Adaptive Sports

Valley Adaptive Sports

Valley Adaptive Sports (VAS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Teton Valley, Idaho, dedicated to making outdoor recreation accessible to people with disabilities. VAS offers a wide range of adaptive sports programs year-round, including adaptive cycling, alpine skiing and snowboarding, swimming, indoor rock climbing, sled hockey (adaptive ice skating), horseback riding, and even fishing and paddling. Through partnerships with local businesses and resorts, the organization provides specialized adaptive equipment (such as sit-skis, adaptive mountain bikes, and hockey sleds), trains instructors and outfitters in inclusive practices, and offers scholarships to help participants access these sports. This collaborative approach enables VAS to host community events like sled hockey games and adaptive mountain bike festivals, creating numerous opportunities for athletes with disabilities to enjoy sports alongside their peers.

VAS's programs serve children, adults, and veterans of all ages with physical, cognitive, or developmental disabilities – individuals who might otherwise be unable to participate in traditional sports and outdoor activities. Participants include people with conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, and other challenges that significantly impact mobility or learning. By adapting sports to meet diverse needs, VAS enables these athletes to recreate with friends and family, sharing the enjoyment of Idaho's outdoors in an inclusive way. The organization also works with the local community by providing scholarships for local youth (for example, helping Teton Valley students with disabilities obtain ski passes and lessons) and by training other recreation providers on how to effectively work with people with disabilities.

In just a short time, Valley Adaptive Sports has significantly expanded access to recreation for the local disability community. By 2023, it served 83 individuals (a 345% increase from the previous year) and offered dozens of free adaptive sports sessions – including 24 sled hockey meetups, 23 cycling lessons, 48 swim lessons, and 42 ski lesson scholarships – that would not have been available otherwise. By covering the cost of expensive adaptive equipment and training, VAS eliminates financial barriers and provides opportunities that were previously out of reach for many families. Participants often describe their experiences as "totally liberating," noting that VAS's support "made it possible" for them to try new sports they never imagined doing. Overall, the organization is breaking down barriers and fostering greater inclusion by making Teton Valley's renowned outdoor recreation opportunities available to everyone, regardless of ability.

https://valleyadaptivesports.org/

Teton Rock Gym

Our summer adaptive climbing days provide kids ages 5+ with physical and mental disability a chance to explore the sport of rock climbing in a safe and encouraging environment.

https://tetonrockgym.org/

Teton Valley Aquatics

Partnering with the City of Driggs and the community of Teton Valley to optimize resources for designing, building, and operating a successful aquatic facility. Thus building a healthier community through the power of water.

https://www.tetonvalleyaquatics.org/

Kotler Ice Arena

The Teton Valley Foundation’s Kotler Ice Arena is a beautiful covered, outdoor ice rink open to everyone, whether you live in Teton Valley, Idaho, Wyoming or you’re just passing through. We offer a wide range of programming with a great view of the mountains!

https://tetonvalleyfoundation.org/kotler-ice-arena/