A Place of Hope and Healing: Stars Ranch

Stars Ranch Utilizes Yampa Valley Partners, Resources to Change Lives Through Adaptive Programming

Like so many Steamboat locals, Susan Petersen moved to Steamboat Springs almost 35 years ago to ski in one of Colorado’s most pristine locations.

She has since served the community in roles within the Steamboat Springs Parks and Rec. Department and the Yampa Valley Community Foundation. She also volunteered with Horizons to expose adults in their program to skiing. She joined Steamboat Stars in 2020, first as their Development Director before becoming the Executive Director in 2023. 

Her family history, she explained, naturally led to the outgoing nature of her life’s pursuits. Growing up in Fort Collins, she watched her mom and aunt start a horse program for people with disabilities. There, she acted as a “side-walker”, holding the horse’s reins while striding alongside horse and rider. 

“Coming to Stars brings it all together,” said Petersen. “There’s just nothing better than seeing the joy on someone’s face when they can be independent while experiencing the outdoors and doing something that’s outside of their comfort zone.” 

Stars developed as a non-profit in 2007 with an organic mission “to empower and enrich lives through adaptive recreational activities.”. It arose from a group of parents and members of the Steamboat Ski area who saw the need for an adaptive ski program for residents and visitors, regardless of their disability. Despite a small dip during Covid, the organization has seen a steady increase in demand since their founding. 

Their initial focus on winter sports has since evolved into a year-round programming approach. 

Winter sports offerings now include downhill skiing, ski biking, sit skiing, snowshoeing, and nordic skiing. In summer, they branch out to biking, water skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and rafting. They also provide therapeutic experiences with  horseback riding and equine therapy at the Zen Ranch, which is Stars horse facility. With an eight horse herd, they provide private half- and full-day lessons, as well as other equine-based opportunities. 

“If someone comes to us and says we really have a certain disability but want to learn a sport, we are there for them,” explained Petersen. “We have a huge storage barn with adaptive equipment that is located at our main home base, the Stars Ranch on the outskirts of Steamboat Springs. 

Often, Stars will end a day of adventure with a trip to Old Town Hot Springs for a soak, Snowbowl Steamboat for dinner and a concert, or Mountain Tap Brewery to further get participants out into the community.

The administrative offices, as well as the Stars Lodge, are located at the Ranch. The lodge is a nine-room, 27 bed facility that plays host to overnight camps for people from all over the world. Visitors can stay several days and are provided with unique adaptive sports experiences with transportation included. The ranch is also used for community meetings, workshops, and business meetings, which provides an additional funding source for the organization. 

“I would say…that we are a nationwide organization,” explained Petersen. “Last year, we did a camp for a group of people with spinal cord injuries who came from the United Kingdom.”

In 2023, the organization provided opportunities to 529 individuals with cognitive or physical disabilities. While many participants are from the Yampa Valley, there is increased interest at the state and national level due to the in-depth nature and diversity of their programming. The camps and programs are open to family members and caregivers as well. 

The success of Stars is set on a foundation of partnerships, particularly with the Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation. Petersen credited the ski area for their work with Stars as they became the sole provider of adaptive ski lessons at the resort. In return, the mountain provides lift tickets, trained volunteers, and ski instructors. Rental equipment is provided through a partnership with Christy Sports. 

Stars also works closely with the school districts of the Yampa Valley to identify local students who could participate. Additionally, they collaborate with other youth serving nonprofits such as Yampa Valley Autism and TrueNorth. 

Funding for Stars is made possible through grants, events, individual- and foundation-based donations, and program fees. Petersen noted, however, that most programs are reduced or free when it comes to participant cost. 

The Yampa Valley is an ideal location for Stars because the wide range of activities that the organization offers are norms of the lifestyle of the area. Close access to the ski area, river systems, and trail networks also allows for “an amazing” cross-section of Routt County activities to be integrated into Stars adaptive sports programs.  

“The Stars Ranch is a place of hope and healing where people can come together and get away from their daily life and become physically active and enjoy socialization,” said Petersen. “Our goal is to have Stars be a national player in the adaptive sports world. We have so much potential to continue to serve more participants.”

In July, Steamboat Locals’ writer John Camponeschi will be presenting you a four-part series of stories about Steamboat advocacy groups that ensure equity and access to the great outdoors.

Read Part One – Colorado Women Flyfishers

Read Part Two – Colorado Women Flyfishers

Read Part Three – Routt County Riders

The “Advocacy Groups Ensuring Equity & Access in the Outdoors” series of stories is proudly presented to you by Jon Wade and The Steamboat Group as a continuation of their commitment to “Keep Steamboat Special” by supporting non-profits and events that promote adventure and the active Steamboat lifestyle!