Our History
Sun Valley Adaptive Sports, a nonprofit organization located in Ketchum, Idaho, is beginning its twelfth year of opening new worlds to people with disabilities. In 1999, SVAS incorporated, achieved 501(c)(3) status, and became a chapter of Disabled Sports USA. This partnership enabled us to network with 80 of the top adaptive sports programs in the country. Executives and program directors from these organizations provided industry advice and insight, and helped us launch high-quality programs that are safe, fun, and produce measurable outcomes.
Since our first days of helping people learn to ski, we've remained passionate about enriching the lives of people with disabilities through sports and recreation. To fulfill this mission, we help people develop the self-confidence and physical skills they need to enjoy the freedom and thrills of participating in all sorts of sports and recreational activities. We also remain committed to including families, volunteers, and the local community in our efforts.
We founded the Higher Ground veterans program in 2004 and, since our first weeklong event, have served over 175 veterans and their significant others, helping to boost their self-confidence, improve relationships, increase their independence, and rediscover their limitless potential. HG events are 100% free to all participants.
Locally in the Wood River Valley, we have had the privilege of serving over 150 individuals annually through the many awe-inspiring activities our local landscape offers. Our participants experience the thrills of alpine skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, swimming, rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, martial arts, tennis, soccer, bowling, and oh-so-much more.
Our primary qualifications for local participants include all physical and cognitive disabilities. We specialize in serving veterans with traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, visual impairments, and polytrauma through our Higher Ground program.
"I can speak firsthand about the magic of sports and recreation that Sun Valley Adaptive Sports provides. It is what keeps me going in my struggle. Participating in outdoor activities has stabilized my confidence level and has reawakened my ability to smile."
- Amanda Walton
