39th annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic comes to Snowmass

Veterans from across the country are gathering in Snowmass this week for the 39th annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic, a transformative program that empowers disabled veterans to challenge their limits, redefine their capabilities, and connect with others through adaptive winter sports in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans , the clinic runs from March 31 to April 5 and welcomes approximately 400 veterans with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and vision loss. 

The event, now recognized as the premier adaptive winter sports event for veterans, takes place at the Viewline Resort in Snowmass and across the Aspen Snowmass area. Participants receive instruction and support from 200 certified adaptive ski instructors, members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team, and an expansive network of volunteers.

The program’s origins trace back to the late 1980s when Sandy Trombetta, a recreation therapist at the Grand Junction VA Medical Center, began organizing ski trips for his patients. Seeing the profound therapeutic benefits of skiing and mountain recreation, he launched the first official clinic in 1987 with the support of the VA. 

“Sandy Trombetta recognized the physical and mental healing that occurs with winter recreation with the veterans he was serving,” said Jason Strickland, communications director for the clinic. “He got about 90 veterans who were eager to learn to ski, with 20 volunteers, and went to Crested Butte for the first year.” 

In 1991, DAV joined as a co-sponsor, helping to expand the program’s reach and financial support.

Since its founding, the clinic has served over 10,000 veterans, providing not only physical rehabilitation but also an essential sense of camaraderie and achievement. Strickland explained that Veterans must first register through the VA, while the DAV handles much of the fundraising, and the clinic team manages the medical and logistical components. 

“April 1 through the fourth are almost identical days with all sorts of activities happening on the mountain,” Strickland said. “We end it on April 5, which we call race day. It’s a quasi giant slalom course. We have the course set up on the lower part of the mountain for the veterans who require assistance, or we have a course set up high for the veterans who can do it on their own.”

The week began with registration and an opening ceremony on March 31. 

“Today is our chance to welcome the veterans to our community, welcome them to beautiful Colorado, and get them started on their journey,” said Dan Clare, Chief communications and outreach officer with the DAV. “Tomorrow, we kick off with adaptive skiing. Every event is starting tomorrow.”

Each day offers a range of activities, from Alpine and Nordic skiing to sled hockey at the Aspen Recreation Center, snowmobiling at T Lazy 7 Ranch, scuba diving at the Wildwood Pool, and rock climbing. Participants also have access to wellness activities like yoga and caregiver support sessions in the mornings. 

Educational programming includes CEU-accredited workshops on prosthetics, adaptive technologies, and rehabilitation strategies, as well as specialized self-defense training provided by the U.S. Secret Service for wheelchair users and those with visual impairments.

The final day, April 5, is themed “Sci-Fi” and culminates with Race Day on the Scooper and Race Arena courses. The friendly competition concludes with a medal ceremony at Snowmass Village Mall and a closing ceremony at the Viewline Event Center.

Clare emphasized that the clinic represents more than a single week of activity — it’s often a turning point in a Veteran’s rehabilitation. 

“We (DAV) have a national service officer who is helping veterans with their claims. That showcases another aspect of the program,” he said. “We are connecting people with resources. This is just a starting point for a veteran’s rehabilitation. They will get help with their benefits and get connected with other programs that the DAV offers.”

Clare said that this event is just a starting point, but it’s a starting point that changes the trajectory of a veteran’s life.

For more information, visit http://www.wintersportsclinic.org or contact wintersportsclinic@va.gov.