It’s no secret that Winter Park is a playground for winter sports enthusiasts. After all, how do you think the town got its name? From downhill and cross-country skiing to snowboarding and snowshoeing, if it’s a recreational activity that involves snow, Winter Park has it. The thing that comes as a surprise to many people, however, is that Winter Park is equally enjoyable in the summer.

 

Indeed, a wide variety of recreational activities are available after the snow melts in this Rocky Mountain resort town. And the good news is, thanks to the advocacy efforts of the folks at the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), not only is the town nicely accessible, but so are many of the recreational activities. Founded in 1970 by Hal O’Leary, NSCD was originally established to teach adaptive skiing to amputees from the Children’s Hospital of Denver. Today this nonprofi t organization remains the recognized leader in adaptive recreation.

 

In addition to maintaining a top-notch adaptive skiing program, the NSCD staff also trains and coaches ski racers with disabilities for international competitions. Summer offerings at NSCD include rafting, kayaking, canoeing, horse pack trips, therapeutic horseback riding, mountain biking, overnight river trips, fishing, camping and rock climbing.