At A Glance
Months:
NOV – APRIL
Adaptive Skiing & Snowboarding in Vail
Vail Mountain’s perfectly groomed runs and peak-strewn panoramas are here for everyone to enjoy. With adaptive skiing and snowboarding lessons designed for a wide range of abilities, specialized instructors help students experience Vail’s world-class resort in ways that work for them.
What is adaptive skiing & snowboarding?
According to Jason Schetrompf, senior manager of Vail Ski & Snowboard School, adaptive skiing and snowboarding is a collaborative process between instructor and participant — adjusting technique, equipment and guidance to make winter sports accessible for people with physical, visual and cognitive disabilities.
The two primary types of gear used for Vail’s adaptive skiing program are mono-skis (essentially, a single wide ski) and bi-skis (a seated adaptive system that’s typically tethered to the instructor for extra support).
Sometimes adaptive skiers and snowboarders want to stretch beyond their comfort zone, Schetrompf said, and dedicated instructors can stretch along with them, adjusting the equipment and their coaching approach over the course of the day. It’s a true partnership on the snowy mountaintop.
How does Vail Mountain’s winter adaptive program work?
Lessons generally run as half-day or full-day sessions, though the exact length can be adjusted based on individual needs. Adaptive equipment and instruction are customized through a detailed pre-arrival assessment, ensuring that each lesson is truly tailor-made.
Schetrompf said the assessment process helps determine which type of equipment is needed, and it also ensures each student is matched to an instructor with unique expertise.
From there, adaptive participants progress on terrain based on skill level based on skill level. Beginners start on easy, groomed runs, typically around Chair #12 and Chair #15. As they build skills around speed control, turn shape and confident stopping ability, they advance to more challenging trails with the help of their certified instructors.
Make Vail your home base for your adaptive-skiing adventures
Getting around town — especially in Vail Village and Lionshead Village — is easy and accessible, thanks to the Town of Vail’s free in-town bus service, which connects the villages, plus Eagle County’s ECO buses to nearby towns for a small fare. Both are ADA compliant with lift accessibility.
Framed by Tyrolean-inspired architecture and mountain views galore, Vail’s village streets are wide and car-free, too, making wheelchair travel more comfortable. Insider Tip: You can rent a wheelchair at Vail Pharmacy (inside Vail Health Hospital) or via Travel Vail Baby. When it’s time to unwind, Vail offers a bounty of hotel types — everything from luxury resorts to cozy lodges, with a range of accessible options for visitors. See our top accessible hotel recommendations.
Adaptive Skiing FAQs: Everything You Need to Know in Vail
Which adaptive winter sports are offered on Vail Mountain?
Participants are matched with adaptive equipment setups, like mono-skis and bi-skis, when they book with Vail Ski & Snowboard School.
Where do adaptive lessons start in Vail?
Lessons begin at Golden Peak, the home base for Vail Ski & Snowboard School’s adaptive program.
How long are adaptive lessons?
Typically lessons are either a half-day or full day, but the length can be adjusted based on need.
Can adaptive students explore advanced terrain at Vail Mountain, like Blue Sky Basin?
Yes, 100% — if skills allow for it! Vail Ski & Snowboard School’s adaptive program is skills-oriented. The lesson format opens up access to more advanced opportunities as someone develops, though lessons primarily stay on groomed runs.
Do I need to book adaptive lessons far in advance?
Ideally, yes. Booking an adaptive lesson a couple of months in advance is encouraged due to the program’s focus on matching participants with the right equipment and instructors.
Are scholarships available for adaptive lessons?
Yes. Access Unbound offers scholarships that can help offset lesson costs. Once you book a lesson, you can apply for a scholarship.
How do chairlifts work for mono-skis and bi-skis?
Lift staff are trained in adaptive-sports loading procedures. Instructors assist riders, the lift is slowed and certain mono-skis are adjusted for easier loading. After boarding, the safety bar is lowered
Is Vail Mountain accessible for guests with limited mobility?
Yes. Golden Peak offers ADA parking, Vail buses and the ski-school shuttle can assist with vehicle boarding if needed, and public locations on the mountain have wheelchairs available.
Can an adaptive skier or snowboarder explore Vail Mountain without a lesson?
Sometimes. It depends on a person’s disability and skill level. For people with ski or snowboard skills rated Level 6 (advanced), Vail Ski & Snowboard School offers an Independent Adaptive Assistant. It’s not a lesson with an instructor; the person acts as a helper and guide, lending a hand with on-mountain needs, including interpreting terrain.
What training do adaptive instructors have?
Instructors follow adaptive specialization tracks through Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors, plus Vail Ski & Snowboard School’s internal training processes.
