Telluride Adaptive Sports Program

Telluride Adaptive Sports is the only regional organization on the Western Slope of Colorado acting as a recreational resource tailored specifically to people with disabilities. TASP maintains the area's only supply of specialized adaptive equipment and trained staff allowing participation.

Testimonials

Dear TASP Staff, Sponsors, and Volunteers,
Thank you so much for everything during military adventure week (MAW). I am both honored and humbled to have been a part of it. The event was designed to promote and help to maintain my overall health. TASP did that in a spectacular way. As I reflect on the events and people of the week, I am reminded that MAW was not about just skiing and snowboarding, as much as it was about getting disabled veterans out with others and back into some normalcy into life. Again TASP did that in a spectacular way.

From a very personal perspective I was able to meet new people and make new friends. Although that may not sound like a giant leap for me. I don't make friends nor do I talk with people. TASP staff had me talking with people and making friends with whom I will continue to be in touch. Mission succeeds for TASP. The combination of everyone together in the morning, at lunch and again at dinner created the environment of camaraderie thereby promoting sharing and eventually friendship. There are many people from MAW that I hope to see again in the future. Again mission success for TASP MAW.

While I was there growing in spirit and mind, my body grew as I continued my journey of snowboarding. My instructor (Howard) understood brain injury and made all the necessary accommodations. Moreover, he was able to explain to the assistant trainers, in very clear concise term, my injuries and the impacts on my snowboarding. I could not have described it better myself nor could I have prepared the way for me snowboarding any better. It was a truly remarkable week snowboarding and a great way to safely experience the outdoors.

What I have tried to convey, albeit in an insufficient manner, in this letter is that the adventure enriched my life. It enriched it in ways that I cannot truly put into words. The experience touched all aspects of my disabilities and enhanced my ability to live with them and even to grow. I am not sure what more I could ask for from an adaptive program and its staff.

With Gratitude.

Sincerely,
William Pontes
Lieutenant Colonel
U.S. Army (Retired)

We were talking a couple of nights ago that we had a very good season and it feels like the season is over. I am always sad at the end of a ski season (or a hiking season, or a bicycling season...) and also eager to move forward into the next seasonal activity. The snow this year was odd, but the skiing was often quite good. Joe made tremendous break throughs this year with improvements in his technique, confidence, and stamina. I am truly proud of him. Perhaps I am most proud that he is skiing because he wants to, not because I tell him he should. He is self -motivated by his love of the sport and his pleasure in sharing with his friends on Team San Juan. This is really big for him to have this experience. Thank you for all you and the team at TASP have done. While at Copper Mountain I told David Sussman that not only did you guys teach Joe how to ski, you have taught me how to ski with Joe. Obviously to type the words 'thank you' does not come close to expressing my appreciation. We had a fabulous season together, all of us.
-Rick Noll (Father of an adaptive participant)

"We cannot thank you guys enough for making this trip so memorable for my son. That was more than we ever dreamed would happen!"
Parent of an adaptive participate

"Can't tell you how much it means to our family to be able to provide Finn the opportunity to ski & snowboard despite his vision impairment. You guys are a special group and our experience at TASP has been top quality. Have a great week enjoying that snow! We'll be back for more next season."
Parent of an adaptive participate

Testimonial of the Project Odyssey, TASP, and the amazing shroombob
from a wounded veteran

Dear WWP, TASP, and iSkibike,

I wanted to write to you all and thank you all for an amazing experience I
recently had using a shroombob with the Telluride TASP while at a couples
Project Odyssey with WWP.

I am a disabled veteran and member of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)
since 2012. Due to my extensive knee injuries, 11 knee surgeries, and PTSD,
I've spent a lot of time isolating, not getting into the outdoors, and not
doing much with my family.

I started skiing in Canada when I was 7 years old and was hooked! I became
an an avid skier in Utah and Colorado until I joined the Army and went into
the infantry in 2001. But due to my injuries, the last time I was in the
slopes was March 22, 2002...I still have the lift ticket on my ski pants!

I kind of gave up on skiing altogether because my knees just hurt too much
to do it...