Category: Adaptive Sports

Adaptive Participant Testimonial: Russ

“It is hard to find the words to describe how I felt yesterday.  It reminded me of the first time I walked (again) and the powerful emotions it created.  There were times yesterday and Friday when I truly felt free and not confined to prosthetic legs.

I can’t say enough about the incredibly positive experience Melissa and I had with CAF and Higher Ground.  The generosity, the competence, and the care was just all top shelf.  I truly feel blessed to have come into your collective orbit.

Honestly I didn’t know what to expect of myself.  Although I was trying to maintain a positive attitude, occasional doubts crept in, and I questioned if (especially as a bilateral BKA) I could really ski as before.  But I had seen videos on YouTube with clips of bilateral BKAs being able to ski the first day they tried.  I thought, if others could do, why not me?

My prosthetist (Brian Greer, owner of Mobility Prosthetics in SLC) was absolutely amazing!  He helped me find the BioDaptive Alpine foot and even found a way to bill it to my insurance.  Not only was he extremely supportive but on Wednesday (my first lesson) he drove 5 hours to be in Sun Valley, helping me with any adjustments, and being there to support me.   His use of technology to create extremely well fitting sockets, along with his complete attentiveness and responsiveness to ALL my questions (days, nights, weekends, even while he’s on vacation) and all my text messages.  I would seriously consider investing in his company because of the unique approach which is seen with distain by many experienced prosthetists (although Brian has 20 years experience himself).  He’s got a product and process like no other!

So, Wednesday Brian met me at the hotel, adjusted my sockets and feet to three different lengths of skis (I came prepared!), and then joined me at the hill.  Cheyanne and Benji from Higher Ground were patient, experienced, and highly competent instructors.  I do have to say my first hour or so of trying to go up the very gradual incline on the magic carpet and then trying to ski back down was discouraging.  Getting up was SO hard and it seemed to take all my strength.  But all were very encouraging and I wasn’t about to quit!

By the end of day one I was able to successfully get on and off the ski lift and actually ski down a very basic slope.  Regardless of how much it hurt, it felt amazing good, just to know that I could make it down the run.

Thursday Cheyanne suggested I try outriggers instead of ski poles.  That made all the difference.  I wasn’t putting so much pressure on my limbs and it improved my posture, my confidence, and my capability!  By the end of Thursday Melissa and I were skiing together from the top of Dollar Mountain.  We were both emotional at the ability to regain that part of our lives we had boxed up, put in a corner, and tried not to mourn its loss.  At the end of Thursday Cheyanne and Benji quietly consulted and then proposed I meet them at the main mountain on Friday, asking if I thought I could do it.  I honestly had no idea but wasn’t going to stop!

The weather Friday was perfect blue skies, no wind, and temps in the mid to upper 20’s.  We took the lift which went about 1/4 of the way up the mountain and was just a longer, slightly steeper, beginner’s run.  Alan, I was able to ski it!  I was able to handle steeper terrain, make my turns, and not fall down quite as much.

Cheyanne and Benji asked how my legs were feeling and how many more runs I had in me.  In response to my reply of two or three, I was challenged to leave it all on the field and go to the top top of the mountain (over 9,000’ elevation, with a 3,000’ vertical drop, over about 1.5 miles).  I couldn’t say no but my apprehension increased as we went up, up, up, up…much, much farther than I imagined!

I got off the lift, we took some great pictures at the summit, and started down.  I was so tired but equally thrilled.  I kept going, they quit coaching, and we just skied!  The feeling of gratitude for all the people who’s support got me to that point is extremely humbling!   By the tine we made it down, the lifts had closed, and we called it a day.  But oh, what a day!  Within 72 hours I went from the most basic of beginners, with waning confidence, and pain because of injured pride and body, to a skier that went to the top of the mountain.

Again, I can’t say enough positive about the gift of the CAF grant, the quality of the Higher Ground program, and a prosthetist who helped make it happen.

