Colorado Discover Ability

Colorado Discover Ability began in 1980 as the Powderhorn Handicapped Ski Program, created because Western Slope residents with disabilities lacked a local source of adaptive instruction. The organization later expanded beyond winter and changed its name, but it remains responsible for adaptive ski and snowboard teaching at Powderhorn Mountain Resort.

Participants age four and older can enter year-round outdoor programs. During winter, CDA adapts alpine instruction to the athlete and maintains a competitive option through Team Powderhorn: athletes train at the resort and can race in regional and state Special Olympics events. That combination of local lessons and a continuing race pathway distinguishes CDA from destination programs. Its roots, staff relationships, and winter identity remain tied closely to Grand Junction and Grand Mesa.