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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Adaptive Sports Program kicked off 2025 with its third annual ski trip to the Rocky Mountains in Crested Butte, Colo.
The six adaptive athletes who participated in the trip received one-on-one instruction in morning and afternoon sessions each day. Throughout the week, the skiers worked on balance, stability and strength-building skills; practiced communicating with ski lift operators to ask for assistance; explored new terrain on the mountains; and set personal goals for future ski and snowboard experiences.
Adaptive Skiing & Snowboarding for All Abilities
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The ski trip afforded athletes of all abilities the opportunity to enjoy the mountains, thanks to the wide variety of equipment available for adaptive skiers and snowboarders. Athletes were educated on how to properly fit their equipment.
For example, seated skiers use a bucket seat attached to either one ski (mono-ski) or two skis (bi-ski), depending on the amount of stability they require. Mono-skis are used by people with lower-limb impairments, while bi-skis are used by those with balance issues or limited mobility in their lower body. Outriggers are used to help steer and initiate turns.
For snowboarders, adaptations are available for participants with amputations, including a sport-specific prosthetic knee or foot — different from ones used in daily life — as well as mechanisms to adjust the bindings and length of the snowboard.
New Experiences & New Connections
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On this year’s ski trip, a few participants had skied before, but for most it was a new experience. The trip included athletes from across Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Adaptive Sports programs — from rock climbers and cyclists to sled hockey and wheelchair basketball players.
Over the course of the week, the athletes experienced individual growth and became interested in trying new activities once back home, too. In addition to time on the slopes each day, the group cooked meals together and explored the town. The backdrop of the Rocky Mountains made for an unforgettable setting as participants formed new memories and new friendships.
"Our experience in Colorado not only showcased our participants' abilities, but also helped bring our community closer together through activities on and off the slopes,” said Maggie King, sports coordinator and exercise physiologist at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to go on the trip and to watch our participants excel!"
In addition to Maggie, the trip was led by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Mike Wehner, manager, Therapeutic Recreation, and Kelsey LeFevour, manager, Adaptive Sports. For questions about ski trips at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, please reach out to Kelsey at klefevour02@sralab.org.