Aspen for all - Accessibility and Inclusivity in and around Aspen

No matter the season, Aspen is the ultimate destination for connecting with the outdoors and experiencing a vibrant town atmosphere with inclusive energy. Cognitive and physically challenged visitors can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors as well as many of the activities Aspen is known for just as much as anyone thanks to a variety of accessibility systems and inclusive organizations. 

Experiencing the Outdoors

• The Discovery and Braille Trails - The Discovery and Braille Trails were designed to provide easy access to nature in a tranquil setting. Intended to be accessible to the very young and to the physically challenged, these trails offer beauty and inspiration to all in a serene, vibrant sanctuary. Visitors are encouraged to take their time on these trails and enjoy nature using all senses. The Discovery Trail was developed in 1996-97 by the nonprofit Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers, in cooperation with the White River National Forest. Designed to provide wheelchair access to the forest and to the Roaring Fork River, this trail invites visitors to engage with their surroundings through a series of signs that illustrate and describe the natural and human history of the area. The Braille Trail was designed and built in the late 1960s by Aspen biology teacher and environmental leader Bob Lewis with the aim to have blind visitors experience nature intimately. The first of its kind, the Braille Trail inspired the development of hundreds of similar trails around the world.

Non-Profits supporting the disabled

• Challenge Aspen: Challenge Aspen is dedicated to impacting lives through year-round adaptive experiences for individuals faced with cognitive and/or physical disabilities. In partnership with the Aspen Skiing Company, Challenge Aspen is able to provide those with disabilities with private ski and snowboard lesson packages at a discounted rate. Full and half-day lesson packages include a PSIA Adaptive Certified Instructor specialized in providing the guidance and skills needed to enjoy the slopes regardless of the athlete's level or experience. In addition to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, Challenge Aspen provides summer experiences as well such as adaptive biking, rafting, and horseback riding.

• Aspen Camp for the Deaf and hard of hearing: Established in 1967 so that deaf children could have the joy of the outdoors and have similar experiences as hearing children, Aspen Camp (AC) is a recreational and experiential educational program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people from around the world. Now with a 17-riparian campus and house located in old Snowmass, it provides a year-round outdoors camp for deaf and hard of hearing children. AC offers a variety of activities and experiences including musical and cultural experiences like ceramics, jewelry design, and photography as well as summer outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, as well as water sports including rafting, stand up paddleboarding, and swimming. 

• Ascendigo Autism Services: Based in the Roaring Fork Valley near Aspen, Ascendigo looks to provide opportunities for growth and independence for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  Established in 2004 as a summer sports camp, Ascendigo has since expanded to offer employment services, in-home behavioral therapy, and life coaching. The organization's main goal is to integrate people with autism into community life recreationally and socially, whether through adventure sports, basic life skills, compatible employment in local companies, or community engagement. In addition to these programs, Ascendigo educates members of the community about autism, what can be done to make living with autism better and easier, and how important it is for individuals with autism to live a life with dignity, purpose, and respect.

Aspen Skiing Company - The use of service animals on the Aspen Mountain Gondola located at the Aspen Mountain Ski Area, the Elk Camp Gondola located at the Snowmass Ski Area, and the Sky Cab gondola located at Snowmass Ski Area is permitted. Elevator access to the Aspen Mountain gondola is also available.

 
Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) - RFTA buses and ski shuttles are accessible for mobility devices. All of RFTA’s fixed-route buses are lift or ramp equipped eliminating the need to climb stairs to board the bus. In addition, operators are trained to assist in securing mobility devices, (wheelchairs and scooters), and audio and visual onboard bus stop announcements, helping to make using the fixed-route bus service possible for many people with disabilities. RFTA also operates ADA Compliant Paratransit service for eligible passengers within a mile radius of existing fixed routes. The use of these services is dependent upon meeting eligibility requirements. 

Aspen Chamber Resort Association (ACRA) - Aspen Visitor and information centers are equipped to help visually and hearing impaired visitors. ACRA also utilizes Siteimprove as a tool to track website accessibility and call out items to be fixed or updated in the effort of continuously improving the accessibility of the website.