Everyone Belongs on Snow: Inside Greek Peak’s Adaptive Revolution
The numbers alone tell a story: a program that began in 1974 with 3 participants and 5 coaches now supports 80 participants with 120 coaches in its 51st season. But Greek Peak Adaptive Snowsports (GPAS) isn’t defined by scale—it’s defined by precision, patience, and a simple promise: the mountain is for you, exactly as you are.
The Spark That Lit the Chair
Before “adaptive” became common parlance in the ski world, Greek Peak was already building pathways. Backed by owner Al Kyger, adaptive lessons launched at Greek Peak in 1974. Ski school director Gordon Richardson taught Debbie Philips, an amputee learning with handheld outriggers, to tri-track while two SUNY Cortland professors explored instruction for skiers with visual impairments. The program’s longevity rests on steadfast resort support and a mission that centers access and affordability.
“From the beginning, it was about saying ‘yes’ to possibility,” Jeanne Johnson, the program’s director tells me. “We match the right equipment, the right coaches, and the right goals—then we go ski.”
Who Skis Here? Everyone, by Design
GPAS works with individuals across a wide range of physical and cognitive differences. That includes visual impairments, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and Cerebral Palsy, along with Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and learning differences. Each lesson is tailored—intake information in advance, equipment selection (think mono-skis, bi-skis, outriggers, sliders, tethers), and coach pairings that fit the athlete’s goals.
There’s also a performance track: about 30 Special Olympics athletes train here for regional and state competitions.
“The end goal is safety first, then fun,” Johnson says. “Competence leads to confidence—and confidence brings the grins.”
How the Program Runs
The cadence is clear and consistent: half-day lessons (2.5 hours) offered 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 12:30–3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, with weekday lessons when possible. This season spans January 3–March 8. GPAS also collaborates with Greek Peak’s Ski School for school groups and welcomes families who visit the resort once a year.
Coaching, Studied and Sharp
Excellence here is trained, not improvised. Every coach, volunteer or instructor, completes 12 hours of training per season. Early December covers the pillars: teaching athletes with developmental disabilities; sit-ski and slider tethering; guiding skiers with visual impairments; and personal ski improvement. Small-group refreshers continue throughout the season, with mid-week evening sessions to sharpen techniques. Training is coordinated by Molly Hajjar, who brings decades of adaptive expertise.
The Story You Tell at Dinner
Ask for one moment that captures it all and the director hesitates because there are too many. But Logan Knowles comes to mind.
Born with Cerebral Palsy, he arrived at GPAS at 8 years old, determined to ski with his family. Early seasons meant a balance pole and two coaches at his sides. Later, he skied with one pole, then progressed to confident, independent arcs. Today, he’s training toward the U.S. Paralympic Alpine Team, advocating for accessibility, building a new business partnership. And he even trained for and completed the NYC Marathon on November 2, 2025, raising funds that helped launch the program’s building fund campaign. The ripple effect, from athlete to family to community, is the point.
How to Start (and How to Help)
Families can begin at gpadaptive.org via the Participants link. Questions? Email gpasconnect@gmail.com or call (607) 288-2176. Visitors are welcome to stop by the Adaptive building.
Interested in coaching or volunteering? Join the Volunteer/Coaching email list through the site’s form, or reach the team at (607) 288-2176 / gpassconnect@gmail.com. To donate, give online or mail checks to:
GPAS, 214 Kent Ave., PMB 261, Endwell, NY 13760.
All donations are tax-deductible.
What’s Next
GPAS is in preliminary planning for a building addition, providing more space to teach more lessons, and will host its 8th Annual GPAS Fundraiser at Cortese Restaurant (Binghamton) in April (details to come).
Final Thoughts
Inclusion here isn’t a banner; it’s a practiced discipline. When an athlete finds balance in a sit-ski, or a guided carve clicks, it reframes what’s possible on snow and far beyond. GPAS proves that thoughtful design, strong training, and community support can turn access into achievement, and achievement into belonging. We at Greek Peak Mountain Resort are deeply proud to stand alongside GPAS as partners in this work.
About the author:
Mountain Mike is your go-to guide for adventure at Greek Peak Mountain Resort. A seasoned outdoor enthusiast and a master of memorable puns, Mike brings his passion for the outdoors and his knack for storytelling to every article. Join him as he explores the peaks and valleys of adventure, inspiring readers to make every outdoor moment unforgettable.