When an adaptive skier or snowboarder wants to hit the slopes there are a few important factors that go into the decision about where to ski or ride. It can require a bit of research so we hope to make that choice a little easier.
For more comprehensive info on how to plan the best adaptive vacation in Utah, don't miss Paula's article here.
If you want insight into renting adaptive gear around Utah, don't miss this article.
I spent some time chatting with local adaptive skier and all-around shredder, Wally Lee. Wally is involved with many of the local organizations supporting Utah's adaptive community such as Wasatch Adaptive Sports (WAS) and the Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports Program and he's an instructor for the TRAILS program with University of Utah Health. Wally has left tracks across many Utah resorts with his monoski and he has valuable insight to share.
Wally's first bit of advice before hitting the slopes when visiting a resort for the first time...
"Take a friend, for backup, know your limits."
If you are just getting into adaptive skiing or snowboarding, the path of least resistance is to join forces with one of the many wonderful organizations in Utah that offer support to the adaptive community. The benefit to starting with an adaptive organization is that most offer financial scholarships if needed, they maintain a wide variety of gear and they provide lessons and instruction. An added bonus is tapping into the vibrant community of active adaptive folks in Utah; it's an incredible space to challenge yourself, foster independence and make lifelong friends.
All of the organizations below offer tons of outings, events, and activities for those with adaptive needs beyond just skiing and snowboarding. Listed beneath each organization are the resorts they visit throughout the winter.
UTAH ORGANIZATIONS WITH ADAPTIVE SKIING
Ogden Valley Adaptive - Click Here
Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, Nordic Valley
Trails Adaptive - Click Here
Alta, Brighton, Powder Mountain, Sundance
Wasatch Adaptive Sports - Click Here
7-days a week at Snowbird, Mon-Thurs at Alta & Sundance
Full-day lessons at Solitude & Brighton (upon request)
National Ability Center - Click Here
Park City Mountain, Deer Valley
(Solitude and Brighton upon request)
Common Ground Outdoor Adventures - Click Here
Beaver Mountain, Snowbasin, Cherry Peak
CONSIDERATIONS FOR ADAPTIVE SKIERS
When you're ready to visit a resort on your own without the support of an adaptive group, Wally has some tips to share and things to consider before you visit.
PARKING & ACCESS TO SNOW
The configuration of the parking lots, the location of ADA parking spots and the proximity of access to the snow are your biggest considerations upon arrival. Your requirements may differ if you arrive alone vs. having a buddy to help you unload your gear or secure a parking spot elsewhere in the lot. We'll go over this in more detail below but it's important to consider arrival logistics.
Will you have to use an elevator to get to the snow?
Is the distance between the unloading zone and the snow and chairlifts very far?
Will there be stairs or any need to push uphill?
Will assistance be helpful to get your equipment to the snow?
Where can I store my stuff?
CHAIRLIFTS
Another great reason to start with an adaptive organization is to gain the skills and experience to safely load chairlifts. Wally reports that some of the worst injuries he's seen among adaptive folks were actually caused by chairlifts. The type of chairlift, its speed and the orientation of where it scoops up passengers will all contribute to the level of ease with which adaptive users can load/unload. The experience and attention span of the lifties can also make a HUGE difference.
Adaptive users can always confer with a liftie before loading to request stops and slowdowns or to ask for information about what the top terminal unloading situation might entail. Detachable quads that complete a half turn before depositing passengers to unload can present some issues as there isn't as much time to clear the ramp before the chair makes its turn to head back down the mountain. Be aware and attempt to grab the attention of the liftie in the top shack before the moment to unload arises.
Some modern lifts that utilize a moving conveyor belt can be difficult for adaptive skiers because the surface is quite slippery. An added challenge is the mechanized gates that release users in timed intervals onto the moving conveyor. Outriggers can be tough to manage with the swinging gates and can be slippery on the moving conveyor. It can be helpful to speak to a liftie beforehand if a slowdown, stop or assistance would be hlepful. Additional challenges can arise if the waiting area is sloped, uneven or in bad condition due to warming, weather, too much snow or too little snow.
RESTROOMS & REST AREAS
It's best to learn where restrooms are, if they are easily accessed from the snow or if an elevator ride will be necessary. Knowing this info ahead of time helps you gauge how much time it'll take to arrive at the restroom. It's also good to designate a spot where you might take five, grab a snack or find a cozy area to warm up.
GREAT UTAH RESORTS FOR ADAPTIVE SKIERS
ALTA SKI AREA
Alta Ski Area is one of the ski areas best suited for adaptive skiers. This is especially the case if you are arriving alone and want to independently get yourself and your gear to the snow. Wally also confirms that for sit-skiers, Alta has great chairlifts that are easy to load with a decent snow-to-chair height.
Alta's strengths lie in the fact that parking is straightforward, it has great terrain for beginners with experience, and intermediate and advanced adaptive skiers. (Note that Alta does not allow snowboarders, it is a skiers-only mountain). Wally also proclaims that he's had the most success with smooth chairlift loading at Alta thanks to a staff of lift operators that tend to be more seasoned and comfortable with adaptive loading protocols.
