Purgatory has had a busy February, but this weekend we had a double dose of fun with some of our favorite events of the season: The Dave Spencer Ski Race Classic, and the Ski Bike Fest!
Every year, the Durango Adaptive Sports Association puts on the most fun race of the season: The Dave Spencer Ski Classic. This event is a fundraiser for ASA, a non-profit organization with a mission to provide outdoor, sport and recreational experiences for people with disabilities. These activities are provided regardless of individual financial limitations and create an atmosphere for learning and enhancing self-esteem. We like to think of them as the smile squad, because there’s never a moment they aren’t bringing an amazing positive energy to the mountain.
But Who is Dave Spencer?
Dave Spencer, the driving force behind our adaptive sports foundation, lost a leg to cancer while in college in Wisconsin. He came to Purgatory through a ski magazine advertisement after returning to skiing as part of his rehabilitation program.
He secured a part-time position with ski school, and with the strong encouragement of his first adaptive student who had an amputated leg and her husband, Spencer began dreaming of a full-fledged ski program for people with disabilities. Dave joined forces with Joe Wilson, a veteran ski instructor in traditional ski school, who was managing a small program at Purgatory assisting blind skiers who came to the resort- a major turning point for our organization.
The Adaptive program at Purg has since grown to serve more than 450 individuals, with almost 280 active volunteers, amazing state-of-the-art equipment, and offers accessible sports guidance year round.
As a non-profit organization, fundraisers like this race are a huge part of how they keep skiing fun for everyone. If you would like to donate to ASA, or want to know how you can join them and volunteer, you are able to visit their website for more information!
If you want to see more pictures from the event, they are available on our app where they can be downloaded for free!
Ski Bikes: The Fastest Growing New Winter Sport.
One of the options Adaptive Sports is known for, is their use of Ski Bikes! While they may look intimidating, they are incredibly user friendly, and offer a low impact, fun way to cruise around the mountain!
Ski bikes are a great way for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the slopes. Whether you just want to take it easy and enjoy some green runs, hit the park and get air on some jumps, or take downhill mountain biking in the trees to a new level, this sport has it all. There are many bike designs available to fit your needs. From tricycle style cruisers, ski blade assisted intermediate frames, to the full suspension platform-pedal models, there is something for everyone.
Purgatory is proud for this year to have been our 20th season celebrating this up and coming sport!