(I’m attaching a couple pictures and videos of the experience.)

Alan, thank you for being such a source of encouragement and support.  Melissa and I are now preparing for the bucket list trip, using my frequent flyer miles, to ski the Alps at the end of the month.

Although I know there are always set backs, the forward momentum is picking up speed.  I will continue to press my limits and take calculated chances on my course to personal satisfaction and a renewed, full life with Melissa.” – Russ

Written by:

Russ

Published on:

February 26, 2026

Muffy Davis Cup: Turning the Impossible into Possible

Story and photos by KAREN BOSSICK

Read the original article here.

For Shannon Oliver Kerrick, skiing was second nature. She grew up carving turns on Baldy and even conquered Austria’s legendary Hahnenkamm downhill in college. But in February 2024, while skiing at Bogus Basin, a high-speed crash changed everything.

The impact crushed her T6 vertebrae, broke both arms, and caused a traumatic brain injury. When she regained consciousness, her eyes were swollen shut, and she had no movement below the waist. After a month in the hospital, Shannon began an intense rehabilitation journey at Craig Hospital in Denver, where she used locomotor training to retrain her brain to send movement signals to her legs.

Just over a year later, Shannon stood before Higher Ground supporters at the 3rd annual Muffy Davis Cup, recounting her journey back to Sun Valley, back to Higher Ground, and back to Baldy.

“The first thing I thought of after my accident was Muffy Davis, and I knew there was hope,” said Shannon, a Wood River High School alum. “I knew about Higher Ground because our son, who is on the autism spectrum, had been part of their programs. When I finally returned to the mountain with my daughter, I felt happiness I hadn’t felt since my accident. Being able to ski with Higher Ground is like candy to people like me.”

An Experience That Changes Perspectives

For two days, seven teams of six skiers each took over Quarter Dollar for an unforgettable experience. Participants stepped into the world of adaptive skiing—navigating the mountain in monoskis, as visually impaired skiers, as amputees, or on ski bikes.

They even had the chance to try a $30,000 sit ski that operates with a joystick or by blowing into a tube.

“I always wanted to create an experiential event so people could truly understand what it’s like to ski differently,” said Muffy Davis, the event’s namesake. Paralyzed in a training accident in 1989, Muffy went on to win multiple Winter and Summer Paralympic medals. “These participants get to try equipment that costs thousands of dollars and see firsthand how a therapeutic recreation program like Higher Ground changes lives.”

Each team was led by a celebrity skier, including Muffy herself, who led the Devil Dogs—the team that raised the most money. Among the participants was Zach Sherman, a triple amputee who lost both legs above the knee and one arm in a motorcycle accident.

A former snowboarder, Zach moved to Boise in search of better adaptive opportunities. He outfitted a snowboard with custom bindings for his metal prosthetics and modified an outrigger with a ball instead of a ski for better maneuverability.

“Snowboarding is a big part of my life. It’s one of the few things I can still do since my accident,” Zach said. “I spend three months a year snowboarding with Higher Ground—it’s what holds me over the rest of the year.”

The Power of Perspective

One of the most humbling experiences came when Spencer Cordovano strapped on a snowboard as a visually impaired skier. With his goggles blacked out, his only guidance came from his guide, Toby Arnett, who skied behind him calling out commands:

  • “Almost there!”
  • “Turn now!”
  • “Across the hill!”

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” Spencer said. “On a snowboard, you have one point of contact, and I had no idea if I was going fast or slow.”

Toby, guiding a visually impaired snowboarder for the first time, admitted he was nervous.

“Being responsible for someone else’s safety was humbling. It gave me a whole new perspective,” he said.

Higher Ground CEO Cole Petrie emphasized that the Muffy Davis Cup takes Higher Ground back to its roots. Muffy herself learned to monoski from Marc Mast, the instructor who founded Sun Valley Adaptive Sports—the organization that eventually became Higher Ground.

