Park City named best resort for adaptive skiers

PARK CITY, Utah — Park City earned the top spot in Powder Magazine’s recent ranking of the best resorts for adaptive skiing in the United States. Park City is celebrated for its commitment to accessibility, largely thanks to the work of the National Ability Center (NAC).

The McGrath Family Mountain Center, located at the base of Park City Mountain Resort, is operated by the NAC, the center offers state of the art facilities, equipment, and specialized instruction for adaptive athletes. The center’s instructors conduct over 4,000 adaptive ski lessons each year, ensuring that individuals with a wide range of needs can enjoy the slopes.

These lessons cater to various adaptive skiing techniques, including mono-skiing, bi-skiing, and other methods, supported by cutting-edge equipment and individualized teaching approaches. The center ensures that skiing in Park City is not just accessible but empowering for everyone, regardless of ability level.

Beyond skiing, the NAC offers year-round programming for adaptive athletes. Its 20-acre campus hosts activities such as mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and sled hockey, creating additional opportunities for outdoor recreation throughout the year.

Park City Mountain Resort integrates adaptive programs into its larger operation, providing access to over 7,300 skiable acres for participants and their families. This inclusive approach allows adaptive athletes to experience the mountain alongside others, with terrain options suitable for all levels.

The recognition of Park City’s adaptive programs highlights a broader trend in the ski industry to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. While many resorts offer some form of adaptive programming, Park City’s combination of resources, experienced instruction, and year-round opportunities sets it apart.

Other Top Resorts for Adaptive Skiing

Park City leads the rankings, but several other resorts across the U.S. were also recognized for their commitment to adaptive athletes:

• Steamboat, Colorado: Home to the STARS program, which offers half- and full-day lessons for skiing, snowboarding, and snow biking, as well as accessible lodging.
• Mt. Bachelor, Oregon: Partnering with Oregon Adaptive Sports, this resort provides lessons across multiple locations and serves hundreds of adaptive athletes annually.
• Crested Butte, Colorado: The Adaptive Sports Center specializes in independence-focused lessons and offers scholarships to reduce financial barriers.
• Keystone, Colorado: In collaboration with the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, Keystone provides one-on-one instruction, equipment, and lift tickets in its adaptive lessons.
• Mount Snow, Vermont: Known for its volunteer-driven Adaptive Sports program, this resort focuses on affordability and fostering community for young adaptive athletes.

Park City’s approach to adaptive skiing reflects an effort to expand accessibility in outdoor recreation, providing resources for athletes of all abilities to engage with the mountain. For additional information on Park City’s adaptive sports programs, visit the National Ability Center’s website or parkcitymountain.com.