For 55 years, the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) has been breaking barriers to the outdoors. “We were actually the first adaptive sports organization in the country,” says Elyse Lombardi, NSCD’s Development and Marketing Director. “It all started at Winter Park Resort here in Colorado, and now we offer 17 year-round programs from adaptive skiing and mountain biking to horseback riding and kayaking.”
The organization serves more than 2,000 participants annually, providing specialized instruction and state-of-the-art adaptive equipment. “We work with people of all ages and all disabilities—physical, cognitive, developmental, behavioral,” Lombardi explains. “The outdoors should be accessible for everyone.”
That mission shines each spring when hundreds gather for Ski for NSCD, a community event held at Winter Park Resort. “It’s a day of fun and connection on the slopes,” Lombardi says. “Anyone can join—no matter your skill level. You register for $50, raise at least $150 from friends, family, or colleagues, then spend the day on March 28 skiing, competing, and celebrating for a cause.” Attendees enjoy free Winter Park Resort lift tickets, mountain challenges, scavenger hunts, costume contests, giveaways from The North Face, and an après-ski celebration, all while raising critical funds for NSCD’s programs. “It’s an unforgettable day,” she adds. “There’s so much laughter, camaraderie, and purpose, it really captures what our mission is all about.”
Every dollar goes directly toward areas like purchasing and maintaining adaptive equipment, training instructors, and providing scholarships for their participants. “One adaptive mountain bike can cost $20,000,” Lombardi explains. “Donations from our community keep our program costs low. And if someone can’t afford to participate, that’s never a barrier. These funds make it possible for everyone to experience the joy of the outdoors.”
For Lombardi, the impact is personal. “I remember being on the mountain with one of our participants who was trying adaptive skiing. It was his first time back out after losing his leg in an accident,” she says. “When he reached the bottom of the slope, he had the biggest smile and tears in his eyes. Moments like that remind you how this work changes lives.”
Registration for Ski for NSCD is officially open at nscd.org/events.