Beginners or intermediates should park at the upper Albion parking lot. Reservations are required to park at Alta on holidays and weekends, Friday through Sunday. The parking crew will make every effort to provide priority parking to individuals with ADA plates or placards. At the Albion base there is ADA parking located directly next to the ski school and the snow access is not far off. You can either ski down the slope between the two buildings or utilize the elevator in the ski school building to travel down one level.
The Sunnyside Chairlift does have timed access gates which can be difficult for those with adaptive equipment. Wally prefers to confer with the lift attendants and bypass the timed gates to ease the loading process. This lift primarily delivers blue and green terrain. You can ski to the Sugarloaf Lift from the top of Sunnyside to explore steeper and more difficult intermediate to advanced terrain.
Experienced skiers may want to begin at the lower Wildcat parking lot. There is ADA parking that is seldom full near the snow and the unloading roundabout. It can be a bit of a push to get up to the level of the chairlifts, especially early in the season. From the Wildcat base area, there is no beginner terrain; it's quite a bit steeper than what you'll find surrounding the Albion Base Area.
From a logistical standpoint, skiing between the two base areas can be difficult for those who are not advanced skiers. You must ski from the top of the Sugarloaf Lift along the EBT cat track to the top of Collins and there is no easy or green terrain from the top of Collins to the Wildcat base. The Albion and Wildcat base areas are also linked by a tow rope of approx. 0.5 miles in length. This could be troublesome for skiers with adaptive equipment and it also requires a bit of stamina to hang on to the rope for such a distance.
The best ADA restrooms are located in the ski school building near the Albion parking lot. There are two sizeable family/ADA restrooms located just past the lockers on the top floor. The restroom situation is more difficult at the Wildcat base area so it's best to use the facilities at Albion Basin. The restrooms in the Goldminer's Daughter at Wildcat Base are extremely narrow and tough to access with a wheelchair or mobility aids. The simplest restroom access at Wildcat requires navigating a couple of steps or a ramp into the Skier Services building.
BEAVER MOUNTAIN
Common Ground Outdoor Adventures runs lessons seven days per week from late December to late March at Beaver Mountain near Logan, Utah. Right next to the Harry's Dream chairlift, you'll find the AMK Foundation/BIO-WEST, Inc Adaptive Center for Common Ground Outdoor Adventures. This state-of-the-art facility is the home base for adaptive skiers and snowboarders at Beaver Mountain.
The Beav has fantastic beginner terrain surrounding two magic carpet surface lifts and the Little Beaver Chairlift. This terrain is best accessed from the unloading area in the parking lot which is adjacent to the snow. There is ADA parking/unloading next to the Common Ground Center to more easily reach the Harry's Dream Chairlift (which requires navigating a snowy incline). From Common Ground you can reach the snow at the same level as Harry's Dream which serves up intermediate and advanced terrain.
It's best to use the restrooms in the Common Ground Center as those in the main lodge are difficult to access. Beaver Mountain has some of the friendliest locals around and the vibe truly encapsulates the spirit of a family-owned ski resort. If you discover you need help or assistance around the mountain, you couldn't find more willing or helpful folks than those who call Beaver Mountain home.
PARK CITY MOUNTAIN
Park City Mountain is the proud home of the National Ability Center's McGrath Mountain Center. The McGrath Center was built to serve the NAC's adaptive ski and snowboard program, their families, the NAC staff and seasonal volunteers. The 9,400-square-foot, ADA-accessible building offers year-round adaptive programming and support. Wally recommends parking here as the logistics at Park City's Canyons Village are more complicated. On snowy days, the ADA ramp at the McGrath Center can be difficult or slippery to navigate, so use caution when it's snowy or icy out.
There is ADA parking at the Park City Mountain Village. Parking reservations are REQUIRED prior to 1PM, but the reservations are free for those who need an ADA spot. Click here to make a parking reservation. The parking logistics at Park City tend to be a bit easier on a weekday versus the weekend.
There is excellent beginner terrain right outside the door of the NAC's facility. The McGrath Mountain Center also offers the most accessible restrooms at Park City Mountain so this is great to keep in mind before heading out. Be aware that chairlifts at Park City do use the timed, padded gates so just ask for assistance from a lift attendant if needed. Park City offers some of the largest selection of beginner terrain right around the Mountain Village for those who are just starting out. Higher on up the mountain you'll find steeper pitches and more technical skiing.
POWDER MOUNTAIN
Wally recommends visiting Powder Mountain if you are a fairly independent skier or snowboarder who enjoys intermediate and advanced terrain. The TRAILS program with University of Utah Health conducts lessons at Powder Mountain and hosts the incredible TetraSki Express race each year.
At Powder Mountain there is ADA parking at both the Hidden Lake and Timberline Lodges (the top and middle base areas). There aren't as many ADA spots located at Timberline Lodge but the parking attendants are happy to help you out in a pinch. From Timberline it's a short push up a small hill on the snow and then you're free to let gravity do the work.
Wally likes Powder Mountain because the snow quality is great and the slopes are generally uncrowded. The gentle, rolling terrain is perfect for intermediates looking to hone their skills and work towards steeper terrain.
