History: Pioneer for adaptive skiing

The late Ed Lucks, a former Snowmass ski instructor and local pharmacist, pioneered many of the adaptive teaching techniques and equipment used today. To properly understand some of the alterations needed, he would ski blindfolded, on one leg and in sit-skis, then go home and refine the equipment. He is credited with designing the crutch-like outriggers called the Ed Lucks Bend.

Lucks convinced the Aspen Skiing Co. to sponsor an adaptive program, which paved the way to the U.S. Disabled Ski Team and Snowmass Village-based nonprofit Challenge Aspen. He was inducted in the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame in 2005.

Pictured is Ed Lucks using a sit-ski with handheld runners circa 1980s.