The air in the mountains of Ogden Valley is crisp and invigorating—a perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts. But for people with disabilities, accessing the slopes, trails, and waterways can be a challenge. That’s where Ogden Valley Adaptive steps in, a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers and bringing the joy of recreation to everyone.
What began in 2009 as simple ski lessons has grown into a year-round hub of activities. Beyond skiing, OVA now offers mountain biking, cycling, kayaking, roller skating, hiking, and even rock climbing. This variety ensures participants can find an activity they love and stay active, no matter the season.
The organization’s beginnings are humble but inspiring. Volunteers at Snowbasin “wanted to help people with disabilities be able to ski and snowboard,” explains executive director Brandon Flint. For years, OVA was small and “completely volunteer-dependent.” Since then, the organization’s growth has been remarkable. Stacy Bernal articulates the blend of skills and passion the staff possess: "They love the outdoors, but also they have a really great skill of working with people with disabilities. We're very lucky to have the people we have."
For Bernal, the work is deeply personal. As the mother of a son with autism, she first discovered OVA through her own search for community resources. “I brought my son to one of their cycling events at Weber State,” she recalls. “It had been years since he’d been on a bike. To see him get that opportunity—to ride an adaptive bike—it was just amazing.”
Today, OVA thrives on generous donations, vital grants, and the unwavering commitment of its staff and volunteers. A turning point came when year-round staff were hired to manage operations, expand programs, and increase community reach.
This dedication has enabled OVA to move beyond winter sports and offer a full calendar of activities throughout the year. Ogden Valley Adaptive is now a model of how vision, dedication, and community support can transform lives—ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
The success of Ogden Valley Adaptive is deeply rooted in the local community and the dedication of its team. Brandon Flint, who spent 30 years working with the National Park Service, noted the similarities between his past and current work: it’s similar in the sense that he is "really trying to get people outside to experience nature... to live the fullest and best life possible." The people he works with inspire him and make his days deeply fulfilling.
The organization's mission is to remove barriers to recreation, and they are committed to ensuring that financial need is never a roadblock. "We make sure that if anyone [has] a financial need, if that's one of the barriers, we have scholarships," Bernal explains. "So we make sure that it's either a reduced price or we make it free for those who need it."
"Feet" Jensen's story, demonstrates how the program helps participants move past perceived limitations and reinvigorate their lust for life. In an effort to be even more inclusive, Ogden Valley Adaptive also makes it a point to host women's-specific events, recognizing the importance of removing potential barriers related to comfort and providing a safe, supportive environment for all participants.
And for those who might think Ogden Valley Adaptive is simply about having fun, Flint has a clear answer: “That’s absolutely true,” he laughs. “We have a great time.” But the benefits extend far beyond that. The program provides life-changing physical, mental, and social benefits:
Social Connection: "A lot of times people with disabilities are socially isolated," Flint notes. "So, bringing people together in this environment—on kayaks or on skis—is a social as well as physical exercise for them." The activities create a space for people to connect, have fun, make friends, and engage in social interactions.
Physical and Mental Health: Getting people outside and active helps counter sedentary lifestyles and has a "long-term health" impact. This is crucial for preventing secondary health problems that can arise from inactivity. The mental component is just as vital: showing people that they can do these things.
Lifelong Skills: The activities taught are not fleeting. They are “sports and activities that benefit people for their whole life.” The goal is to get people to continue hiking, cycling, or skiing for the rest of their lives, long after their time in the program.
As a nonprofit organization, Ogden Valley Adaptive is extremely grateful for the local ski resorts like Snowbasin, Nordic Valley, and Powder Mountain. These mountain areas provide crucial access to their mountains and facilities. They provide accessible features like restrooms and warmed walkways during winter months. Snowbasin, in particular, is where the majority of their winter lessons happen. During the warmer seasons, Pineview Reservoir and Ogden Valley's beautiful mountain trails become a scenic destination for biking and kayaking.
Beyond skiing and cycling, OVA continues to expand opportunities that highlight the breathtaking beauty of Ogden Valley. Participants can explore accessible hiking trails surrounded by mountain vistas, join guided rock-climbing sessions that build confidence and strength, or take part in adaptive roller skating—an activity that’s quickly becoming a favorite for its fun, social atmosphere. These programs give participants the chance to enjoy every corner of Utah’s natural landscape, no matter the season or their ability level. The mix of recreation and community spirit helps foster a deep connection between participants, volunteers, and the great outdoors.
Their largest annual fundraiser is a two-day event called Adapt2Thrive. It begins March 1st and includes a thrilling race day for participants as well as a demo day sponsored by local businesses. Fundraising efforts also include a mix of sizable and small donors, illustrating the broad, community-driven nature of the organization. There is even an online auction that has numerous prizes to win! The Adapt2Thrive event is a great opportunity for participants to demo skis and snowboards from multiple vendors as well as enjoy slopes. Another big campaign, such as the "Thanksgiving" campaign that runs from Black Friday to Giving Tuesday, encourages community engagement and support.
Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports is excited about the future, especially the potential to enhance more lives and help strengthen local connections. "As we look at the counties... we know there are a lot more people with disabilities who don't know that we exist yet." Flint explains that in neighboring counties like Box Elder, Weber, Morgan, and Davis, there are an estimated 140,000 total people living with disabilities. The need—and the opportunity—for growth is immense. Through their dedication, incredible staff, and the support of the community, Ogden Valley Adaptive continues to ensure that the beauty and adventure of the outdoors are accessible to everyone.
To learn more about Ogden Valley Adaptive Sports, you can find them on social media or on their website at OgdenValleyAdaptive.com.
"A lot of times people with disabilities are socially isolated, so bringing people together is a social as well as physical exercise for them."
"Feet" Jensen, is a veteran who lost his legs after being "blown up in Iraq." His story is a powerful example of how OVA can change lives. After participating as a client, he became an instructor and is teaching others how to ski and can "out-cycle almost anybody."