Youth Programs
Challenge Aspen’s School Partner Programs, designed in partnership with local special education programs, provide accessible outdoor recreation opportunities for youth with disabilities in the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys.
School Partner Programs consist of:
Adaptive Ski Lessons: Small group adaptive ski lessons for local significant support needs (SSN) classes.
Year-Round Outdoor Activities and Mobile Programming: Engages students in various outdoor adventures throughout the year, fostering a connection with nature and building confidence in the outdoors.
Previous examples include: adaptive hiking, nordic ski excursions, paddle boarding, and archery clinics.
Thanks to grant funding and donations, Challenge Aspen’s School Partners Programs are facilitated at no costs to schools or families. For educators interested in partnering with Challenge Aspen, contact Callie, Challenge Aspen Groups and Community Programs Manager, at: cdickson@challengeaspen.org.
Activities and availability vary. Pricing for our school programming is heavily subsidies, making it low-cost or free for our community partners.
Examples of activities:
- Significant Support Needs ski days (downhill & nordic)
- Archery (Fall & Spring)
- On-site adaptive P.E.
- Hiking
If you’re a local educator and would like to get your students involved, please email info@challengeaspen.org.
Locals Program
Year-round regional programming designed with the needs of teens and adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities in mind. The Locals Program facilitates inclusive adaptive recreation and social activities for 8 weeks in the summer, 6 weeks in the fall, and 8 weeks in the winter. The Locals Program also supports seasonal Special Olympics teams in skiing/snowboarding, bowling, and biking.
*Discounted private lessons available for new or beginner skiers interested in participating in the winter program. Contact Callie for details, cdickson@challengeaspen.org.Summer programming offers a wide variety of adaptive recreation activities (paddle-boarding, rafting, cycling, bowling, etc.) and group socials (BBQ’s, arts and crafts, movie nights, etc.).
Only Tuesdays (Biking): $215
Only Wednesdays (Rotating Activity): $425
Only Thursdays (Paddle Boarding): $215
Tuesdays and Thursdays: $425
Summer registration fees include:
- Access to activities.
- Trained volunteer and staff support for all activity days.
Fall programming supports athletes who wish to compete in Special Olympics Bowling Regionals and is six-weeks long.
Day Drop In | $25
Bowling only (4 weeks) | $150
Bowling AND Special Olympics Bowling Competition | $200
Entire Fall Program (6 weeks) including Special Olympics Competition | $250
Alpine
The Adaptive Alpine program pairs skiers and snowboarders one-on-one with a trained volunteer for on-snow training days and supports athletes who wish to compete in Special Olympics and NASTAR Nationals.
1 day a week + no competitions | $200
2 day a week + no competitions | $350
This does not include on-snow training for Special Olympics and NASTAR Nationals
1 day a week + competitions | $350
2 day a week + competitions | $650
This package includes on-snow training for Special Olympics and NASTAR Nationals
Winter registration fees include:
- Season passes (Alpine 1 or 2).
- Ski rental equipment, if needed.
- Trained volunteer and staff support.
Nordic
The Adaptive Nordic program offers six sessions at the Aspen Nordic Center (Aspen Golf Course).
Daily Rate | $20
Full-Season Rate (six sessions) | $100
Rates include:
- Rental equipment
- Trail passes
- Instruction and buddy support
Resident Disability Season Pass
To qualify for a Local Resident Disability Season Pass through Challenge Aspen and Aspen Skiing Company, an individual must be a local resident (minimum of 6 months) and be legally blind, profoundly deaf, or have a permanent physical or cognitive disability that requires the use of adaptive equipment, instruction, or adaptive techniques to ski or ride. Contact info@challengeaspen.org with questions.
The 2025/26 Season pass rate is $764, with an option to purchase insurance for $54. Payable to Aspen Skiing Company at time of pick-up (via check, credit card, etc). Scholarships available.
Locals Nordic Program
This program is designed for individuals living in the Roaring Fork Valley with cognitive or developmental disabilities who have an interest in Nordic Skiing. Participating athletes and Challenge Aspen volunteers will go out as a group, splitting up into smaller groups, to enjoy eachothers company in the great outdoors while Nordic skiing. Rental gear will be provided to those who do not have their own. Contact rec@challengeaspen.org with questions.
Cost $100 for the program of 6 sessions OR $25 per session for drop -in day participation Free for school groups.
Schedule Same location this year- Aspen Cross Country Center Wednesdays: Feb 11th – March 18th 10am arrival 12pm dismissal *** No lunch break. *To signing up now and pay later, follow the Registration link online and click the “pay later” option. Invoices will be sent at the end of the season.
Contact Us
Discover more about our year-round adaptive recreation opportunities for people of all ages and disabilities.
To apply for a resident disability pass, click here.