In early January, 14 high school athletes with physical disabilities from across the country came together in the picturesque mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho to experience the thrill of adaptive skiing. Hosted by the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) and Higher Ground, the Junior Ski Camp ran from January 5–9, 2022, offering participants the chance to develop skills in both Nordic (cross-country) and alpine (downhill) skiing while forming lifelong friendships. 

The camp opened with a welcome dinner where athletes, parents, and coaches met for the first time. Excitement buzzed through the room as attendees learned about the star-studded coaching roster and the action-packed days ahead. For many athletes, this was their first time skiing in the rugged beauty of Idaho’s mountains. 

Two Disciplines: Nordic and Alpine Skiing 

The camp was designed to give young adaptive athletes exposure to both major forms of skiing: 

• Nordic Skiing: Often referred to as cross-country skiing, Nordic involves gliding across long, scenic trails using poles for propulsion. It’s an endurance sport that challenges upper body strength and stamina. 

• Alpine Skiing: Known as downhill skiing, alpine is fast-paced and exhilarating, with athletes navigating snow-covered slopes and learning advanced techniques with the help of one-on-one instruction. 

Each day, Nordic skiers started with a morning session, broke for lunch, and finished with an afternoon adventure, while alpine athletes took a shuttle to the mountain, trained with skilled instructors, and enjoyed more runs after lunch at the lodge. 

Meet the Athletes: Talia and Tara’s Stories 

One standout participant, Talia Cassel from Chicago, originally hoped to join the alpine group but shifted to Nordic skiing when spots filled up. Despite her hesitation, Talia embraced the challenge. 

During her first session, she was fitted for a sit-ski bucket and expected an easy experience gliding across flat terrain. Instead, she quickly learned a critical skill—how to get up after tipping over. Falling, even as a seated skier, became part of her journey. 

“I didn’t think I’d fall this much,” Talia laughed. “But every time I got back up, I felt stronger.” 

By the end of camp, just four days into her Nordic skiing career, Talia powered through a 7.5-kilometer trail on her own, showcasing incredible grit and determination. 

Another athlete, Tara Dunfee from New Jersey, spent four days alpine skiing under the personalized guidance of Higher Ground coaches. Tara described her favorite moments as “party skiing” down the mountain with her new friends—a joyful celebration of community and progress. 

Training, Weather, and New Challenges 

• Thursday: Nordic skiers learned fundamentals from elite Para Nordic coaches, while alpine participants sharpened their downhill skills. Parents joined for a fun game of sharks and minnows, adding to the lively atmosphere. 

• Friday: Campers woke to a snowstorm whiteout. Despite low visibility and freezing temps, athletes pushed through morning training and returned to the trails for an afternoon session once they dried off—proving their resilience. 

• Saturday: Nordic skiers braved the cold to compete in an adaptive division of a Nordic ski race hosted by the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation. Under clear blue skies, adaptive and able-bodied athletes raced side-by-side, with medals awarded to top finishers. Later that day, both Nordic and alpine groups joined forces for a sled hockey scrimmage at Atkinson’s Park. 

• Sunday (Final Day): Nordic athletes conquered the Harriman Trail, navigating 7.5 kilometers of cold, slow snow at negative six degrees. This endurance feat marked a perfect conclusion to an unforgettable camp. 

Building Skills, Friendships, and Confidence 

Over just four days, athletes discovered new passions, received elite-level coaching, and connected deeply with peers who share similar experiences. From falling and learning to stand again to pushing limits on trails and slopes, each camper left with not only enhanced skiing skills but also a renewed sense of confidence. 

The success of this camp highlights CAF’s mission to provide opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to live active lifestyles through sports. 

“Watching these young athletes try something new, overcome challenges, and laugh together on the mountain—it’s exactly what adaptive sports are all about,” said a CAF coach. 

Looking Ahead 

The Junior Ski Camp in Sun Valley is just the beginning. CAF is committed to expanding opportunities for adaptive youth athletes to explore winter sports and beyond.