DENVER, Colo.—The 38th annual The Hartford Ski Spectacular conducted by Move United is taking place December 8-14 in Breckenridge, Colorado, and more than 800 people, including both first-time skiers and Paralympic athletes, are going to participate.
The Hartford Ski Spectacular is one of the longest-running winter sports festivals for people with physical disabilities. Held at Breckenridge Ski Resort and Beaver Run Resort, attendees will take part in six adaptive sports which include snowboarding, Nordic skiing, and sled hockey.
This year, several wounded veterans representing the U.S. at the first ever Winter Invictus Games in 2025 will be joining the event, and training and improving their skills. In addition, more than 60 wounded military veterans, service members, family and military medical staff from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and San Antonio Military Medical Center, as well as veterans from approximately a dozen VAs and communities across the U.S. will participate in the event as part of their rehabilitation.
“For over three decades, The Hartford Ski Spectacular has provided youth and adults with disabilities the opportunity to feel the exhilaration of outdoor snow sports,” says Glenn Merry, executive director of Move United. “I hear again and again how powerful this experience is when it comes to transforming what attendees come to understand is possible for themselves.”
On December 11, The Hartford, with Paralympic medalist Keith Gabel will surprise 15 athletes with custom adaptive sports equipment. According to the press release from Move United, adaptive athletes have to pay approximately 15 times more for equipment than non-adaptive athletes.
“We are incredibly proud to serve as the title sponsor of The Hartford Ski Spectacular for more than 30 years,” says Mike Fish, head of Group Benefits at The Hartford. “As a leading disability insurer, we recognize how transformative sports can be on helping individuals return to active and productive lives. Our enduring partnership with Move United is breaking down barriers to participation, enabling more youth and adults with disabilities to experience the joy and freedom of sports.”
