In the small mountain town of Nederland, Colorado, Eldora Ski Resort is home to Ignite Adaptive Sports––the only comprehensive adaptive sports program on the Front Range that is accessible by public transit (RTD). Since its inception in 1975, Ignite Adaptive Sports has provided life-changing opportunities for community members who otherwise couldn’t access winter sports programs due to cognitive, physical or behavioral issues. Ignite’s entire operation is run by skilled volunteers who are dedicated to the mission of providing “caring, safe and fun adaptive winter snowsports opportunities” that foster “personal growth, independence, and confidence in people with disabilities.”
From January through March, Ignite offers lessons in alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ski biking and snowshoeing for all ages and levels of ability. Each lesson includes fitted adaptive equipment, a parking pass, a lift ticket and trained adaptive instructors who work with individuals to create the best learning environment for empowering each student. While Ignite offers group rates and first-time athlete discounts, they also have a scholarship program to help make lessons accessible to every member of the community.
Through partnerships with organizations like the U.S. Paralympic Military Program, Ignite provides specialized opportunities for wounded active duty and military veterans. These programs not only promote physical rehabilitation but also offer a sense of camaraderie and connection among veterans.
The sense of community Ignite fosters is not just among the adaptive students. The crew of over 250 volunteers collaborate to make every part of the organization run smoothly from lessons to fundraising and program management. “The level of professionalism our volunteers bring to Ignite is incredible,” says Carol Nickell, executive director of Ignite. “Our volunteers are from all walks of life, from high school students to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to writers and business owners. Ignite is one of those unicorn nonprofits where people bring all their skills and talents to support the organization––it’s an incredible community to be part of.”
Each year volunteers return to Ignite, drawn by the enduring sense of fulfillment, purpose and joy that the organization imparts to their lives. While community members are welcome to volunteer year-round, winter marks the commencement of orientations tailored for newcomers, commencing each October. These sessions not only offer opportunities for adult engagement but also extend a welcoming opportunity to younger enthusiasts, aged 16 to 18, through junior volunteer programs. For those aspiring to attain their PSIA Level I Ski Instructor or AASI Level I Snowboard Instructor Certification, Ignite presents an ideal launching pad. Additionally, teenagers seeking to fulfill their volunteer requisites for the National Honor Society (NHS) will find Ignite's junior volunteer positions tailor-made for their aspirations.
“Oftentimes, when you volunteer for an organization, you don’t quite get to do what you want. But with Ignite, we make sure each volunteer gets the training and opportunities they’re looking for,” says Nickell. “We train people for snow sports instructing, working in the equipment room, outreach and client services––where you get to be the face of Ignite––and organizing our big fundraising event at Boulder JCC.” Known as “the best party Boulder throws”, Ignite’s annual fundraiser is an opportunity for the community to hear the inspiring stories of adaptive athletes and whose lives have been transformed.
Kevin Wilson, Ignite’s operations manager, is one such adaptive athlete. If you want to feel intensely inspired (and possibly shed a heartfelt tear), check out Wilson’s 9-minute video with Outdoor Magazine. “Speaking from Eldora’s perspective, we are incredibly proud of our relationship with Ignite,” says Sam Bass, Marketing Director for Eldora. “Last May, we celebrated the groundbreaking of our new Ski & Ride School building which will be the new headquarters for Ignite,” says Bass. “This project increases our capacity so we can serve more adaptive athletes and young learners.” Construction on the new lodge is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.
In the lexicon of resilience, "bouncing back from adversity" is the prevailing definition. Yet, the experience of resilience involves a more profound journey of transformation––being vulnerable to life’s challenges, allowing them to shape you and deepen your self-discovery. In essence, resilience serves as an anchor, tethering you to a sense of purpose and passion for life. Igniting that passion is what’s brought volunteers and adaptive athletes to the slopes of Eldora for the past 50 years.
If you’d like to get involved with Ignite Adaptive Sports, reach out to: info@igniteadaptivesports.com.
