Challenge Aspen expands outdoor access for youth with disabilities

Challenge Aspen is once again breaking barriers with its Youth & School Partnership Programs, ensuring that young people with disabilities have the opportunity to experience the thrill of outdoor adventure.

“Access to the outdoors changes lives, especially for young people,” said Brenna Sandstrom, Challenge Aspen’s development director. “It helps them feel more connected to the place they live and the incredible outdoor community we have here.”

As a leader in adaptive recreation, Challenge Aspen has long been dedicated to providing meaningful outdoor experiences for individuals with disabilities across the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys. 

Central to that mission is its School Partner Program, which collaborates with local special education programs to offer adaptive recreation throughout the year. Activities include adaptive P.E. days, school ski events for Significant Support Needs (SSN) classes, and customized outdoor experiences designed in partnership with schools from Aspen to Parachute.

“We’re deeply committed to expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for people with disabilities who live in and visit the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys,” Sandstrom said. “Our partnerships with local schools are especially exciting because they allow students of all abilities to fully participate in outdoor activities. Many for the first time.”

This winter marks a milestone for Challenge Aspen as it expands its program to include Garfield School District Re-2 for the first time. A recent highlight took place on March 11, when eight students from Elk Creek Elementary’s SSN class took to the snow with Challenge Aspen.

Elk Creek Elementary SSN teacher Amanda Fulmer said the experience exceeded expectations.

“It was way more successful than I could have ever imagined. When we got up there, the kids were super excited,” Fulmer said. “The Challenge Aspen crew was amazing with understanding the children’s needs. We are an elementary school, so we service kids K-5, and I have worked with Challenge Aspen with adults with disabilities, but I did not know what it would look like working with young kids, but they were amazing.”

For many of these students, it was their first time skiing together. They navigated the slopes using adaptive equipment, including sit skis, ensuring an inclusive and empowering day on the mountain.

“They were able to get our children to do stuff that I never would have expected they could do due to their needs, especially since our children have sensory issues,” she said. “We have some children who also have balance issues, but Challenge Aspen was able to get all of them onto skis, including one child in a sit-ski, and all the children had such a great time.”

Fulmer, who has previously worked with Challenge Aspen, said she reached out to the organization before this outing to explore expanding programs further down the valley. She said Challenge Aspen was eager to make it happen.

“This experience is exactly why I love working with Challenge Aspen,” she said. “Both I, the children, my staff, and the families are so thankful for the opportunity.”

Sandstrom said that at Challenge Aspen, they believe every child deserves the chance to experience adventure. 

“Our adaptive programs empower youth with disabilities to build confidence, develop lifelong skills, and most importantly, have fun in the outdoors,” she said.

With Glenwood Springs Elementary set for its school ski day on April 1, Challenge Aspen continues to advance its mission — creating opportunities where every child can embrace the joy of outdoor recreation, regardless of ability.

To learn more about Challenge Aspen or to donate, please visit challengeaspen.org.