Ascendigo is an autism services nonprofit in Carbondale that runs private ski and snowboard lessons at Snowmass and Buttermilk for people with autism or other cognitive differences, plus ski buddies and social stories for families.
Sensory supports. An autism services program: private ski lessons for people with autism or other cognitive differences, with social stories for families.
Ascendigo Autism Services: Winter Adventures
Address
Lessons at Snowmass and Buttermilk. Office: 695 Buggy Circle, Carbondale 81623
Hours
Full day 9 am to 3 pm; half day 9 am to noon. Email for 2026-27 season dates.
“we offer person-centered and individually tailored instruction in skiing and snowboarding for individuals who have autism or other cognitive differences. Lessons range from beginner to advanced ski abilities.”
Coaches are “trained in autism support strategies using evidence-based methods from the Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), developmental, and coaching worlds.”
Our note Ascendigo offers social stories, a parent handbook, a registration guide and a seizure policy for parents. Ask for them when you email.
Our note Ascendigo describes its coaching as drawing on ABA and other methods. If your family has questions about how that looks on the snow, ask them before you book.
Three things to know
Private lessons for ages 5 and up, at Snowmass and Buttermilk, with ski pros who “specialize in adaptive instruction.” Email malam@ascendigo.org.
Ski buddies (ages 5+) don't teach; they support “behavior management, mountain navigation, and activities of daily living (ADL)” in a group lesson or 1:1 for advanced skiers. Full day $225, half day $165.
Ascendigo's programs are for “athletes anywhere on the spectrum, ages 7 and up,” and its ski lessons and buddies start at age 5. Ask which applies to your kid.
More: buddies, after-ski care, contact
Ascendigo names no loud or quiet spots
Louder
Quieter
Quiet roomnot stated
Buddy availability is limited, and Ascendigo asks for ample notice to secure a buddy.
Après Ski Custom Care is evening respite care right after a lesson (skating, climbing, dinner, swimming), capped at 1 or 2 participants a day, $100 an hour plus activity fees, booked a week ahead.
Lessons are offered at discounted rates through Ascendigo's partnership with Aspen Skiing Company.
Phone 970-927-3143, info@ascendigo.org.
What Ascendigo doesn't say
not stated 2026-27 private lesson prices
not stated 2026-27 season dates
not stated where lessons meet
not stated whether parents stay nearby during the lesson
You email Ascendigo to ask about a private lesson. Lessons are with ski pros who specialize in adaptive instruction, at Snowmass or Buttermilk, as a full day (9 to 3) or half day (9 to noon). Ascendigo offers social stories and a parent handbook to help you prepare. Change anything.
Common questions
What if my child won't look at the schedule or story?
That is common at first. Leave it where the moment happens, point to one picture at a time, and keep it low-pressure. Many kids warm up to it after a few calm tries, in their own time.
Can I make this in Spanish?
Yes. Every tool and this page exist in Spanish, and the printed page comes out in the language you choose. Use the language switch at the top.
Do I need an account?
No. There is no signup, and we don’t keep what you type; anything you save stays on your device. Make it, print it, done.
