Skiing With the Challenge Aspen Adaptive Program
Photo by Rich Silver
It was another beautiful Colorado ski day. Heading down the mountain in front of me was my ski companion, Aspen/Snowmass local, Jen Arkin, and her ski buddy, Deb. As I followed them down the groomed slope, I realized this day on the mountain was going to be different. Jen waited for me to catch up.
“I love to ski moguls, how about you?” and proceeded to navigate the bumps below fearlessly. I watched her in amazement, and when I caught up, she was grinning from ear to ear. Jen, now in her fifties, has cerebral palsy and decided years ago that her disability was not going to stop her from enjoying the exhilaration of skiing, the activity she loves so much.
On the chairlift ride back up the mountain, Jen proudly exclaimed, “I can actually ski better than I walk,” and demonstrated it by leading me down a black diamond trail. Her contagious smile and upbeat attitude were nothing short of inspiring as we spent the morning sharing our love of the mountains. Skiers often speak about their ’best days on the hill’. This was surely one of mine.
Jen is one of thousands of folks who participate in adaptive programs on ski mountains across America. Challenge Aspen, in partnership with the Aspen/Snowmass Ski Company, provides those with special needs discounted private lessons by specially trained PSIA instructors, buddy support by trained assistants and volunteers, and all types of adaptive equipment necessary to participate in on-snow activities.
Remarkably, this includes the visually impaired, who descend the mountain by voice commands and a deep trust in their guide. In addition, Challenge Aspen offers programs specifically designed for injured veterans, as well as those suffering from PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.
Simply, Challenge Aspen is dedicated to changing the lives of participants and rebuilding their confidence. The patient and caring staff, along with volunteers and pros, have served those with over 150 different types of disabilities year-round since 1995.
It’s not just a ski program. There also are summer retreats which offer groups from around the world the opportunity to sign up for fly fishing, archery, and camping.
If you or someone you know has physical or cognitive challenges and would like to enjoy all the outdoor activities the mountains have to offer, contact Challenge Aspen at (970)923-0578 or visit www.challengeaspen.org.
You might be lucky enough to run into my friend Jen, who once again hit the 100-skier-day mark last season and with whom I look forward to skiing for many seasons to come.
- Skiing With the Challenge Aspen Adaptive Program - February 5, 2026
Thanks Rich, for so nicely capturing the spirit of how these adaptive snowsports programs operate. You should also check out IgniteAdaptiveSports.org, located near Boulder, CO. It is almost entirely run by volunteers, and operates at Eldora Mountain Resort – the only ski resort serviced by regularly scheduled public transportation.
Thanks Rich. Being from a family of alpine enthusiasts and instructors, it was only natural that I became an adaptive buddy for my son who lives with an involved level of cerebral palsy. Years ago, we unloaded at the top of A-Basin to a majestic view of the Continental Divide just across the valley known as Loveland Pass. Little had we known that on the same ascending lift behind us were the entire USA special Olympics ski team readying for an event later that spring. As the members collected themselves at the summit, they immediately noticed my small family surrounding the “Mountain Man” we had purchased and rushed over with curiosity … and then to insist that they accompany us for the next run for the entire vertical… top to bottom. We shall never forget the enthusiasm, grace and respect that these Special Olympians afforded our family, especially our son who so enjoyed the attention of such remarkable camaraderie. Skiing does this to people, and for those who strive to pay forward the joy of it all, I say, “Think Snow”!