Ignite Introduction
Founded in the 1975, Ignite Adaptive Sports is the only adaptive snowsport program located on Colorado’s eastern slope. It’s also the only program accessible by RTD’s public transportation system.
Ignite’s 300+ volunteers and highly qualified staff are here to provide snowsport opportunities to people with disabilities. We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy winter sports, regardless of skill or ability level.
This page is designed to help to familiarize perspective athletes and volunteers with Ignite’s fantastic new World Headquarters (WHQ), our ability to effectively serve you, and what your day with us is designed to look like. We are glad to have you here.
Arrival at lot
When you arrive at the parking lot, let the parking attendant know if you require designated parking. Otherwise, park where they ask you to park and make your way to the Caribou Lodge. If you are dropping someone off at the lodge, please let the parking attendant know this. They will instruct you about where to go...
If you are making use of RTD or other public transportation, you will arrive at the main base area at the foot of Alpenglow. For your lesson, you will need to head across the parking lot to the Caribou Lodge. If you require accessible drop-off, ask the driver to take you to Caribou.
Common Area Tour
While waiting for your instructor, feel free to get yourself ready for the day and acclimated to the World Headquarters. We have a kitchen with free coffee, hot chocolate, and tea, as well as a water-filling station. If you brought lunch, you may store it in the fridge...
Down the hall, you will see single-stall accessible bathrooms for Ignite use only. If these are occupied, feel free to use the door behind the client services desk to access the public restrooms. There is plenty of storage available. Just place your personal items in the cubbies along the eastern wall. If you need to connect to Wi-Fi, simply ask how to join the Eldora network.
Back of House Tour
With more than 50 years of experience as an adaptive sports organization, Ignite knows how to make the most of your day. Please feel free to take a look around or ask for a tour of the facility. As you will see, the range of accommodation Ignite is able to offer athletes of all abilities is unprecedented...
Our fleet includes all types of adaptive equipment for downhill skiing, cross country skiing, ski-biking, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. We also have jackets, helmets, boots, gloves, right down to socks and sunscreen available for lessons. The use of any and all equipment is included in each Athlete’s lesson fee.
Quiet Area
This is our quiet room. It is for use by any individual with sensory needs. Here we have various sensory room items including weighted blankets, fidgets, and other calming tools. ..
Additionally, this is where we keep our low-tech assistive technology such as non-verbal communication charts and visual schedules. Please let your instructor know if you or your athlete would benefit from using the quiet room during your session.
Instructor Intro
Your instructor will find you at the start of your lesson and will verify the correct information about you; your snowsports abilities, your goals for the day, and what equipment you may need. Your instructor will also help you get your equipment and ensure proper fit for your use.
Heading to Lesson
Once you are ready for the day, your instructor will take you to an optimal learning area. This may be through the side door to the practice area, the other side door to the Nordic ski trails or magic carpet, up the elevator to the EZ lift, or to more challenging terrain accessed from the Alpenglow lift.
Lunch Break
Around noon you will return from your morning lesson. If you signed up exclusively for a morning session that will conclude your day with ignite. Please follow the end-of-day instructions. If you are participating in a full day lesson, it’s time to eat lunch...
If you would like to purchase food you can go out the front door and up the exterior staircase to the 2nd floor cafeteria where there is a terrific selection of hot and cold food and beverage for your enjoyment. Please only take the elevator to the 2nd floor cafeteria if you require accommodation. No matter where you may enjoy lunch, plan to meet back up with your instructor around 1:00 pm for the afternoon session.
End of Day
Once your lesson has concluded at approximately 3:00 pm, your instructor will assist you in returning any rented equipment as well as your pass. Your instructor will guide you with next steps. Be sure to stop at the client services desk to schedule your next lesson.
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