Ignite Adaptive Sports

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Nederland, CO
Ignite Adaptive Sports

Igniting personal growth, independence and confidence through adaptive snowsport opportunities.

Our mission is to ignite personal growth, independence, and confidence in people with disabilities on the Front Range, and in surrounding mountain and Northern Colorado communities, by providing caring, safe, and fun adaptive winter snowsports opportunities. Ignite instructors are specially certified to teach downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing and it's their number

one priority to maintain safety while also having fun on the mountain. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to enjoy the many winter sports activities offered by Ignite. We turn no one away due to their disability or ability to pay for our services. Our season runs from January through March, on Thursdays to Sundays. For more information, please call 303.258.1166 or visit www.igniteadaptivesports.org.

09/04/2026

Every winter, more than 300 volunteers help make sure more than 400 athletes with disabilities have a place on the mountain. 💙 That’s the heartbeat of Ignite Adaptive Sports.

Curious about volunteering with Ignite this season? Come learn what it’s all about!

Our New Volunteer Orientations are a chance to meet the Ignite community, learn about the different ways volunteers support our athletes, hear what training and the ski season look like, and decide whether Ignite feels like a good fit for you.

There’s no commitment to volunteer just by attending. If you decide you’d like to join us, we’ll help you with the next steps at orientation.

Interested? Fill out our interest form and plan to join us at the Boulder JCC for one of these sessions:

🗓️ Sunday, Oct. 4 | 2–4 pm
🗓️ Tuesday, Oct. 13 | 6–8 pm
🗓️ Wednesday, Oct. 21 | 6–8 pm
🗓️ Junior Volunteer Orientation, ages 15–17 | Tuesday, Nov. 3 | 5–7 pm

Sign Up Here: https://forms.gle/Hx27qKiwBr6rWroUA

[Image descriptions]
Slide 1: A smiling young Ignite athlete in a pink jacket rides downhill in a sit-ski while an Ignite instructor guides behind.
Slide 2: A young skier practices on a snowy slope while holding a horizontal training pole with two Ignite Adaptive Sports instructors skiing alongside for support.
Slide 3: A young Ignite athlete in a sit-ski travels down the slope with an Ignite instructor, while several skiers and a snowboarder follow nearby.
Slide 4: An adaptive skier dressed in red stands between two Ignite Adaptive Sports instructors during heavy snowfall, with snow-covered trees in the background.

09/01/2026

This October, we're gathering to celebrate the True Colors of the Ignite community. 🎨

The athletes who show up season after season. The volunteers who give their all each winter. The families and supporters who make every moment on the mountain possible.

Join us Friday, October 23 at the Boulder JCC for an evening of drinks, dinner, dancing, a live and silent auction, and a celebration of what this community has built together.

Every ticket helps children and adults living with disabilities experience the joy, freedom, and confidence that snowsports bring.

🐦 Get your early bird tickets by 9/11: https://bolder.bid/app/public/bidapp/ignite26

[Image descriptions]
Slide 1: Guests dance and socialize at a lively Ignite gala illuminated with purple and orange lighting, with banquet tables in the foreground.
Slide 2: A live band wearing matching red patterned jackets performs onstage as guests dance in front of them at a past Ignite gala.
Slide 3: Special Olympics athletes receive medals during the 2025 Ignite annual gala.

08/24/2026

“Put in the work, shred the gnar, show up, meet all the people, soak in the experiences, and you will be rewarded more than you can ever comprehend. You are about to get into something that will be the best thing you do in the winter for many, many, many years to come!” ❄️

— Brian Kaepplinger, Ignite Volunteer Instructor

That's what it feels like to teach adaptive snowsports at Ignite. You don't need to be an expert. You just need to be able to ski or ride up to blue terrain and have a genuine desire to share the mountain with someone who might not have thought it was possible for them.

We also have volunteer opportunities in cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and off the snow! Learn more about becoming a volunteer: https://igniteadaptivesports.org/volunteers/

[Image description: A smiling Ignite Adaptive Sports volunteer stands outdoors in a black winter jacket and blue beanie with snow-covered mountains and evergreen trees in the background.]

08/21/2026

We’re thrilled to share that Ignite Adaptive Sports was recently announced as a grant recipient from Community Foundation Boulder County's Community Trust! This grant will help Boulder County residents living with disabilities experience the joy of snowsports close to home at Eldora. 💙❄️

Ignite is about far more than skiing. People with disabilities are one of the largest and most historically marginalized populations in the world. Access to winter recreation advances equity while building confidence, independence, and belonging—on and off the mountain.

Thank you, Community Foundation Boulder County, for making our community more equitable and inclusive, a place where everyone can experience a life of opportunity and fulfillment.

