1/13/2025 –
My name is Allie Peterson, and I have been teaching skiing and adaptive sports for the past 10 years. My journey in adaptive sports began while completing my undergraduate degree in Culinary Arts and Nutrition/Clinical Dietetics in Denver, CO. During this time, I started as a ski school instructor at Winter Park and Keystone. It wasn’t long before I was introduced to adaptive sports at the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park. My time volunteering with the NSCD motivated me to switch to teaching adaptive exclusively.
After finishing school, I moved to Salt Lake City, UT, where I spent the next four years working full time for Wasatch Adaptive Sports at Snowbird. There, I had the privilege of teaching a variety of year-round activities, including skiing, cycling, mountain biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. I became a PSIA-certified Alpine, Adaptive, and Child Specialist instructor and most recently completed my TetraSki certification to help individuals with complex physical disabilities ski with independence.
My passion for adaptive sports stems from my deep desire to create inclusive environments where everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive challenges, can experience the joy of movement and sport. I’ve seen firsthand how adaptive sports not only promote physical health but also boost self-confidence and mental well-being. This ultimately led me to pursue a career in occupational therapy, where I hope to work in neuro-rehabilitation after I graduate this May. My goal is to help individuals navigate their recovery after life-altering events, empowering them to regain independence and access the opportunities available to them.
I moved to Vermont to attend the University of Vermont and was immediately drawn to Vermont Adaptive, impressed by the opportunities they provide for individuals with disabilities across the state. Over the past three years, I’ve volunteered at Sugarbush and Bolton, coaching Vermont Adaptive’s winter camps with the High Fives Foundation, as well as ski and bike camps with the Kelly Brush Foundation. These experiences have deepened my understanding of adaptive sports and reinforced my commitment to creating inclusive, supportive environments.
I am excited to be interning with Vermont Adaptive this winter. I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of program operations and exploring how we can work together as a community to reach more individuals with disabilities. I believe this internship will be an invaluable opportunity to connect my clinical training in occupational therapy with access to outdoor recreation, furthering my ability to create meaningful, life-changing experiences for people with diverse abilities.
To learn more about the internship program and apply, visit the Internship Page.
