It’s 7 a.m., and spring sunshine pours through the car windows as we wind through Eldorado Canyon. I sip my coffee beside my dad. Today he doesn’t need caffeine. He’s plenty fueled by excitement for the adventure ahead, one that he hasn’t been able to enjoy for 12 years—skiing.
Three strokes in 2017 left him with impaired mobility and speech, drastically altering his once-active lifestyle, which was deeply centered on his passion for skiing—so much so that he named me after his favorite slopes.
Enter Ignite Adaptive Sports, making it all possible again. Founded in the 1970s, Ignite at Eldora is a beacon of inclusivity, expanding possibilities for individuals with disabilities through winter sports. With over 230 volunteers, the organization serves around 300 athletes annually, ages five to 90.
As we enter the small building, it’s clear that Ignite is more than just a half-hearted attempt to democratize the slopes—it’s a well-equipped center for empowerment. A fully stocked ski shop houses specialized adaptive equipment tailored to diverse needs, alongside a team of expert instructors. Kevin Wilson, the programs manager, chats with my dad while the team prepares his gear, assuring us that every necessity, from sit-skis to sunscreen, is included in the $95 lesson fee.
With equipment sorted, our volunteers lead us to the slopes. As my father descends in his mono sit-ski, flanked by outrigger-equipped guides controlling his speed, he chants with childlike excitement: “Faster! Faster!” The slopes become his playground to unleash his pent-up energy, and his grin stretches into a full-face, toothy smile so big you’d think it might just burst with joy—it’s infectious. Neither of us can stop smiling ear-to-ear as he rediscovers a passion cultivated over three decades, then forced to forget. Now, it’s no longer a distant memory, but a current reality. As we drive home, we are already picking dates for the next outing.
Ignite’s impact transcends the slopes. A groundbreaking new facility at the base of Eldora’s EZ lift, which opened earlier this season, promises increased accessibility and capacity, exemplifying the organization’s dedication to growth and inclusivity.
Colorado Adapts
Colorado’s adaptive skiing landscape continues to evolve, with 15 resorts offering tailored programs. The National Sports Center for the Disabled and Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center provide lessons, while Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports offers multi-day camps. Foresight Adventure Guides for the Blind caters to skiers with visual impairments. For skilled skiers, Telluride Adaptive Sports offers adaptive heli-skiing. Crested Butte Adaptive Sports Center constructed a new $14 million facility with living quarters to provide better services for adaptive skiers.
For print-exclusive stories, download the digital magazine or pick up a copy from select local King Soopers, Safeway, Tattered Cover, or Barnes & Noble locations.
