Debi and Denis: A 20 Year Commitment to Volunteering for BOEC

“Absolutely The Best” –  these are the three words Debi and Denis Quintero use to describe the BOEC after 20 years of volunteering with the Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Program. This generous couple had a very meaningful introduction to BOEC in 1998/99 when Denis learned to ski in Breckenridge, Colorado with the BOEC. Denis was unable to ski using traditional methods due to an injury to his foot, from a motorcycle accident which left his foot paralyzed.  His wife Debi, originally from Ohio, learned to ski when she was young on a typical Midwestern ski hill with 300 feet of elevation.  Since Denis’s lessons with BOEC, he has been able to ski well with Debi, enjoying this sport together for the past 20 years. Denis has demonstrated his appreciation by giving back through volunteering at BOEC since 2004, dedicating many years to teaching other BOEC participants to ski and encouraging Debi to also join this volunteering endeavor. 

At the age of 52, with encouragement from Debi, Denis really got hooked on skiing, purchasing SKI magazine and reading it from cover to cover, always looking forward to the next season. Since Denis’ first lesson with BOEC, he continued learning, visiting different adaptive ski programs including the National Ability Center in Park City, Utah. 

On his initial visit to the National Ability Center, the instructor suggested that his skiing might benefit from the use of outriggers. Denis was initially resistant to the suggestion until the instructor made outrigger skiing a group activity amongst the two instructors and Denis. This piece of equipment was a game changer for Denis, since that day, he has never looked back and his skiing has improved immensely. Denis went on to continue lessons with BOEC with instructors Jeff Inouye, BOEC’s current Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Program Director and Joe Kusumoto, longtime BOEC instructor and trainer.

Denis continues to utilize outriggers for his own ski adventures and when instructing lessons at BOEC, where they are integrated into his set-up. Upon retirement, when Denis was in his late 60’s, he took his Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) Level 1 Adaptive Certification exam. Due to his use of outriggers, Denis was failed in the testing process. BOEC’s Ski Program Director at the time, Gene Gamber, appealed this decision and as a result, Denis not only received his accreditation, but the PSIA test was changed to accommodate those who need outriggers for skiing.

Over time, Debi and Denis have not only taught students but learned from them as well. They have witnessed participants overcome fears and the ways volunteers can be instrumental in this process, watching “where there’s a will there’s a way” come to life. They have learned the importance of patience and listening and that adaptability makes it possible for nearly anyone to enjoy snow sports.  Debi has also learned more about the side of Denis that gives him the ability to connect with a wide variety of students in a meaningful way and Denis has learned how being a participant can be very impactful when teaching. 

Above all, Debi says the BOEC makes people realize “they can do things they didn’t know they could do, including Denis.” They also note the impact they see from different  programs, particularly the immersive multi-day programs where participants stay at  BOEC’s Scott Griffith Lodge including King Adult Day Enrichment Program (KADEP), Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado (BIAC), and Mono-Ski Camp that build in time for the participants to spend time together and forget about daily life stress and relax and bond with others. 

One of the things that strikes them most is the responsibility and dedication of the interns who spend a season with BOEC’s Adaptive Ski and Snowboard Program. Debi and Denis enjoy interacting with each class of interns, going out on lessons with them and sharing experiences and information over the course of a season. They are continually impressed when watching how “well oiled a machine” the ski office is, where everyone knows their job. 

They also appreciate the dedication and creativity the BOEC has to adapt to any ability, to meet participants where they are and teaching through the “challenge by choice” methodology. This lets the students move at their own pace within their comfort zone until they are ready to advance, focusing on a positive experience. They recognize the excitement participants have over the adaptive ski gear and the possibility of going out on the mountain.  For example, for sit skiers, it is a sense of freedom that they likely do not have in daily life.These are the things that keep them coming back year after year – to be a part of this effort. 

In the past 20 years, there have been many changes at BOEC and several well-seasoned staff and volunteers have been around to see them. Debi and Denis have seen not only the expansion of Breckenridge Ski Resort and BOEC Breckenridge Ski Office, but also significant growth within the volunteer program. They have seen many children grow into mobile adults during their time with BOEC and note that the transformation can be remarkable. 

The BOEC staff and volunteer team has seemed like a family to Debi and Denis over the years. They have made many friends among this group of dedicated individuals who share a common interest of helping everyone enjoy a day on the mountain. This friendship and community means a lot to Debi and Denis and goes beyond skiing, with some friends visiting them in Texas during the summer months. They have hosted dinners for BOEC staff and value the times when they are able to attend staff parties. One particular staff member they connected with was the late Quintin Gray, an instructor with BOEC who was, like Denis, an adaptive skier. Reminiscing about Quintin, they spoke of his adaptability to overcome challenges and the wonderful memories they have of him.

Their own skiing, as Denis enters his 80th year, has begun to slow to volunteering 3-5 days a week, teaching those who require a lesson on easier terrain at a slower pace. Volunteering in a more relaxed capacity suits them as they find joy in helping others and enjoying the beauty of skiing.  In the past, with a much smaller volunteer base and more energy, Debi volunteered a record of 13 days in a row and Denis 15!

Of all of the participants Debi has worked with over the years, she tells the story of one woman who was skiing with BOEC at 98-years old. This seasoned skier learned to ski in the 1920’s but at her advanced age needed to carry an oxygen tank and ski with supervision to ensure safety. This elderly woman skied with BOEC again the next year, and in the year she turned 100, she skied a single run before hanging up her skis. Denis shared a very different story about a young student who suffered from cerebral palsy and came from an economically disadvantaged household in Denver. The student attended a partial day lesson at BOEC, and the entire family joined to watch the lesson. This participant was placed in a bi-ski and tethered to the instructor. The family stood on the side lines to cheer and the child’s mother was crying with happiness. Debi and Denis choked up as they said, “that’s why we do this.” 

Debi and Denis spoke fondly of students Ben and Joey as well, who they have watched grow up and who Denis has taught multiple lessons to over the years, building a strong relationship. The bond and camaraderie with these participants was visible as Denis shared anecdotes of the interactions with these students in their ski lessons. Another student brought out a side of Denis that was unknown to Debi in the early days of volunteering. Debi was touched when she saw Denis’ easy way and playful interaction with a young girl who was a non-verbal student. 

Denis and Debi’s love for volunteering with BOEC is infectious. As a result, Denis’ son has followed in his footsteps and even a neighbor has begun volunteering with BOEC as well! Their advice to others considering volunteering is “Do it!” They explain that it might be harder or slower than you expect, but they find joy in helping others and interacting with the new staff and interns each year. They mention that there are many dedicated volunteers, like them, who love volunteering so much that they remain with BOEC for many years until they move or until extenuating circumstances make it difficult to volunteer. For them, BOEC has been a shared passion that has brought them together as a team, in a special way.

After spending the winter months in Breckenridge skiing and enjoying other outdoor activities in Colorado, this couple enjoys the warm weather in the Corpus Christi/South Padre Island region in the south of Texas in the summer. Denis enjoys saltwater fishing marlin, sailfish, and kingfish.  Before retiring, Debi worked for 27 years at USAA and Denis spent 18 years as a personal trainer where he could work in the gym environment he loves, help other people, and spend time on his own strengthening focused workouts which help improve his skiing. 

Denis is incredibly thankful to BOEC and his initial instructor Kim who taught him this new sport that has become such a large part of his life. BOEC is very grateful for all of the time, financial gifts, and heart that Debi and Denis have contributed over the last 20 years. It is because of Debi and Denis and the other incredible volunteers and donors that the BOEC is able to impact so many lives each year!