The crisp mountain air of early March set the stage for something extraordinary in Boise, Idaho. Over three unforgettable days, 57 athletes with physical disabilities gathered for the CAF-Idaho Winter Sports Weekend—the largest adaptive multisport event of its kind in the region. From the slopes of Bogus Basin to the ice at Idaho Ice World, this celebration of athletic potential showcased the power of inclusive sports and community connection. 

A Weekend Built on Welcome and Wonder

The weekend kicked off with a warm welcome dinner at the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse that set the tone for the days ahead. Athletes, families, volunteers, and coaches gathered to share stories, build connections, and prepare for the adventures waiting just around the corner. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation—for some, this would be their first time trying adaptive winter sports; for others, it was a chance to push their skills to new heights. 

What followed was a carefully curated series of experiences designed to introduce athletes to multiple winter sports disciplines, all under the guidance of world-class coaches and supported by a dedicated team of 31 volunteers. 

Curling and Biathlon at Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse

The Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse became home to precision, strategy, and marksmanship as athletes took on curling and biathlon. Expert coaches Lettie Stratton, Jordan Valentine, and Ty Wiberg guided participants through the intricacies of these demanding sports. 

Curling, with its emphasis on teamwork and tactical thinking, provided athletes the chance to slide stones across the ice with strategic intent. Meanwhile, biathlon combined cross-country skiing techniques with target shooting, offering a unique challenge that tested both endurance and focus. 

These sports, often less visible in the adaptive athletics landscape, provided fresh opportunities for athletes to discover new passions and challenge themselves in unexpected ways. 

Conquering the Slopes at Bogus Basin

The mountain called, and athletes answered. At Bogus Basin, the alpine experience came alive with downhill skiing and snowboarding sessions led by an exceptional coaching team. Drew Asaro, Adam Crowson, Colleen Crowson, Patrick Quinn, Joshua Noteboom, and staff from TRAILS Adaptive and BASE created an environment where athletes could safely push their limits. 

“Yay, TetraSki!” exclaimed Kimmy Mullis, capturing the joy that radiated across the mountain as athletes carved turns and felt the freedom that comes with adaptive skiing equipment. From sit-skis to outriggers, the right equipment combined with expert instruction transformed the mountain into a place of possibility. 

The partnership with TRAILS Adaptive, Teton Adaptive, Eagle Mount, and the Bogus Basin Nordic Team ensured that every athlete received personalized attention and the equipment they needed to succeed on the slopes. 

Sled Hockey: Power, Skill, and the Next Generation

At Idaho Ice World, the crack of sticks and the scrape of sleds echoed through the rink as athletes discovered—or rediscovered—the intensity of sled hockey. This was competitive sport at its finest. 

Leading the charge were Paralympian Lera Doederlein, Women’s National Team member Maddy Eberhard, and coach Bill Eskridge. Their expertise and passion elevated the experience from clinic to masterclass. 

“The strength and skill of sled hockey is no joke!” noted Amanda Powell, capturing what many spectators and first-time participants quickly realized. The sport demands upper body power, agility, stick-handling finesse, and tactical awareness—all while balanced on a sled traveling at remarkable speeds. 

For the coaches, the weekend held special meaning. “Weekends like this remind me why I love this sport,” reflected Lera Doederlein. Maddy Eberhard added, “Bringing in the next generation of athletes fills me with so much joy.” 

That next generation showed up ready to compete. “All these little sled hockey players are so competitive and tough,” observed Meira Nelson, highlighting the fierce determination that defines sled hockey culture regardless of age.