You know the slogan: Ski Utah! The Greatest Snow on Earth®!
Notice anything? Our beloved tagline doesn't specify for whom – it leaves the assertion that you should Ski Utah wide open. The Greatest Snow on Earth® is for anyone, of any ability!
As a full-time member of one of Utah’s very own adaptive sports organizations, Wasatch Adaptive Sports, I’m excited to fill you in on why Utah is the premier destination in the U.S., and arguably the world, for accessible adventures!
We are so excited to welcome all people to the Beehive State. Keep reading to learn how to plan an incredible adaptive sports adventure!
Travel: An Accessible Travel Hub via the All-New SLC Airport
It all starts at the airport. If traveling by air to visit Utah, you’re most likely to come through our brand-new airport, which has opened in phases beginning in 2020. The Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) has been carefully designed to accommodate people with disabilities. A comprehensive overview of the features and accommodations offered by the airport can be found here at this link.
The airport also provides a helpful Frequently Asked Questions guide, addressing many inquiries related to planning, booking, and day-of travel concerns. The airport has employees designated to assist passengers with accessibility needs, and encourages travelers with disabilities to ask for assistance and make their needs known ahead of their travel.
In March of 2025, the SLC Airport opened the first of three planned sensory rooms. Designed by KultureCity and their medical professionals, the sensory room provides a quiet space for all passengers with sensory needs. In addition to sensory rooms, the SLC airport also provides frontline staff training on how to respond to passengers with sensory needs.
SLC is the first airport in the United States to provide an adult guide for neurodivergent passengers. This guide, along with many other resources, is another tool to assist travelers with sensory needs. Passengers can also request a one-on-one or group tour prior to travel to help familiarize themselves with the airport.
If you have questions that aren't answered in the FAQ or if you want to speak to someone, call (801) 575-2401, or at airportinfo@slc.gov for more information. It should be noted that some information related to traveling with a disability must be communicated directly with the airline, and should be requested when you book your ticket. Certain accommodations require 48-hour notice prior to departure, such as oxygen or respirator hookups or shipping certain battery-powered wheelchairs.
We’re fortunate in Utah to be so close to beautiful mountain ranges. There are 10 ski resorts roughly within an hour of the airport, making SLC one of the most unique and accessible ski destinations in the world.
Many resources exist to travel to and from The Greatest Snow on Earth®! Learn more about accessible public transit options offered by the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) at this link. Utah Transit Authority is committed to 100% accessibility for all of its services.
To learn more about what it’s like to take the UTA Ski Bus public transportation to and from a Wasatch Adaptive Sports lesson, watch the video below with WAS participant Camille.
Similar arrangements can be made to access Utah’s other adaptive sports programs via the UTA Ski Bus. Private transportation options are also available from Wheelchair Getaways, United Access, Compassion Mobility and Thrifty Car Rental. Visit this link to learn more about each of these options for private vehicle rentals at the Salt Lake airport.
Lodging: Staying Comfortable and Accessible in Utah
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find plenty of lodging options across Utah that prioritize accessibility without sacrificing comfort or proximity to the action. Many hotels and resorts in Salt Lake City, Park City, Ogden, and Provo offer ADA-compliant rooms with roll-in showers, grab bars, lowered counters, and wide doorways to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices.
For ski-in/ski-out convenience, look for lodging directly at or near ski resorts like Snowbird, Alta Ski Area, Park City Mountain or Sundance Mountain Resort. These resorts feature slopeside hotels and partner with local adaptive programs to assist with equipment storage and transportation needs.
Vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo also allow you to filter for accessibility features, though it’s always best to confirm details directly with the host to ensure your specific needs are met at each individual listing.
Wherever you choose to stay, book early — peak ski and summer seasons fill quickly, and requesting accessibility features in advance ensures the smoothest experience possible.
Getting to Know Utah’s Adaptive Sports Programs
Utah is fortunate to be home to five exceptional adaptive sports programs, all dedicated to making the outdoors accessible and fun for people of all abilities. Each offers a welcoming community, professional instruction, and a variety of activities tailored to individual needs.
Wasatch Adaptive Sports provides lessons in skiing, cycling, paddling, and more, with locations along the Wasatch Front. The National Ability Center in Park City offers year-round recreation and a fully accessible campus that supports everything from skiing to equestrian programs, from Park City to Moab. Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports creates memorable mountain experiences for participants and families in Northern Utah’s stunning Ogden Valley. Common Ground Outdoor Adventures in Logan engages participants in a wide range of outdoor activities throughout beautiful Cache Valley. TRAILS focuses on enhancing outdoor experiences for people with disabilities by improving trail accessibility, offering adaptive equipment rentals, and providing education and advocacy across Utah’s diverse trail systems.
For a detailed overview of the geographic areas served by each, as well as a step-by-step guide to booking your first lesson, visit this link. To learn more about what to expect on your first adaptive ski lesson — from gear fitting to chairlift loading — visit this link.
Even if you don’t plan to use their services during your trip, these organizations are excellent resources for insider tips on accessible trails, adaptive-friendly lodging, and local events. Connecting with them before your visit can help make your adventure to the Beehive State even smoother and more memorable.
Off the Slopes and Trails: Enjoying All Utah has to Offer!
Utah’s appeal goes far beyond skiing and biking — the Beehive State offers a wealth of accessible cultural, culinary, and natural experiences for every traveler. Explore the vibrant arts scene and museums in Salt Lake City, enjoy accessible tours of the stunning red rock landscapes in Southern Utah, or relax at one of the many adaptive-friendly parks and public spaces. Whether it’s dining at top-notch restaurants with menus that cater to all diets, visiting historic sites with wheelchair-accessible paths, or attending inclusive festivals and events, there’s no shortage of ways to soak in Utah’s rich heritage and welcoming community off the slopes and trails.
Here’s a few resources for possible accessible excursions in culture, dining, and more!
Visit Salt Lake – Wheelchair Accessible Businesses
A comprehensive directory of accessible restaurants, shops, galleries, and entertainment venues in Salt Lake City can be found HERE.
Visit Park City – Accessible Dining and Restaurants
A helpful guide highlighting restaurants in Park City that offer accessible entrances, seating, and accommodations for guests with disabilities can be found HERE.
Visit Moab – Accessibility
Information on accessible lodging, restaurants, and outdoor activities in Moab can be found HERE.
Conclusion
Utah truly is a destination where the spirit of adventure meets accessibility. Whether you’re hitting the slopes, exploring scenic trails, or simply enjoying the breathtaking outdoors, the state’s welcoming adaptive sports community and resources ensure there’s something for everyone. With a bit of planning and connection to the incredible programs and services here, your adaptive sports getaway to Utah can be not just possible, but unforgettable. So pack your gear, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience The Greatest Snow on Earth® — for all abilities!
