboarder and a skier ride side by side on a chairlift at Mammoth Mountain, passing snow-covered trees in the alpine landscape.

Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra at Mammoth Mountain — Mammoth Mountain, California

Partnering with Mammoth Mountain, this program offers adaptive skiing and snowboarding, with specialized programs for veterans and youth.

Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center — Breckenridge, Colorado

With year-round outdoor activities, BOEC focuses on building independence and confidence through adaptive skiing and snowboarding.

Vail Resorts Adaptive Program — Multiple Locations, Colorado

There are plenty of locations across Colorado and through Vail Resort’s vast holdings. You’ll find adaptive skiing and snowboarding for people with physical and cognitive disabilities, in partnership with organizations like Access Unbound.

Wounded Warrior Project — Nationwide

This iconic program provides adaptive sports opportunities for veterans, including skiing and snowboarding, to help them reclaim their lives through recreation.

Invictus Games — Various Locations

The Invictus Games—yes, started by British veteran Prince Harry--supports adaptive athletes from around the world. For the 2025 Winter Games that will be held in Whistler, Canada, paraskiing and snowboard will make their debut.
Multiple runs wind down Loon Mountain Ski Resort, one of many New Hampshire resorts offering adaptive skiing and snowboarding programs for individuals of all abilities.

New England Disabled Sports (NEDS) – Franconia, New Hampshire

NEDS provides adaptive skiing and snowboarding at Loon Mountain and other resorts in New Hampshire. These programs known for personalized instruction and a wide range of adaptive equipment.

Foundation des Sports Adaptéss – Québec, Canada

Québec has many fine ski areas. Most offer adaptive ski lessons. The program ensures that athletes of all abilities can enjoy winter sports in a welcoming environment. Québec ski areas also offer a host of accessible adaptive activities, including dogsledding and snowmobiling.

Canadian Adaptive Snowsports – Québec, Canada

With over 30 participating resorts, CADS offers adaptive ski and snowboard programs across Canada, ensuring accessibility and independence for athletes of all abilities. Get in touch if you, or someone you know, might benefit from adaptive skiing and snowboarding.

High Fives Foundation – Truckee, California

Based in Truckee, this national organization provides grants that supply adaptive sports equipment for skiing and snowboarding, surfing, biking, fishing, and dirt riding—specially equipped motorcycles and buggies. In Truckee, there’s a highly specialized gym designed to train people to get the most out of their chosen activity.

MoveUnited – Rockville, Maryland

This non-profit connects individuals with disabilities to adaptive sports programs. Their website lists more than 250 programs across the US that specialize in adaptive sports and activities. MoveUnited is a great starting point for finding the right program for your interests and needs.
Columbia Sportswear celebrates winter sports for everyone. For your next day on the slopes, check out our all-mountain, all-day skiing and snowboarding apparel and footwear.
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