The 39th annual National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass Village, Colorado, regarded as perhaps the nation’s premier adaptive winter sports event, is now history for 2025. Once again, it was indeed “Miracles on a Mountainside” (the Clinic theme) for the contingency of blind and low vision veterans who, for another year, had the time of their life March 31-April 5.

The 46 veterans with sight loss joined some 355 additional of their fellow veterans from across the country. They included those who had experienced traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations. Activities ranged from alpine skiing and Nordic (cross-country) skiing to sled hockey, curling, snowmobiling, adaptive snowboarding, indoor rock wall climbing, scuba diving using indoor pools, fly fishing, and educational sessions on topics such as adaptive technology and wellness.

A highlight for BVA was the presentation of the Novice Snowboard Award to Rob Sanchas of Warren, Rhode Island, pictured here in the center, as he received the award during closing ceremonies.

Founded in 1987 with only 90 participants, the Clinic has grown into one of the world’s largest adaptive winter sports events. More than 600 volunteers and medical staff help veterans push past perceived limits and embrace new possibilities. A more complete recap of the participation of blind and low vision veterans at the clinic will be a part of next week’s BVA Happenings.