Steamboat's Adaptive Program has opened the world of the outdoor mountain environment to adaptive and special needs participants for nearly three decades. The resort continues to work to grow this inspiring program through a staff of highly educated and dedicated employees, state-of-the-art adaptive equipment, efforts with outside organizations and host events of all sizes from World Cups to the annual Vertical Express for MS to the Steamboat All-Mountain Adaptive Ski Camps.

Steamboat offers discounted Lift Tickets and specially-priced Ski & Snowboard School lessons to individuals who participate in adaptive lessons, as well as for those who prefer to ski/ride at Steamboat with special accommodation without formal instruction.

Lift Line Privileges

Permission to go to the front of the lift line is extended to disabled individuals that have difficulty standing for extended periods and those whose adaptive equipment makes it difficult to navigate within the maze. This specifically includes above the knee amputees, (and below the knee if skiing with one ski), physically disabled using the mono-ski, bi-ski or sit-ski sled, four-track skiers with two skis and two outriggers and blind persons with an side. All sit-ski sleds must be equipped with standard evacuation systems, (straps, hooks, etc.), and may be inspected at the base of each lift. Upon arrival at the base of the lift, please let the lift operators know the type of assistance you may need for loading and unloading or any other special preferences.

Ski & Snowboard School

In order to access our Adaptive Skier and Rider Programs, please come to the Gondola Main Ticket Office, for lift tickets only, or to our Ski & Snowboard School Ticket Office for lessons and lift tickets. A physician's verification is requested for those with disabilities that are not visually apparent. Each requested discount ticket will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Please call us in advance (at least 24 hours) for reservations and additional information: Ski & Snowboard School Office – 800-299-5017 [toll-free] or 970-871-5375. Lift Ticket Office – 970-871-5252.

Ski & Snowboard Lessons

Steamboat has specially trained ski and snowboard professionals available to provide adaptive lessons. These lessons are available by reservation only and advanced booking is required. We can customize a package to meet any specific needs. The Ski & Snowboard School has outriggers, ski bras and edgie-wedgies that are available at no charge during lessons, and may be borrowed when not already reserved for another lesson.

Mountain Facilities & Restaurants

ADA Gondola Cabin

The resort added a cabin to its gondola that is like no other. Cabin No. 129 was built specifically to be more convenient for adaptive skiers, particularly wheelchair users. The cabin means that wheelchair users can roll through the gondola line to board the special cabin for the trip to Thunderhead. The ADA cabin opens up to 32.7 inches instead of the regular gondola door openings of 24.4 inches. The cabin itself is larger and both of the bench seats flip up, allowing enough room for a wheelchair to turn around inside. If the wheelchair guest is traveling with an able bodied person that person may easily sit down on one of the benches while still allowing plenty of room for the wheelchair. Also, the door opening mechanism of the ADA cabin is in the roof (as opposed to the floor), which allows more room overall. CWA of Switzerland (the same company that built the original eight-passenger cabins in 1986) built the new cabin at a cost of $32,000.

Parking & Mountain Access

The most accessible parking for Adaptive Skiers and Snowboarders is in the Gondola Square Parking Garage on Mt. Werner Circle. Our parking attendants will direct you to the most convenient parking space. You can access the Ticket Office, Ski & Snowboard School and the slopes by using the covered bridge adjacent to the transit center to reach the elevator. Once you exit the elevator use the ramp to get down to the next level.

View the Accessibility Map of Gondola Square showing Gondola Square access for our adaptive guests.

Restrooms

Base Area – Ground level of the Gondola Building, next to Kids Vacation Center. Second level restrooms located behind Gnarly Charlie's Pizza.

Thunderhead Facility at the top of the Gondola – First level next to the Stoker Bar. These are accessed independently by going outside, around the front of the building, and in through the main doors. If desired, please mention you would like assistance and a representative will happily assist you through the inside of the building to the restrooms.

Rendezvous Food Court – West side, bridge into "loft" level of building. Restrooms are on the immediate left upon entering.

Four Points Hut – Access the restrooms inside on the main level by ramp.

Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs are available to assist you in accessing the facilities on our mountain. For your convenience, a wheelchair is located at each of the four locations below. Please have your Companion Skier obtain the chair or ask for assistance when you arrive.

• Base of the Gondola in the loading and unloading area.
• Top of the Gondola / Thunderhead in the loading / unloading area.
• Four Points Hut at the food service counter.
• Rendezvous Facility, on the top floor, accessed from South Peak Lift. Cross the bridge and find the wheelchair just inside the door.
• Thunderhead Facility at the top of the Gondola offers both casual and fine dining facilities along with restrooms, snacks and an accessory shop. All levels are accessible by a service elevator. Upon boarding the Gondola, please mention if you need use of the wheelchair or if you're intending to dine. The lift staff will notify the Upper Terminal of your arrival. A staff member will greet you at the top to assist you to the elevator and desired floor.

Resort Transportation

Even with sufficient handicapped parking at the base area, the resort operates a 25-passenger El Dorado National Aerotech wheelchair accessible shuttle from its remote parking lot, the Meadows. The shuttle features a Braun fully automatic wheelchair lift, double wheelchair lift doors, passenger foldaway seats over wheelchair positions and enhanced interior and exterior lighting.

Local Transportation

Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) is the public transportation system for Steamboat. SST provides service for both fixed route and Para transit service. The fixed route serves much of the downtown area, the Ski Area base and many of the adjacent condominiums. Please call for the closest stop and service times. The Para transit service is available upon request for those who qualify. This service provides curb-to-curb service to any location within the city limits. Next day advanced request is required for this service. There is no charge for this service, as all SST buses that provide service within the city limits of Steamboat Springs are free.

Steamboat Springs Transit – 970-879-3717.