Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center

Welcome to BOEC

Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) has been providing life-changing outdoor learning experiences for individuals of all abilities, with a focus on those with disabilities and special needs, since 1976. As one of the oldest four-season adaptive outdoor educational organizations in North America, BOEC provides a sense of freedom and accomplishment to those who are routinely excluded from these activities.  Whether skiing or snowboarding in the Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Program, paddling the West's great rivers, or mastering the high ropes course as part of BOEC's Wilderness Program, BOEC inspires people of all abilities to discover new places, learn new skills, and rekindle their spirit in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. 

Highlights

We are happy to announce that all winter programs returned in 2022-23 and our summer programming saw many longtime partners return along with new participants who experienced the BOEC for the first time!

This past year the BOEC's Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Program regained its footing and provided 2,920 lessons to groups and individuals between Breckenridge, Keystone and Copper Mountain resorts. Of that, 250 lessons were provided to military veterans and their families. 

The Wilderness Program served 1,159 participants during 84 programs over 3,423 program days this season providing unique outdoor opportunities in beautiful Colorado and surrounding areas. 

Served 185 military members and their families through the Heroic Military Programs during winter and summer programming. Continued collaboration with Craig Hospital's Operation TBI Freedom serving veterans with mild to moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). 

Testimonials

"I want to sincerely thank you for the opportunity to take my special needs daughter skiing.  This program is truly a blessing and I am so grateful she got to experience this.  We will be coming back for many years to come and have spread the word where we're from about this wonderful program.  Both sets of volunteers we had were phenomenal and gave my daughter first class treatment. Thank you again, from a deeply grateful mother." - Eliza (mother of participant Ella)

“I started this trip nervous and anxious and unable to integrate or socialise.   I feel the team encouraged me and everyone was accepting, this made me feel comfortable enough to speak to others and not feel isolated.  I have been feeling alone and very low for some time.   I have overcome many negative experiences and this trip has taught me I am not alone or the only one feeling or experiencing the things I do. 

I have learnt to ski, learnt to talk about my feelings and experiences.   I now feel recharged and ready to go back to my family, happier and less anxious.   This trip will also benefit them because I will be in a better place now.   Also I feel more confident after the skiing lessons I have had and I can now assist my school when they go away on their school ski trip.” - H, The Not Forgotten

"Having the opportunity to bi-ski with the BOEC was life-changing for me. It opened my world to what I could do as a person with a disability rather than staying closed in to what I couldn't do.

Thank you all for all you do!" - Andee