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Everyone deserves to experience the joy of skiing. This is what Jim Winthers, a World War II veteran and Director of the ski school at Soda Springs, felt in 1967 when he brought a group of Vietnam vets with disabilities to ski. At the time, alpine adaptive equipment was non-existent. So Winthers rigged together a mono-ski, allowing them to access the slopes. The experience was so positive that Winthers formalized the program into Disabled Sports USA. Eventually, this became Achieve Tahoe, the first official adaptive winter sports program in North America.
Nowadays, adaptive ski and snowboarding programs can be found at ski resorts across America, making skiing and other winter sports so much more accessible for everyone, including those with cognitive and physical disabilities, visual impairments, and mental health challenges. By utilizing advanced technology in equipment, trained instructors, tailored lessons, and visual aids, these programs can accommodate all levels of ability. More importantly, adaptive winter sports help to foster inclusivity, self-confidence, resiliency, and independence.
Below, we highlight a few of the best adaptive skiing programs in America.
The Best Adaptive Ski Programs In America
Oregon Adaptive Sports
Oregon Adaptive Sports (OAS), which opened its doors in 1996, has grown to become one of the largest adaptive winter sports foundations in the Pacific Northwest. Serving Mt. Bachelor, Hoodoo, and Mt. Ashland, OAS offers 2,000 outdoor experiences for more than 400 unique individuals. Each lesson is tailored to the needs of the athletes.
Pat Addabbo, Executive Director of OAS, says the goal is to remove barriers so people with disabilities can participate in winter sports. Addabbo states that OAS has 350 instructors and volunteers with substantial training, as well as state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology. However, what sets OAS apart from other adaptive programs is its commitment to affordability. “We ensure that cost is never a barrier to our program,” says Addabbo. Oregon Adaptive Sports’ winter season for adaptive lessons ends in mid-April, while summer programs include adaptive mountain biking, cycling, golf, and kayaking.
National Ability Center
Nestled on a 26-acre ranch in Park City, Utah, and at the base of Park City Mountain Resort, the National Ability Center (NAC) is the largest adaptive winter sports program in the U.S. Featuring on-site accommodations, community-based programming, generous scholarships, and the latest equipment, the National Ability Center makes winter sports fun, accessible, and inclusive. Serving over 80 different types of diagnoses, the NAC’s winter sports programs are tailored for everyone from entry-level winter sports enthusiasts to those training for competition teams, Paralympics, and Special Olympic Games.
Tracy Meier, the Chief Programming and Education Officer at the NAC, says the community partners and sponsorships are the key ingredients in their success. “We are grateful for the facilities, adaptive equipment, and resources such as discounted or free lift tickets that allow these individuals to follow their dreams,” she says.
The National Ability Center also has a full line-up of summer programming. Summer adaptive activities, operating from Park City and Moab, Utah, include whitewater rafting, wake surfing, biking, equestrian, overnight camps, and more.
Achieve Tahoe
Achieve Tahoe is one of the pioneering programs of adaptive skiing. The 60-year-old organization has evolved to serve over 900 individuals each year. Operating out of Palisades Tahoe, and Northstar California, Achieve Tahoe provides private ski and snowboard lessons for all abilities and levels. The PSIA-certified instructors and trained volunteers make skiing or snowboarding possible for anyone with physical, sensory, or intellectual disabilities.
Sophie Moeller, the Development Manager of Achieve Tahoe, says that the adaptive sports program impacts athletes on and off the mountain. “We had one athlete who had trouble walking and didn’t want to get into ski boots,” Moeller explained. “But once he learned how to ski and walk in boots through the program, it gave him the confidence to walk independently outside of skiing. Adaptive sports enriches their lives in so many ways.”
Achieve Tahoe offers adaptive equestrian, hiking, archery, climbing, sailing, jet skiing, and tubing during the summer and fall months.
Steamboat STARS
Steamboat STARS was founded in 2007 by a group of passionate ski instructors, parents, and leaders from the Steamboat Corporation with a bold mission to open up Steamboat’s winter recreation to individuals living with disabilities. Today, STARS is the exclusive provider of adaptive lessons and winter programs at Steamboat Ski Resort. Daily programs include alpine and nordic skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Adaptive equipment is supplied to the athletes, and scholarships are available.
Only a few miles out of town is the STARS Ranch, a 24-room retreat featuring ADA-compliant lodging, a great room for gatherings, and a meeting room for workshops and conferences. Summer adaptive programs include hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and water sports.
Ski New Hampshire
Ski New Hampshire is a trade association supporting more than 30 ski areas in the state with a vast network of adaptive winter sports programs. Some of the largest are found at Abenaki Ski Area, Attitash Mountain, Bretton Woods, Cannon Mountain, King Pine, Loon Mountain, McIntyre Ski Area, Mount Sunapee, and Waterville Valley. Melody Nester, Assistant Director of Ski New Hampshire, says that access to adaptive snow sports helps individuals with disabilities enjoy the fun in outdoors with their friends and families. “We’re proud of the myriad of adaptive ski and ride programs in New Hampshire,” she says.
For more information, check out each ski resort for their winter adaptive programs. Many of the aforementioned New Hampshire ski resorts also offer activities throughout the summer season.
Header image: ©National Ability Center
November 06, 2025