“This event allows the community to see how difficult it is to master adaptive skiing,” Cole said. “Even volunteers who assist visually impaired skiers are getting their first taste of what it’s like to actually ski without sight.”

“At Higher Ground, we make what seems impossible, possible.”

Champions of the Day

The event ended with awards celebrating skill, perseverance, and community spirit:

🏆 Fastest Visually Impaired Team: Tony Price with guide John French
🏆 Fastest Three-Tracker: Travis Zerba
🏆 Fastest Monoskier: Colter Brehmer
🏆 Fastest Ski Biker: Sarah Burke
🏆 Fastest Celebrity Skier: Muffy Davis
🏆 Best Crash: A tie between Amber Kennedy and Daniella Stokes
🏆 Best Costumes: The Denim Destroyers
🏆 Turtle Award (Longest Time on Course): Spencer Cordovano & Toby Arnett
🏆 Fastest Team: Denim Destroyers

For the third year in a row, the Devil Dogs took home the Muffy Davis Cup trophy, raising $25,000.

“I bleed Higher Ground!” said John French, a longtime supporter and member of the winning team.

DID YOU KNOW?

✅ More than 400 volunteers support Higher Ground’s winter and summer programs.
✅ Volunteers put in 6,000 hours last year—1,000 more than the year before.
✅ Higher Ground is fundraising $9,500 to purchase a Joelette, a high-tech one-passenger hiking rickshaw that will help kids with mobility challenges explore mountain trails.

Join us. Support our mission. Help us redefine what’s possible.

Read the original article here.

Written by:

Karen Bossick

Published on:

March 18, 2025

🎙 Tune in to the Innovation and Leadership Podcast!

🎧 Listen Now!

Hollywood actor & comedian Hayes MacArthur and Cole Petrie, CEO of Higher Ground, joins Jess Larsen for an inspiring conversation.

💡 Overcome Challenges & Stay Committed
Discover the mindset needed to push through setbacks, stay committed to your goals, and turn obstacles into opportunities.

🏅 The Power of Adaptive Sports
Learn how adaptive sports empower individuals to overcome adversity, build resilience, and transform lives.

😂 Wisdom, Perseverance & A Few Laughs
Whether you’re chasing success in business, entertainment, or personal growth, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration.

🎧 Listen Now! Don’t miss this incredible conversation!

Written by:

Higher Ground

Published on:

March 13, 2025

Sun Valley: The Best Place for Adaptive Sports

Nestled in the breathtaking Sawtooth Mountains, Sun Valley is renowned for its world-class outdoor recreation. What truly sets it apart, however, is its ability to provide exceptional opportunities for adaptive sports. With state-of-the-art facilities, a supportive community, and an abundance of natural beauty, Sun Valley has become a top destination for athletes of all abilities.

Why Sun Valley is Perfect for Adaptive Sports

1. Unmatched Outdoor Adventure

Sun Valley offers a wide variety of outdoor activities that cater to people with varying needs and abilities. From skiing and snowboarding to hiking, cycling, and fly fishing, specialized programs and adaptive equipment ensure that everyone can participate.

Skiing is a standout in the adaptive sports community, with adaptive equipment like sit-skis and mono-skis enabling individuals with mobility impairments to experience the thrill of the slopes. Programs led by organizations like Higher Ground give athletes the chance to enjoy winter sports in a safe and accessible way.

2. Top-Tier Facilities

Sun Valley boasts exceptional resorts and outdoor spaces with facilities designed to meet the needs of adaptive athletes. From specialized equipment rentals to certified adaptive instructors and accessible trails, the area’s infrastructure ensures a seamless experience for all participants.

The Sun Valley Resort features easy-to-navigate lifts, accessible restrooms, and breathtaking mountain views, making it an ideal location for adaptive sports. With such accommodations, athletes of all abilities can fully enjoy the resort’s offerings.

