Learn To Race Program

Prospective team members are expected to be proficient skiers or snowboarders within their own ability level.

If you just want to learn to ski or snowboard please sign-up for a ski or snowboard lesson. Once you've learned how to ski or snowboard and you feel that you are ready to enhance your snowsports experience with racing, come join Team Powderhorn.

If you're up for a challenge this season and want to start racing, sign-up today!

What is Team Powderhorn?

Colorado Discover Ability (CDA) is proud to host Team Powderhorn, the western Colorado's Special Olympics team, as they prepare for the regional and state competitions in slalom and giant slalom ski and snowboard race events. The program is offered for $250 for the winter season and participants can qualify for partial and full scholarships. The price includes:

• Season pass for Powderhorn Resort
• 8 full-day race training sessions
• No-cost or discounted ski and snowboard rental
• Travel and lodging related to Special Olympics competition events (Area Games and Winter Games)
• Van transportation from Grand Junction to training sessions at Powderhorn Resort

Sport is a crucial part in the lives of the world's population. It offers to persons with intellectual disability the same values, pleasures and satisfaction. In addition it is an invaluable means by which social, physical and psychological skills can be taught and learned. Sport is a major contributor to good health. It can transform the lives of individuals with intellectual disability by giving a new stimulus, a feeling of success, self-worth, achievement and belonging. It can also transform the lives of parents and caretakers. Ability, and not a disability, is the catalyst for change. Athletes with intellectual disabilities competing in sports not only provide role models for others, but also assist in breaking down the prejudice and ignorance which often so badly restricts their lives.

REGISTER TODAY

REGISTER ONLINE FOR TEAM POWDERHORN »
(read eligibility rules)

Who Provides the Training?

Colorado Discover Ability's Special Olympics program is powered exclusively by volunteers. About 30 volunteers and CDA's staff spent countless hours preparing, planning for and providing 16-20 days on the snow with our Special Olympics athletes from December to March. All volunteers are qualified by the Head Coach and Special Olympics Colorado. Volunteers are assigned the best-fitting role in the program based on their qualifications and goals.

Volunteer instructors are provided with opportunities for continued education and self-improvement. They are also required to attend ski and teaching clinics throughout the season. The head coach is Martin Wiesiolek, a CDA volunteer. Martin is PSIA-certified Level II Alpine Ski Instructor and USSA-certified Alpine Coach.

Interested in Volunteering?

Whatever your interests, talents, background and availability, there are volunteer opportunities for you. Volunteer opportunities in the following fields are available for you to choose from:

Questions and Comments

Martin Wiesiolek
CDA Volunteer, Team Powderhorn Head Coach
Phone: 970-254-0404
Send E-Mail

Support Team Powderhorn

Our Special Olympics alpine program is made possible through the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations who donate gifts of time, money and services. As a very efficient volunteer organization, we manage to stretch your gift many times over and work hard at being good stewards of your gifts that make our work possible.