Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program

Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program LASP is a non-profit offering therapeutic sports recreation to individuals with disabilities. A member of Move United. That year 32 lessons were taught.

Bill Lounsbury was a member of the Holiday Valley Ski Patrol who lost a leg to cancer in 1982. Undaunted and determined to remain active in the sport he loved, Bill taught himself to ski on one leg. Bill eventually lost his battle with cancer but his courage and love of skiing was an inspiration to everyone who watched his struggle. In September of 1988 a group of dedicated Holiday Valley Ski Patrollers with the cooperation and support of Holiday Valley Ski Resort founded The Bill Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program (LASP) to honor his memory. The first pieces of adaptive equipment for the program were purchased using donations that were sent to the Holiday Valley Ski Patrol in Bill’s memory shortly after his death. In 1988, there were 4 instructors and 14 students. Twenty eight years later the program has grown to over 40 instructors who collectively teach over 250 lessons during the course of a single ski season. All instructors are specially trained in adaptive ski teaching methods and over half of these instructors are certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA).

On this Thank You Wednesday — a tradition within the Giving Tuesday movement — we want to pause and express our heartfel...
12/03/2025

On this Thank You Wednesday — a tradition within the Giving Tuesday movement — we want to pause and express our heartfelt appreciation to every donor, supporter, and friend of the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program.

Whether you live just down the road or thousands of miles away, your generosity reaches our snowy slopes and makes a real impact. Because of you, students of all ages and abilities are able to learn, grow, and experience the joy of skiing in a safe, empowering environment.

Your support keeps our volunteer instructors equipped, our adaptive tools accessible, and our lessons full of possibility. You help create moments of courage, independence, and pure happiness.

Thank you for believing in our mission. Thank you for cheering us on. Thank you for being part of our community — near or far.

Together, we continue to deEmphasize the disAbility and celebrate what’s possible.

💙⛷️💛

If you’d like to help further, we’d love for you to share our mission or invite others to get involved!

Today's   and the day to unlock a world of possibilities! 💫 Every dollar you give empowers individuals with disabilities...
12/02/2025

Today's and the day to unlock a world of possibilities! 💫 Every dollar you give empowers individuals with disabilities to conquer the slopes and discover their full potential through our adaptive skiing programs. Be the reason someone smiles today! 😊 Make your gift at lounsburyadaptive.org 🙏 Holiday Valley

💙⛷️ “When I’m on the mountain, I don’t feel limited — I just feel free.”That’s the spirit behind our Mary Ellen Racich S...
12/01/2025

💙⛷️ “When I’m on the mountain, I don’t feel limited — I just feel free.”

That’s the spirit behind our Mary Ellen Racich Spirit Scholarship Fund — helping students with financial need discover the joy of adaptive skiing through free, personalized lessons.

This season, every Just Adapt shirt or hoodie sold helps us continue to deEmphasize the disAbility and open the slopes to everyone. ❄️

👉 Get your gear and give the gift of possibility. Link in bio.
‼ Orders placed by December 7 will arrive in time for Christmas‼

Bonfire Holiday Valley

Here in Ellicottville, NY, community isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life. And since the early days of the Lounsbury Ada...
11/29/2025

Here in Ellicottville, NY, community isn’t just a word—it’s a way of life. And since the early days of the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program, our local small businesses have been right beside us, helping lift up every student, every volunteer, and every lesson that takes place on the mountain.

Their generosity—whether through donated goods, services, or support—plays a real and meaningful role in our ability to provide adaptive skiing to athletes of all abilities. They are woven into our story, season after season, and we are proud to call them part of the extended LASP family.

As you head into your holiday shopping, we hope you’ll join us in supporting the businesses that support our mission. When you shop local, you’re also helping to keep adaptive sports strong right here in our community.

Thank you, Ellicottville. It truly takes a village to make this work possible, and we are grateful for each and every one of you.

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program! 🦃As we pause today and look toward a new wint...
11/27/2025

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program! 🦃

As we pause today and look toward a new winter season, we're filled with gratitude for the incredible community that surrounds us. Each year, our story is written by the people who make this program more than just a ski lesson—it becomes a place of courage, connection, and possibility.

We’re thankful for our students, whose determination inspires us every day.
For the caregivers, whose quiet strength and dedication make every milestone possible.
For our volunteer ski instructors, who give their time, passion, and heart to help each skier shine.
For our supporters and donors, whose generosity keeps adaptive skiing accessible to all.
And for our partners at , our home mountain, who make it possible for us to do what we love season after season.

May your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, reflection, and appreciation for the moments—and people—that make life meaningful. Thank you for being part of the Lounsbury Adaptive family.

