There are many things that make Little Cottonwood Canyon special, and a local adaptive ski program is one of them. Nestled at the base of Snowbird Ski Resort is our local adaptive ski and snowboard program, Wasatch Adaptive Sports (WAS). We offer winter lessons to any child, adult, or veteran with an adaptive need.

POV: Life as an Adaptive Ski Instructor 

While obtaining my undergraduate degree in Recreation Therapy at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, I took an Adaptive Sports class and I have been passionate about the topic ever since. Over the past few years, I have volunteered with Wasatch Adaptive Sports as an adaptive ski instructor. During this time, I have had the incredible opportunity to adapt skiing and remove barriers to the snow sports we all love for people of all ages and abilities. I have taught adaptive skiing to individuals with a variety of physical, emotional, cognitive, and developmental disabilities.

Skiing with individuals who are deaf, blind, or have spinal cord injuries, spina bifida, amputations, cerebral palsy, or developmental disabilities, among others, is so inspiring. Being able to introduce or reintroduce someone to skiing, whether for the first time or after an injury, makes my heart sing. I am so happy to be part of a program that brings HUGE smiles to the faces of the people we serve and their families, and improves their quality of life.

What Is Adaptive Skiing?

Skiing and snowboarding should be accessible to people of all abilities, and Wasatch Adaptive Sports makes this possible. Skiing is adapted through specialized equipment, gear modifications, and instructors trained in adaptive techniques to help individuals ski in the least restrictive way possible while maintaining safety.

Adaptive ski instructor using tethers with a smaller skier.

Gear That Makes It Possible

At Wasatch Adaptive Sports, we have many types of specialized ski equipment, including mono-skis, ski bikes, tethers, reflective vests, and hand-held outriggers used for balance and turn initiation.
 

Three skiers. All are wearing yellow vests. Two say guide. One says blind skier. One guide is using ski tethers to help the blind skier.

Snowbird, Alta, Sundance, Brighton, and Solitude Adaptive Lessons

Wasatch Adaptive Sports offers lessons at Snowbird, Sundance, and Alta. Full-day custom lessons through WAS are available at Solitude and Brighton by request. Custom lessons are available at Sundance or Alta on weekends. 

Adaptive instructors work with each student to determine which terrain they will ski. Our adaptive athletes ski all over the mountain based on their experience, just like non-adaptive athletes do.

Due to limited space and equipment, WAS recommends signing up well in advance of winter programming to secure a spot. Registration opens November 4, 2026! You can sign up for lessons here

 

Adaptive Equipment Ski Rentals

Wasatch Adaptive Sports offers short-term rentals of select adaptive skis on a case-by-case basis. These are available only at the discretion of WAS staff and based on program needs, and we suggest individuals take a lesson with WAS before renting. It is imperative that anyone renting adaptive ski gear knows how to ski and can load and ride the lift independently. Luckily, a WAS lesson includes instruction, rentals, and a lift ticket!

Other Organizations Around Salt Lake City Offering Adaptive Ski Lessons

TRAILS Adaptive, which is affiliated with the University of Utah, offers adaptive ski lessons at Alta Ski Area, Brighton Resort, Powder Mountain, and Sundance Resort.
The National Ability Center offers adaptive ski and snowboard lessons at PCMR, Deer Valley Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, and Brighton Resort.
Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports offers adaptive ski and snowboard lessons at Snowbasin Resort, Powder Mountain, and Nordic Valley.

 

Person on a monoski using outriggers to go down a snow covered hill

Removing Financial Barriers: Scholarships Available to Locals and Visitors

Removing barriers is an important part of helping individuals recreate, and WAS is committed to providing programs that are accessible to everyone, no matter their financial situation.  WAS offers full and partial scholarships for all WAS programs to individuals whose household income is no more than 10% above the Utah median, adjusted for household size. WAS will work with individuals and families on a case-by-case basis if they do not meet the income criteria but have a compelling reason for needing the financial barrier removed.

Scholarships are available for folks who participate in the programs, regardless of residency. 

Adaptive skier with short skis and poles going past ski race gates there is an instructor right behind the skier

Lesson Costs

  • Seasonal lessons (Eligible for scholarship): $50 per lesson. Available Monday through Sunday, with a maximum of seven total and no more than five weekend days.
  • Custom lessons (Not eligible for scholarship): $200 per half day and $400 per full day. You may also book consecutive-day lessons. Payment in full is required at the time of booking. 

Payments are refundable if canceled at least 14 days before the first lesson is reserved. Cancellations within 14 days of the first lesson will not be refunded.

Lesson Times and Participant Companions

  • Half-day lessons are 2.5 hours, starting at 10:00 AM or 1:30 PM. 
  • Full-day lessons run from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, with a 30-minute minimum lunch break.

Each lesson at Snowbird, Alta, and Sundance includes a lift ticket for a companion to support the skier during the lesson. The companion must be able to ski or ride at or above the participant's level.

Other Adaptive Activities with Wasatch Adaptive Sports

WAS also offers adaptive yoga and indoor cycling in the winter months. On Monday nights, the ladies get together for Ladies Night! Wasatch Adaptive Sports also hosts a sit-ski camp each year. Find out more about other activities.

Additionally, Wasatch Adaptive Sports holds a few yearly fundraising events: Highly Decorated and the Steve Young Ski Classic. The Steve Young Ski Classic is the biggest fundraising event of the year that brings together professional athletes, supporters, and WAS students for an exciting weekend at Snowbird. Highly Decorated invites veterans, service members, and their families to Snowbird for a day of skiing followed by a ceremony honoring their service. 

Get more information on events

Monoskier using outrigger poles going around ski race gates

Public Transportation

Seasonal ski buses serving Little Cottonwood Canyon are fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

A Few Insider Tips for Adaptive Skiing in Utah 

Snowbird features accessible elevators at the Snowbird Center and Creekside. 

Plan for weather and canyon traffic. Traffic is heavy in Little Cottonwood Canyon  on powder days and on weekends. Check UDOT for canyon road updates and tire restrictions. 

Consider using the UTA bus system because then you do not have to fight for parking! 

Enjoy the magic of Little Cottonwood Canyon, where WAS makes the impossible possible through adaptation.