3. A Supportive Community

One of the strongest aspects of Sun Valley’s adaptive sports scene is its welcoming and supportive community. Local volunteers, instructors, and athletes work together to create an environment where adaptive athletes are encouraged to pursue their goals and embrace new challenges.

Organizations like Higher Ground play a pivotal role in this network, offering therapeutic recreation and education to veterans, first responders, and individuals with disabilities. Their specialized programs empower athletes to not only enjoy adaptive sports but also thrive through them.

4. Year-Round Activities

Although Sun Valley is known for its winter sports, adaptive athletes can stay active year-round. When the snow melts, the region’s stunning scenery offers endless outdoor adventures, including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and paddleboarding.

Local programs ensure that adaptive equipment is available for these activities, allowing athletes to enjoy the beauty of Sun Valley no matter the season.

5. Therapeutic Benefits

Adaptive sports in Sun Valley provide more than just physical activity—they offer profound therapeutic benefits. Many participants find that engaging in these sports builds confidence, fosters independence, and encourages emotional healing.

Programs run by Higher Ground emphasize not only recreation but also the empowerment and healing that sports can bring. Through tailored activities and professional support, athletes build a sense of accomplishment and well-being.

6. Growing Opportunities

Each year, Sun Valley continues to expand its offerings for adaptive athletes. Enhanced accessibility and new programs ensure the region evolves to meet the growing needs of the adaptive sports community.

As more athletes are drawn to the area, the possibilities for new experiences and adventures continue to grow. Whether you’re a veteran, a first responder, or someone exploring adaptive sports for the first time, Sun Valley provides an environment where everyone can succeed.

An Unmatched Destination for Adaptive Sports

Sun Valley is truly a remarkable destination for adaptive sports, offering endless opportunities to grow, explore, and achieve. With its unmatched combination of natural beauty, expert guidance, and a passionate community, there’s no limit to what you can accomplish in this extraordinary place.

Written by:

Higher Ground

Published on:

January 18, 2025

Spend a Day in Someone Else’s Skis: The Muffy Davis Cup

The Muffy Davis Cup is the first and only experiential adaptive ski race of its kind. Scheduled for March 9th, this event showcases adaptive skiing disciplines and innovations in accessible sports technology.

What to Expect

The Muffy Davis Cup features eight teams of five competitors, each training in a different adaptive skiing discipline. These disciplines include:

  • Blind/Low Vision and Guide: One racer skis with visual impairments while their guide directs them down the course.
  • Ski Bike: A bike-like apparatus designed for skiing.
  • Three-Track Skiing: Using one ski and two outriggers for balance and control.
  • Monoski: A sit-ski mounted on a single ski.
  • Biski: A sit-ski with two skis for added stability.

A Groundbreaking Addition: The TetraSki

This year’s race debuts an exciting new addition: the TetraSki. Made possible through fundraising at the 2024 Muffy Davis Cup, the TetraSki employs sip-and-puff technology, allowing racers to steer the ski using their breath. This innovation opens new possibilities for individuals with physical disabilities to experience the thrill of skiing.

More Than a Race

The Muffy Davis Cup is more than just a competition—it’s an opportunity for participants to truly understand the challenges and triumphs of adaptive skiing. By training and competing in these disciplines, racers “spend a day in someone else’s skis,” gaining profound insight into the skill, strength, and resilience required.

Adaptive Skiing Glossary

  • Monoski: A sit-ski with one ski beneath a bucket (a seat for the skier).
  • Biski: A sit-ski with two skis for additional stability.
  • Outriggers: Poles with small skis on their ends, used to help balance in three-track, four-track, or sit-ski disciplines.
  • TetraSki: An adaptive ski controlled using sip-and-puff technology to steer with breath.

Breaking Barriers

The Muffy Davis Cup is a powerful reminder of how adaptive sports break barriers and foster connections. This March, experience the inspiring world of adaptive skiing and see how innovation and determination are creating new possibilities, one turn at a time.

Written by:

Higher Ground

Published on:

October 13, 2024