Special Olympics Alpine Ski And Snowboard Training And Competition
For more than 20 years, Team Powderhorn has brought athletes together to train, race, and grow through winter sports. As Colorado Discover Ability’s Special Olympics alpine ski and snowboard team, Team Powderhorn provides athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to build skills, challenge themselves, and experience the joy of being part of a team.
Through weekly training and competition, athletes develop physical fitness, confidence, and courage on the mountain. Just as importantly, they build friendships with teammates, coaches, and families while experiencing the excitement and pride that comes from working toward a goal together.
Quick Facts
Season: December through March
Practice day: Saturdays
Typical hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Practice Location: Powderhorn Mountain Resort
Competition Locations: Ski Sunlight, Glenwood Springs (Western Slope regional competition) and Copper Mountain, Frisco (Colorado state competition)
Age eligibility: Ages 8 and up
Season cost: $450 per athlete for 2025/2026. Costs may change from year to year.
Overview
Team Powderhorn is Colorado Discover Ability’s Special Olympics alpine skiing and snowboarding team. The program has been part of the CDA community for more than two decades and is now the largest Special Olympics winter team in Colorado.
Each season, about 28 athletes train with a dedicated team of approximately 20 volunteer coaches. Together they spend the winter building skills, preparing for races, and supporting one another both on and off the mountain.
Team Powderhorn is about much more than competition. The program creates opportunities for athletes to grow in confidence, demonstrate courage, and experience the joy that comes from pushing themselves and succeeding as part of a team.
Who The Program Is For
Team Powderhorn is designed for athletes ages 8 and up who have intellectual disabilities and qualify to participate in Special Olympics competition.
Athletes joining the team should already be able to ski or snowboard independently. This means they can safely load and unload a chairlift and navigate the mountain on their own.
Athletes who are still learning to ski or snowboard may want to begin with Colorado Discover Ability’s Adaptive Snow Sports lessons before joining the race team.
Adaptive equipment allows athletes with a range of abilities to participate. Team Powderhorn athletes may ski or ride using alpine skis, snowboards, mono skis, or bi-skis.
Training and Team Structure
The team trains on Saturdays throughout the winter season. A typical season includes about 12 practices, although the exact number may vary depending on snow conditions.
Athletes are divided into groups based on ability so coaches can provide the right level of instruction and challenge. Training groups typically include novice, intermediate, advanced, and snowboard groups.
Practices focus on improving skiing and riding technique, building confidence on the mountain, and preparing athletes for race courses and competition.
Unified partners
Team Powderhorn follows the Special Olympics Unified Sports model, which includes unified partners. Unified partners are athletes without intellectual disabilities who train and compete alongside Special Olympics athletes as teammates.
Partners ski with the team during practices and competitions and are typically matched with athletes in a similar age range. Unified partners must register with Special Olympics Colorado and meet the same participation requirements as other team members.
A Typical Team Day
Team days are structured but fun and supportive. Athletes and coaches begin the morning by gathering together at Powderhorn before heading out on the mountain.
The day usually begins with a team circle where athletes check in and answer a fun question to start the day. From there, athletes split into their training groups and spend the day skiing, practicing skills, and working on race techniques with their coaches.
Lunch and downtime provide opportunities to connect with teammates and enjoy time together before heading back out on the snow.
Athletes and coaches typically meet in the Powderhorn lobby area before practices begin.
Competition Opportunities
Team Powderhorn athletes train throughout the season to compete in Special Olympics alpine events.
Races include slalom and giant slalom.
Athletes compete at the Western Slope regional competition held at Ski Sunlight in Glenwood Springs and at the Colorado state competition held at Copper Mountain.
These events bring together athletes from across Colorado and provide an exciting opportunity for Team Powderhorn athletes to represent their team and celebrate their progress.
Team Culture and Experience
Many athletes stay with Team Powderhorn for years, becoming part of a close and supportive community.
The team environment encourages athletes to challenge themselves, celebrate one another’s successes, and build friendships that extend beyond the slopes. Coaches, athletes, and families all play an important role in creating a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere.
State competition at Copper Mountain is a highlight of the season, bringing athletes together with teams from across Colorado for a weekend of racing, celebration, and community.
Equipment
Most athletes use their own ski or snowboard equipment during the season but rentals are also available through CDA’s partnership with Powderhorn. Special racing helmets are required. CDA can help guide families toward equipment options when needed.
Transportation
Transportation is available for athletes, although space may be limited. Some athletes travel with the team while others drive with family members or arrange carpools.
Powderhorn Partnership
Team Powderhorn trains at Powderhorn Mountain Resort, which provides the mountain terrain and environment that make the program possible. The partnership between CDA and Powderhorn helps ensure that athletes have access to a welcoming and supportive place to train each winter.
Registration
Registration for the Team Powderhorn season typically opens in early November.
Because Team Powderhorn operates through both Colorado Discover Ability and Special Olympics, athletes must complete registration with both organizations before participating.
Families who are unsure whether Team Powderhorn is the right fit are encouraged to contact CDA for guidance.