[Image descriptions]
Slide 1: An Ignite Adaptive Sports instructor skis behind a smiling participant using a red sit-ski on a snowy slope, with another instructor nearby.
Slide 2: A smiling skier in a red jacket stands between two Ignite instructors on a snowy, foggy slope. The three hold a striped training pole together while posing for the camera.
Slide 3: An Ignite instructor holds the hands of a young skier as they practice balance and skiing skills together on a sunny, groomed slope.
Slide 4: A skier stands between two smiling Ignite volunteers on a sunny ski slope.

08/20/2026

Early bird tickets are now on sale for the Ignite Annual Gala! 🎉 Every October we get to step back and remember why this all matters. 52 years of people with disabilities experiencing the mountain in ways they never thought possible, because a community of volunteers and supporters decided to show up.

Join us on Friday, October 23 at the Boulder JCC. Drinks, dinner, dancing, a live and silent auction, and a celebration of the magic you make possible. Get your tickets today: https://bolder.bid/app/public/bidapp/ignite26

[Image descriptions]
Slide 1: The live auction host walks among gala guests with a microphone as attendees laugh and engage during an interactive moment.
Slide 2: Gala attendees stand on the dance floor participating in a Heads & Tails fundraising game while instructions are projected on a screen behind them.
Slide 3: A live band wearing matching red jackets performs on stage with saxophones, trombones, and other instruments during an Ignite gala.
Slide 4: Guests seated at round tables watch a large screen displaying photos and stories from Ignite athletes during the annual gala.

08/18/2026

Every year at our annual gala, we feature 0-90 silent auction items and 5+ live auction items. Every single one is donated by people and businesses who care about getting more athletes with disabilities on the mountain. 💙

Popular items include restaurant and store gift certificates, concert tickets, outdoor and ski gear, adventures, wine, pet care, vacation rentals, and more.

If you or a business you know is interested in donating an item or experience, please email [email protected].

All proceeds go directly toward adaptive snowsports lessons for people with disabilities. Thank you in advance!

[Image descriptions]
Slide 1: A chef carefully sprinkles seasoning over a plated entrée in a restaurant kitchen.
Slide 2: A wet brown dog stands in a shower while someone wearing grooming gloves gently dries and comforts them.
Slide 3: A large audience raises their hands toward a brightly lit stage during a live concert.
Slide 4: A close-up of wine bottles stored horizontally on a wooden rack with a softly blurred background.

08/14/2026

Our volunteers love to stop in for lunch!

08/13/2026

Even though it's peak summer, this is the time of year we start daydreaming about the next season! 💭

Some of the most meaningful hours our volunteers spend all year happen on a snowy mountain with an athlete who never thought they'd be there.

If you want to teach adaptive snowsports lessons in alpine or Nordic skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or ski biking this winter, now is a great time to get the process started.

New Volunteer Orientation dates will be Sunday 10/4 from 2-4 pm, Tuesday, 10/13 from 6-8 pm, and Wednesday, 10/21 from 6-8 pm at the Boulder JCC. Learn more about becoming an Ignite volunteer: https://igniteadaptivesports.org/volunteers/

[Image descriptions]
Slide 1: An adaptive skier using a sit-ski poses with instructors and family members on the snowy mountain during a lesson.
Slide 2: An Ignite snowboard instructor watches from the side of the slope as an Ignite athlete practices a snowboarding turn on freshly groomed snow.
Slide 3: An Ignite instructor wearing a bright safety vest guides a skier as they practice skiing down the slope.

08/10/2026

Did you know Ignite has a Junior Volunteer Instructor Program? 🎿

If you're between 16 and 18 and love to ski or snowboard, this is a chance to spend next winter doing something that matters.

Junior Instructors follow the same training steps as adult volunteers, plus attend a designated orientation session just for them.

This year’s Junior Orientation is Tuesday, 11/3 from 5-7 pm at the Boulder JCC. Learn more and apply: https://igniteadaptivesports.org/volunteers/

[Image description: An Ignite Junior Instructor holds both hands of an athlete while teaching skiing skills on the slope.]

08/06/2026

At Ignite Adaptive Sports, we provide snowsport opportunities to people with disabilities. 🏔️

Athletes of all ages, disabilities, and financial circumstances are welcome at Eldora Mountain Resort, where our 100% volunteer-led lessons make it possible for anyone to experience downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sit-skiing, and ski biking.

If you believe everyone deserves a chance on the mountain, you're in the right place. 📍

Join our email community to stay in the loop on Ignite stories and updates: http://eepurl.com/dHdpS5

[Image descriptions]
Slide 1: An Ignite athlete wearing a bright red jacket raises both arms in celebration while an Ignite instructor smiles beside them on a sunny ski slope.
Slide 2: An Ignite instructor helps a skier practice balance and positioning during a ski lesson.
Slide 3: An Ignite instructor guides a participant riding a bi-ski down a snowy trail using a tether.

Address

2861 Eldora Ski Road
Nederland, CO
80466

Website

http://www.igniteadaptivesports.org/

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