Happy Thanksgiving! 🍂❄️

❤ If you’re feeling grateful today, share this post or tag someone who’s made a difference in your life. ❤

Rise to the challenge on   - just one week away! 🤝💙 Let the power of kindness ignite a wave of generosity that transform...
11/25/2025

Rise to the challenge on - just one week away! 🤝💙 Let the power of kindness ignite a wave of generosity that transforms lives in WNY. Make a difference with a gift to lounsburyadaptive.org and empower adaptive athletes to shine! 🌟🤗

Empower change in tough financial times! YOU can be the spark that ignites a brighter future for  .  Shine your generosi...
11/24/2025

Empower change in tough financial times! YOU can be the spark that ignites a brighter future for . Shine your generosity this giving season. Thank you!

✨ Throwback Thursday Spotlight: Madi F. on the Slopes! ✨Today we’re looking back at this heartwarming moment with Madi F...
11/20/2025

✨ Throwback Thursday Spotlight: Madi F. on the Slopes! ✨

Today we’re looking back at this heartwarming moment with Madi F. skiing alongside instructor Courtney at Holiday Valley. In the video, you’ll see Madi using a steering wheel—a specialized adaptive tool that helps her stay centered over her skis and make smooth, confident turns.

Watching her glide down the bunny hill with so much focus and joy reminds us why adaptive skiing matters so much. Every student learns at their own pace, and every milestone—whether it’s linking turns or just staying balanced—deserves celebration.

Madi, we’re so proud of your progress. Your determination and bright spirit make days on the mountain unforgettable! ❤️⛷️

If you'd like to help more students experience the freedom and excitement of adaptive skiing, sharing this post or supporting our program goes a long way 💙

What are you up to Sunday? 👇
11/19/2025

What are you up to Sunday? 👇

It’s almost here — the season kick-off party we look forward to all year.

Join us this Sunday at 42 North Brewing Company in East Aurora for our annual Gear, Beer & Movie Premiere, benefiting local adaptive ski programs.
Expect:
• Fresh gear on display
• Live music
• Over $7,000 in raffle prizes
• Raffles supporting adaptive ski programs
• The premiere of Out of the Ordinary presented by the Head + Tyrolia Freeskiing Team

Events like this are why we love this community — skiers, riders, and local businesses coming together to kick off another WNY winter. If you’re around East Aurora this weekend, swing through and support the local spots that make this season what it is.

Sunday, November 23 | 1–6 PM | 42 North

Two weeks from today, we join millions around the world for Giving Tuesday, and we couldn’t be more excited to share why...
11/19/2025

Two weeks from today, we join millions around the world for Giving Tuesday, and we couldn’t be more excited to share why this day matters so much to our Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program community.

Every winter, something powerful happens on our slopes. Our volunteer ski instructors give their time, talent, and encouragement. Students arrive ready to challenge themselves, inspire others, and celebrate their achievements. Donors fuel this mission by providing the support needed to expand adaptive skiing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

We truly believe in the idea of deEMPHASIZING the disABILITY. Each person—volunteer, student, or donor—brings their own strengths and abilities to the community. And together, we move mountains.

This year’s Giving Tuesday effort supports lesson scholarships, the purchase & maintenance of adaptive ski equipment and volunteer training & certification. Your generosity has a direct impact—both locally and nationally—as our instructors proudly support adaptive skiing events from Holiday Valley to Snowmass and Breckenridge.

Giving Tuesday isn’t just about donations—it’s about belonging, growth, and the joy of achievement through sport.

💙 Two weeks until Giving Tuesday—let’s open our hearts, lift each other up, and keep the joy of adaptive skiing accessible for all.

Join us and share the movement!

Holiday Valley Move United Sport Ellicottville, NY

Now accepting lesson reservations! 👏 All of us at the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program are excited and gearing up for the ...
11/15/2025

Now accepting lesson reservations! 👏 All of us at the Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program are excited and gearing up for the 2025/2026 season. 🎿 Lessons begin on Tuesday, December 26th and run through the third week of March - snow conditions permitting. Make sure to review our lesson scheduling procedure and policies below ⬇️. More information at lounsburyadaptive.org

Holiday Valley

❗TOMORROW❗ We begin accepting lesson reservations. Lesson requests will be processed in the order in which they are rece...
11/15/2025

❗TOMORROW❗ We begin accepting lesson reservations. Lesson requests will be processed in the order in which they are received. The season begins Sunday, December 26th and runs through the third week of March weather permitting. See our website for more information. www.lounsburyadaptive.org

⛷ Show us your favorite lesson photos from last year in the comments ⬇️

Holiday Valley Move United Sport

Address

6557 Holiday Valley Road PO Box 370
Ellicottville, NY
14731

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 3pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 3pm
Thursday 9am - 3pm
Friday 9am - 3pm
Saturday 9am - 3pm
Sunday 9am - 3pm

Telephone

+17166993504

Website

https://www.bonfire.com/store/lounsbury-adaptive-ski-program/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lounsbury Adaptive Ski Program posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram