Discovering Accessible Skiing in Colorado's Winter Park
The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Ben Aitken and his friend Anthony embarked on a journey to Colorado to investigate whether accessible skiing is genuinely achievable, focusing on the renowned Winter Park resort.
A First-Time Experience on Snow
Anthony, who has cerebral palsy, had never been on snow before this trip. His lack of prior experience was partly due to his disability and partly because he missed opportunities, such as a snowy holiday in Scotland where he was too engrossed in television to notice. Eager to change this, Ben learned that Colorado boasts one of the world's best setups for adaptive skiing, prompting them to visit Winter Park, home to the National Sports Centre for the Disabled.
Their adventure began with a scenic ride on the Winter Park Express, a historic ski train that has transported visitors from Denver to the resort since 1940. During the two-hour journey through the Southern Rocky Mountains, passengers are treated to views of a tenth of Colorado, with fares starting from as little as £7 one-way, making it an epic and affordable way to reach the slopes.
The National Sports Centre for the Disabled
Winter Park, a resort town of 1,000 residents dominated by Mary Jane mountain, is also the base for the National Sports Centre for the Disabled. Founded in 1970 by Hal O'Leary, who taught skiing to youthful amputees, the centre has grown into a hub for adaptive sports. Mark Stump, a key figure at the NSCD, explained that there are a hundred ways to slide on snow, and for roughly £100, visitors can be sized up, kitted out, and taken to the slopes by trained instructors.
The centre relies on 2,000 volunteers to run sessions and includes a competitive branch that prepares aspiring Paralympians from around the globe. One notable success story is Trevor Kennison, who retrained as a sit-skier at the NSCD after a snowboarding accident left him paralysed. He later starred in the Netflix documentary Full Circle, performing a double backflip in a sit-ski at the scene of his accident.
Anthony's Sit-Ski Adventure
At Coffee & Tea, a iconic Winter Park cafe, Anthony debated between a breakfast burrito and biscuits and gravy before being introduced to his sit-ski, a Dynamique model described as a throne on two skis with outriggers for stability. After being layered up and helmeted, he was loaded onto a chairlift using a nifty mechanism that raised the seat for easy boarding.
As Mark Stump guided Anthony down green and blue runs, suitable for beginners, initial nerves gave way to unalloyed delight. Ben observed Anthony's progression, noting that each run reduced his apprehension. During a break for chili con carne and cornbread at a mountain lodge, Anthony humorously pulled a grab bar off a cubicle wall, treating it like a phone to request a replacement.
Accommodation and Reflections
They stayed at The Vintage Hotel, which has retained its charm since opening in 1986, offering cosy, spacious rooms with roll-in showers and secure grab bars. Despite considering the outdoor jacuzzi, the minus 12-degree weather led them to watch Sense and Sensibility instead. The next day, with Mark's guidance, Anthony grew more comfortable, even taking a few tumbles that only brought smiles.
By the final session, Anthony's mood was ecstatic, and he joked about skipping last runs, suggesting three more but omitting the last two. Back at basecamp, high-fives and hugs celebrated the adventure, with Ben feeling pride for the NSCD's work and Anthony's achievements. Already planning a return for accessible mountain biking in summer, Anthony humorously demanded his Coors Banquet beer.
Practical Information for Visitors
United Airlines offers direct flights from London Heathrow to Denver, taking about 10 hours with prices starting at £583 return. The Winter Park Express operates Thursday to Sunday during the season, with a 2.5-hour journey and one-way fares from $9 (£7). Accessible rooms at The Vintage Hotel start from £115, located near the slopes and featuring a heated outdoor pool and hot tub.
