The Mountains Are for Everyone Adaptive Skiing and Independence with Chris Read

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Adaptive Skiing at Crested Butte

For many skiers, the ritual is simple: click into your skis, ride the lift, and rock turns on a bluebird day. But for individuals living with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities, accessing that same freedom often requires innovation, community, and a deep commitment to inclusion. In Crested Butte, Colorado, the Crested Butte Adaptive Sports Center (ASC) is leading the way—redefining what’s possible in adaptive skiing and outdoor adventure.

We sat down with Chris Read, Program Director at ASC, to explore how adaptive sports have evolved—and why this program stands out as one of the most comprehensive adaptive recreation centers in the country.

Chris Read

What Adaptive Skiing Really Means Today

Traditionally, adaptive sports are defined by specialized equipment and teaching techniques that help people with disabilities participate in physical activity. But Reid offers a broader—and more inclusive—view. “We’re all adaptive,” he explains. Ski boots, specialized gear, and performance fabrics are adaptations every skier relies on. Some people simply need more of them.

This shift in perspective helps remove stigma and places adaptive skiing on a continuum rather than in a separate category. With modern equipment like sit-skis, outriggers, tethers, and custom modifications, adaptive athletes are skiing more independently—and at higher performance levels—than ever before.

A Program Built on People, Not Just Gear

While ASC has access to cutting-edge adaptive equipment, Reid emphasizes that the true differentiator is the people behind the program. From highly trained instructors and program administrators to thousands of volunteer hours each year, the Adaptive Sports Center operates on a “takes a village” model. Instructors come from backgrounds in therapeutic recreation, outdoor education, sociology, and education, allowing them to tailor each experience to the individual—not just the diagnosis. Two participants with identical medical profiles may require completely different approaches, and ASC’s staff excels at meeting people where they are.

Serving All Ages, All Abilities, Year-Round

ASC is not just a winter adaptive ski program. It’s a year-round, mountain-based adventure organization, offering activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, ice climbing, ropes courses, camping trips, and peak hikes. In winter, skiing and snowboarding take center stage, but Nordic skiing and snowshoeing round out the offerings. Participants range from as young as three years old to well into their 80s and beyond, with a remarkably balanced mix of children and adults, physical and developmental disabilities, and genders. ASC also works closely with hospitals, rehab centers, and veteran organizations, serving as a bridge between clinical rehabilitation and lifelong outdoor activity.

Independence as the Ultimate Goal

One of ASC’s core philosophies is strikingly simple: the goal is not to create lifelong clients. Instead, the program aims to foster independence. Whether it’s a child surprising their parents with newfound confidence or a spouse rediscovering shared adventure after a life-altering injury, these breakthroughs often ripple far beyond the slopes.

Families are encouraged to participate together, reinforcing the idea that outdoor adventure should be inclusive—not isolating. These shared experiences frequently transform family dynamics, replacing fear and limitation with confidence and possibility.

A Purpose-Built Facility at the Heart of Crested Butte

In 2019, ASC moved into a custom-designed facility just steps from the lifts at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Designed with input from participants, staff, volunteers, and architects experienced in rehabilitation environments, the building is fully purpose-built for adaptive recreation. This central location isn’t just convenient—it’s symbolic. Adaptive skiing isn’t hidden away; it’s front and center, part of the everyday mountain experience.

Removing Financial Barriers to the Slopes

Perhaps most remarkable is ASC’s commitment to accessibility. A full day of programming—including instruction, lift ticket, and equipment—costs just $95, less than the price of many lift tickets alone. Scholarships, grants, and donor support further reduce barriers, ensuring cost is never the reason someone can’t participate.

Every lesson operates at a loss, but ASC embraces this model as part of its nonprofit mission: making outdoor adventure accessible to all.

Why Adaptive Skiing Matters

Adaptive skiing isn’t just about sport—it’s about dignity, independence, mental health, and joy. At Crested Butte Adaptive Sports Center, skiing is more than a downhill pursuit. It’s a powerful reminder that the mountains belong to everyone.

For more information contact the ASC