Navigating life as an individual with a disability or specific needs means accessing outdoor activities can be difficult—socially, logistically and financially. The Crested Butte Adaptive Sports Center (ASC) helps break down barriers for visitors and locals alike.

ASC offers adaptive recreation opportunities year-round, serving individuals with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities, as well as people with other specific needs, including seniors and at-risk youth. The goal goes beyond just recreation to include creating opportunities for connection, confidence and inclusion within the broader community.

The programs also provide something less tangible but equally important: a sense of belonging.

“I hear from so many participants that they love coming here because they can just be themselves,” Grants Manager Aimee Hoyt said. “Everyone is seen and treated as the person they are.”

Accessible in more than one way

Adaptive recreation often requires highly customized and highly priced equipment. Sit-skis and adaptive bikes can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 each. ASC maintains a fleet of more than 40 of each, accommodating different body types, abilities and skill levels. Many participants also require one-on-one instruction from trained staff members who understand both the equipment and individuals’ needs.

Despite those dollar figures, ASC works to keep its programs affordable through its Access for All pricing model. They subsidize 89% of the lesson costs through donations, fundraising events and grants. This means a full-day winter resort lesson costs just $95, including equipment, lift passes and instruction.

The approach allows more families to participate, including those already navigating the additional financial challenges that often come with disability and extra needs.

Serving individuals from near and far

ASC is an international hit. Every year an average of 1,000 individuals from across the country and world visit, taking part in 5,700 activities.

Locals benefit, too, through ASC’s Community Programming serving Gunnison and Hinsdale County residents. Last year, more than 100 participants ages 4-86 cumulatively took part in about 960 activities.

“We have some participants in the valley who come out with us more than 20 times a year because it’s hard for them to do it on their own,” Hoyt said.

ASC partners with a range of local groups to reach various populations. These include the Gunnison Senior Center, Six Points, Gunnison Valley Mentors and the local schools for Ski for PE and Community Kids.

Many locals participate in the Special Olympics offerings, training once a week. The program culminates with a participants and staff taking a multi-night trip to Copper Mountain for regionals and state competitions.  

“They all stay together and usually bring home a bunch of bling [medals],” Hoyt said.

Community Kids grew out of a partnership with the school district. In winter, the schools provide transportation to ASC, enabling participating students to get on the hill once a week—in addition to the Ski for PE sessions. In the summer, ASC organizes the activities and transportation. Participants don’t have to pay anything for the school-year programs, and the summer version costs just $50 before scholarships.  

“The kids do basically everything from paddling Irwin and Blue Mesa, rock climbing, ropes courses. It’s inclusive too, so kids will bring their siblings and friends, who might be able bodied,” Hoyt said.

ASC also helps build a more inclusive outdoor recreation culture across the valley.

Local recreation groups frequently collaborate with ASC to make their programs more accessible. Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association worked with them to widen the Lupine trails, expanding access to 3- and 4-wheeled bikes. Additionally, the Crested Butte Nordic Center included an accessible race course in the annual Alley Loop.

“The valley provides the perfect community for a place like this. People are just incredibly supportive of what we do,” Hoyt said.