The restroom situation at Powder Mountain is a little difficult from an ADA perspective. It's challenging to get into the bathroom at the Hidden Lake Lodge. The Timberline Lodge requires navigating a step to get into the building to access the restrooms. Keep these logistics in mind when contemplating a visit to Powder Mountain.
SNOWBASIN
Snowbasin Resort is the primary resort for the Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports Program.Wally confirms that Snowbasin has an awesome selection of terrain for adaptive skiers or snowboarders of any ability. The friendly mountain greeters who await the arrival of guests are an added bonus. They can help with assistance if requested or also lend the use of large, rolling tote bins to help transport gear from the unloading zone. Snowbasin offers a good amount of ADA parking and the parking attendants are happy to assist.
From the unloading zone, it's necessary to cover a flat expanse of the patio to reach the snow. Beginners can use the Littlecat Express and practice on the gentle terrain just above Earl's Lodge. This setup is nice because you can visit the lodge to rest, grab a snack or warm up.
Intermediate and advanced terrain can be enjoyed from the Needles Gondola. Snowbasin has recently begun to offer wheeled push carts (you'll need someone to push you) to assist sit-skiers with loading the gondola. There are handrails for stability and the cart is the same height as the gondola, making the gondola loading experience far easier for sit-skiers. If needed, you can also ask the lift attendant for a slow or a stop to more safely load the gondola.
Steep, advanced terrain can be accessed from the John Paul Express chairlift, a detachable quad. Wally loves cruising down the terrain from John Paul and the wide, sweeping terrain over near the Strawberry Gondola. The Strawberry Gondola offers the same push cart option to facilitate gondola loading.
Snowbasin is renowned in the industry for its gorgeous bathrooms. In Earl's Lodge, it is necessary to ride the elevator down one level to access the restrooms. Wally recommends using the bathrooms in the nearby Grizzly Center where the ski school is located. These restrooms at ground level don't require using an elevator.
SNOWBIRD
Snowbird is home to Wasatch Adaptive Sports which offers lessons seven days per week around the resort. Getting to the snow at Snowbird can be a bit more challenging than at other resorts.
For beginner terrain or the Tram, you can park near the Snowbird Center in an ADA spot (via Entry 2). From here you can use the ADA ramp to enter the building and then ride the elevator to Level 3. From there you would cross the plaza to get onto the snow near Chickadee Bowl or the Chickadee Chairlift. If you are just planning to use the magic carpet conveyor in Chickadee Bowl you could ride the elevator to Level 2 and exit to the snow from Level 2. If it's possible to push uphill or navigate snow you could skip the building entirely and access the snow from the ADA parking spots, just know that there will be a snow-covered incline to manage.
From Entry 1 there is ADA parking near the Creekside Lodge and Snowbird's beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain. Inside Creekside Lodge there is a series of elevators you can use to reach the snow level. There are additional ADA parking spots located in the preferred parking lot by the Wilbere and Mid-Gad chairlifts near the snow but there is some distance to cover between the parking spots and the chairlifts. It's a bit easier to park in the ADA spots in the preferred parking zone near Mid-Gad and Wilbere than to make your way through Creekside Loddge and down two separate elevators.
The majority of Gad Valley harbors intermediate terrain. The bulk of terrain for beginners is located to looker's right via the Thunder Tube and onto the Baby Thunder chairlift. 
Snowbird is most appropriate for intermediate or advanced skiers and riders navigating on their own. The chairlift height can vary at Snowbird depending on snowfall so it can be helpful to ask lift attendants questions or check with Wasatch Adaptive for current conditions. Much like Snowbasin, Snowbird offers a nifty, wheeled cart for sit skiers to board the Aerial Tram.
There are ADA restrooms on Level 2 and Level 1 of the Snowbird Center or the bottom level of the Creekside Lodge.
SOLITUDE
Solitude Mountain Resort offers great intermediate terrain for adaptive folks. You'll park at the Moonbeam Lodge and an elevator can be used to get to the snow level and the magic carpet, Moonbeam and Link chairlifts. It's best to have a friend or buddy on hand to help you with gear to get up to Solitude's snow.
Parking reservations are required on holidays or Friday–Sunday. ADA spaces are available to reserve and offered at no cost. When making a reservation, make sure to choose the Carpool/ADA option. Upon arrival, you must display an ADA placard to gain access to your reserved ADA parking.
There is steeper terrain off the new Eagle Chair and Wally has found that the new chairlift is smooth and easy to load on his monoski. The older Powderhorn chairlift is a fixed grip that can feature a steep drop-off at the top. The conditions and snow level dictate the ease of unloading on Powderhorn which serves up steep, technical terrain that isn't always groomed.
There are restrooms on both level 1 and level 2 of the Moonbeam Lodge. These are the easiest to use around the mountain.
We hope this guide is helpful in removing some of the friction or unknown factors for those with adaptive needs who want to visit Utah resorts. Utah by and large offers a pretty darn friendly populace of passionate skiers and snowboarders. If you have questions just ask, we'll be happy to share info and lend support.
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