6 North American Resorts Featuring Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Programs

I grew up navigating the moguls on Vail Mountain and gliding through the powdery, sunlit glades of Steamboat Resort in Colorado. After moving to Canada, the alpine bowls of Lake Louise called to me.

However, when my son was diagnosed with autism, my husband and I questioned whether we would ever ski together as a family, considering the motor and planning challenges that often accompany the condition. Thankfully, I discovered an adaptive ski program at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, where my son received exceptional support from two patient instructors experienced in working with children with disabilities, including autism.

Since his first snowplow at the age of six, he has taken adaptive lessons at resorts in British Columbia, where we now reside, and has progressed to making parallel turns. While he’s not a speed demon, he is confident on the slopes, and we can even enjoy intermediate runs together.

The good news is that many winter resorts now provide adaptive ski and snowboard lessons for individuals of all ages facing physical or cognitive challenges. With approximately 15 percent of the global population living with a disability, making the mountains accessible is both crucial and empowering. Here are six ski areas from west to east that are helping individuals with disabilities enjoy the mountains in Canada and the United States.

Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia

With a vertical drop of a mile and over 8,000 acres of terrain nestled in B.C.’s Coast Mountains, North America’s largest resort is embracing winter with increased lift capacity. Whistler Adaptive is also in full swing, providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to engage in sports and recreational activities through safe and supportive programming. The organization offers full-day private ski and snowboard lessons priced at $385 (US$280), which include a discounted lift pass, equipment rentals, and a two-to-one instructor-to-skier ratio to prioritize safety for all participants.

“We accommodate all types of disabilities, and we're seeing a growing number of clients who are experiencing mobility loss as they age,” says Shelley Milstein, director of philanthropy for Whistler Adaptive. “Every guest should have the chance to enjoy the mountain.”

Trained instructors customize lessons to fit each guest's skill level, guiding them from beginner slopes to the stunning alpine bowls of the upper mountains.

Heavenly Ski Resort, California

Located on the border of California and Nevada, high above Lake Tahoe, Heavenly boasts 5,000 acres of alpine terrain, glades, and groomed runs that cater to both beginners and adventurous freeriders. After enjoying the slopes, a quick trip to South Lake Tahoe offers a vibrant après-ski scene, along with dining and entertainment options.

The resort is dedicated to empowering skiers and snowboarders with disabilities, helping them gain confidence on the slopes while fostering a passion for snow sports. Heavenly provides half-day or full-day adaptive lessons featuring personalized coaching and a strong emphasis on safety, ensuring everyone can enjoy the excitement of gliding on snow.

Lessons start at $328 for a three-hour session during non-peak times. The Epic Pass, valid at Heavenly and several other ski resorts, includes various discounted adaptive lift passes.

Lake Louise, Alberta

Boasting breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise Ski Resort, nestled in Banff National Park, is a must-visit for winter sports enthusiasts. Beyond its stunning frozen landscapes, the resort is renowned for its sunny bluebird days spent navigating the steep and deep bowls at the back, making it a favorite among riders, including those with disabilities.

Skiers and snowboarders facing physical, neurodivergent, or sensory impairments can enroll in a full-day lesson at Lake Louise with Rocky Mountain Adaptive (RMA). This charitable organization strives to eliminate barriers to recreational participation by offering accessible programming throughout the year in the Bow Valley.

RMA collaborates with Banff ski resorts, including Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, and Norquay, to provide adaptive ski lessons during the winter season. Full-day lessons at Lake Louise are priced at $300 (US$217) and include both instruction and adaptive equipment.

Park City, Utah

Renowned for its diverse terrain and exceptionally dry snow, the largest resort in the U.S. attracts both beginners and intermediates eager to glide over groomed runs, as well as advanced riders ready to conquer the steep challenges of Jupiter Peak. At the end of the day, you can effortlessly glide to the High West Saloon in the historic center of Park City.

Park City Mountain has teamed up with the National Ability Center (NAC) to offer discounted lessons for veterans, neurodiverse participants, and riders with physical disabilities. Half-day lessons start at $225, which includes adaptive equipment, a lift ticket, and a buddy lift pass for a family member to join. Additionally, riders who demonstrate financial need can apply for a NAC scholarship to assist with the costs of this often expensive sport.

According to Tracy Meier, director of programs and education for NAC: “We will never turn anyone away due to their inability to pay.”

Killington, Vermont

As the largest resort in the eastern U.S., Killington presents a challenge for seasoned skiers with its formidable spring moguls, while also catering to those who enjoy smooth cruising on some of Vermont's longest runs. The nearby sister resort, Pico Mountain, is typically where beginners start learning their snowplow techniques.

Both mountains partner with Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lessons for skiers and riders with physical, developmental, cognitive, or behavioral/emotional disabilities. Heavily discounted half-day or full-day lessons include a lift ticket valid for both resorts, as well as equipment. Additionally, a sliding-scale fee and scholarships are available, according to Kim Jackson, director of communications and development at Vermont Adaptive.

The aim is to eliminate as many obstacles as possible, allowing participants to enjoy a mountain experience that fosters greater self-confidence and independence.

Steamboat, Colorado

Located three hours northwest of Denver, Steamboat Resort is renowned for its champagne powder, which accumulates among the aspen trees, creating a soft, fluffy playground. The resort's diverse terrain and the town's western charm have made it a popular spot for powder enthusiasts. New additions like Greenhorn Ranch, a beginner area launching this season, also make it appealing to families.

Since 2007, the Steamboat STARS adaptive snow sports program has opened the resort’s 3,000 acres to riders with physical or cognitive disabilities by providing half-day or full-day lessons.

“We aim to introduce people to experiences they never thought were possible,” says Gardner Flanigan, executive director of STARS.

Half-day private lessons are available starting at $180 during the non-peak season, which includes lift tickets and equipment (adaptive or standard), along with instructors and volunteers skilled in adaptive skiing techniques. Participants are paired with one or two instructors based on their needs and skiing ability. Flanigan notes that it’s not unusual to see sit-skiers enjoying the glades or visually impaired riders skiing with newfound confidence.

Important: Register early for all adaptive programs to secure your preferred dates, especially during peak season and on weekends.