Adaptive Sports Foundation kicks off 42nd winter season
Published on:
January 2, 2026
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WINDHAM―The Adaptive Sports Foundation (ASF) recently kicked off its 42nd winter of providing life-changing skiing and snowboarding opportunities to people with disabilities at Windham Mountain Club.
“We’re excited to kick off another winter season focused on empowering lives,” said ASF Executive Director John Iannelli.
“The Adaptive Sports Foundation plays an important role in the Windham community and for the individuals we serve. With early-season snowfall and the team at Windham Mountain Club working tirelessly to prepare the mountain, we’re eager to welcome our students back to the slopes and see those familiar smiles—including many experiencing it for the very first time,”Iannelli added.
From the middle of December to the middle of March, the ASF hosts adaptive ski and snowboard lessons every weekend, while weekday lessons are available beginning in the final week of December. A student can be signed up for a half-day lesson, choosing between the morning or afternoon session, or a full-day lesson. Lesson availability is based on the availability of the organization’s volunteer instructors. Weekend lesson reservations can be made30 days in advance on the organization’s website, while midweek lessons can be reserved via phone by calling 518-734-5070.
As well as daily lessons, the ASF offers a Competition Program, for those adaptive athletes who are more experienced on the slopes. The ASF’s Competition Program provides coaching, mentoring, technique development and tactics training for athletes with physical disabilities(Paralympic eligible) and intellectual disabilities (Special Olympics/ United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association). Through hard work and guided coaching, the ASF Competitions Team athletes earn the opportunity to participate in local, regional and national competitions.
The ASF Sliders program provides a season-long program for skiers and snowboarders whose aspirations are more recreational and social in nature. The Sliders learn how physical activity, good nutritional habits, and a positive outlook impacts their health through a coordinated student-first coaching philosophy shared by the instructors.
Along with the on-snow activities, the ASF has several fundraising events occurring this winter in Windham, including its Awareness concert, featuring the band “The Nerds” on January 24 at the Windham Mountain Club base lodge.
More information about these fundraising events will be made available at www.adaptivesportsfoundation.org/events/.
