There is nothing quite like that first crisp breath of mountain air as you glide out onto fresh powder, feeling the sun on your face and the rush of total freedom across the snow. Winter is right around the corner, and for many of us in the spinal cord injury community, that means it is time to map out our winter mountain adventures. Whether you are a seasoned sit-skier, interested in trying snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, or eager to test out an adaptive snow bike, California is home to incredible programs, world-class resorts, and generous support networks ready to help us get out there.
Central California Adaptive Sports Center (CCASC)
Where You Will Play
CCASC operates out of China Peak Mountain Resort, located in the Sierra National Forest near Huntington Lake. China Peak offers a welcoming alpine setting with wide-open bowls and scenic mountain vistas. CCASC utilizes the resort’s dedicated terrain and expert instructors to provide a full lineup of adaptive winter snowsports beyond just downhill skiing.
Offered Activities: Downhill sit-skiing and stand-up skiing, adaptive snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snow biking, and winter mountaineering.
How to Participate & Financial Structure
Universal Access for SCI: Winter adaptive programs at CCASC are provided free of charge to individuals with spinal cord injuries, regardless of household income level.
What to Expect: Programs include one-on-one adaptive instruction, custom equipment fitting, and personalized support on the mountain.
How to Apply: Register for winter programs and schedule your session directly through the CCASC Registration Page.
Achieve Tahoe
Where You Will Play
Achieve Tahoe partners with premier, world-class resorts in the Lake Tahoe region to deliver customized adaptive snowsports instruction:
Palisades Tahoe: Famous as the host of the 1960 Winter Olympics in Olympic Valley, Palisades Tahoe offers expansive terrain ranging from gentle beginner slopes to high-alpine bowls, backed by state-of-the-art adaptive facilities.
Northstar California Resort: Located near Truckee, Northstar is renowned for its smooth, meticulously groomed cruiser runs, family-friendly atmosphere, and accessible mountain village—making it ideal for progressive adaptive lessons.
Offered Activities: Adaptive alpine skiing (sit-skiing, bi-skiing, mono-skiing) and adaptive snowboarding instruction tailored to individual goals and abilities.
How to Participate & Financial Structure
Income-Based Scholarships: Achieve Tahoe offers financial assistance and dedicated SCI scholarships designed to reduce costs or fully waive lesson fees for participants with demonstrated financial need. Income documentation may be reviewed as part of the application evaluation.
How to Apply:
Fill out the Participant Information Form.
Complete Liability Releases 1–3.
Complete the Northstar Liability Release (required for all participants, even if you do not plan to take lessons at Northstar).
Submit completed forms online or text a photo/scan of the signed Northstar release to 530-581-4161.
Once forms are on file, Achieve Tahoe staff will contact you with details on booking your lessons.
Learn more on the Achieve Tahoe Snowsports Page.
High Fives Foundation
Where Coverage Applies
Unlike resort-specific lesson programs, the High Fives Foundation provides grant support across North America. Funding can cover:
Adaptive Sports Equipment: Custom sit-skis, mono-skis, bi-skis, adaptive snowboards, or specialized off-road adaptive snow machinery (such as Return to Dirt vehicles).
Resort Passes & Lift Access: Season passes or lift tickets at your mountain of choice.
Travel & Program Fees: Travel expenses, transportation, and specialized program fees across various winter adaptive sports destinations.
How to Participate & Financial Structure
Empowerment Grants: Through its Empowerment Fund, High Fives awards competitive, board-approved grants to individuals recovering from life-altering injuries. Eligibility is primarily based on injury circumstances (e.g., injuries sustained in outdoor adventure sports, non-sports inertia-based accidents, or military service) rather than strict income limits alone. Applications are evaluated during specific annual grant cycles. The next cycle begins January 1, so now is the perfect time to mark your calendar and start preparing.
How to Apply: Review eligibility requirements and find out how to submit an application during an active cycle through the High Fives Empowerment Fund Application page .
Plan Your Winter Outing
The snow will be here before we know it, and adaptive lesson slots fill up fast once the chairlifts start spinning. So gather your paperwork, submit your forms, and get your applications in early so you do not miss out on the action this season. Let’s show them what we can do out there on the mountain!
Important Note: Before starting or returning to any adaptive sports program or physical activity, please consult with your physician or qualified healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for your individual health and recovery needs. Mention of specific organizations, resorts, products, or grant opportunities in this article is provided strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute an official endorsement or guarantee of services.
