Getting ready foran adaptive ski lesson with Challenge Aspen.
Challenge Aspen runs adaptive ski and snowboard lessons in Aspen Snowmass for people with cognitive and physical disabilities, taught by Aspen Skiing Company instructors with an adaptive certification. Family members are welcome to come along and watch.
Sensory supports. An adaptive program for people with cognitive and physical disabilities, with adaptive-certified instructors and room for family to watch.
Challenge Aspen: Adaptive Ski and Snowboard
Address
Aspen Snowmass mountains; the meeting place is set when you book Directions
Hours
Full day 9 am to 3 pm; AM half day 9 am to noon; PM half day 12:30 to 3:30 pm. Winter 2026-27 reservation requests are open.
“All private lesson packages include a Aspen Skiing Company Instructor with a PSIA Adaptive Certification, rental and adaptive equipment, and lift ticket(s).”
“We encourage family participation; yet want to ensure that the instruction is clearly for the adaptive participant only.” “A maximum of three additional family members are allowed to join any Challenge Aspen lesson.”
Our note Instructors and volunteers can't help with toileting or changing. If your kid needs that, plan for you or another adult to be nearby.
Our note Challenge Aspen has held a Sensory-Friendly Santa in past Decembers, with dimmed lights and quiet voices. Call to ask about this year.
Three things to know
Private lessons: $720 full day, $490 half day. Scholarships help families who need it: “please pay what you can and only ask for what you need.”
Buddy days, for advanced skiers (level 7 or higher), pair your kid with a trained volunteer: $235 full day, $180 half day. Ask when you book whether the buddy package includes a discounted lift ticket and rentals.
Cancel more than 48 hours ahead for a full refund; inside 48 hours there's no refund.
More: helmets, family tickets, other winter options
Challenge Aspen names no loud or quiet spots
Louder
Quieter
Quiet roomnot stated
Helmets are required for everyone in Challenge Aspen programs.
One family member, caregiver or friend can get a discounted lift ticket.
Other winter options through custom adventures include hot springs, ice skating, indoor swimming, music therapy, Nordic skiing, snowshoe tours and tubing.
Weight limit for the mono-ski and bi-ski is 220 lbs.
Phone 970-923-0578, info@challengeaspen.org.
What Challenge Aspen doesn't say
not stated 2026-27 season dates
not stated where lessons meet
not stated a quiet or break space at the base
not stated what instructors do when a kid is overwhelmed
You send a reservation request for winter 2026-27; it asks about your kid's disability and how they get around, and you'll need waivers and a doctor's medical clearance. Private lessons include the instructor, rental and adaptive gear, and lift tickets. Lessons run 9 to 3 (full day), 9 to noon or 12:30 to 3:30. 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.
