When Rochelle Wright first moved to Colorado with her husband nearly 30 years ago, Breckenridge became a cornerstone of their family’s life. Here they found a foundation of play for their family as they raised their children skiing these slopes, and hiking and biking these mountain trails, which cultivated a deep love for this community.
Years later when a life-changing accident left Rochelle Wright without both legs, the mountain she once called home suddenly felt out of reach.
“I lost both of my legs and it’s truly a miracle that I survived…As you can imagine our world was turned upside down and these past few years have been extremely difficult for my husband and I and our family.”
But instead of giving up, Rochelle turned toward a new chapter and wound up rediscovering more than just skiing. She found belonging, community, and a path back to the slopes of Breckenridge.
At a Move United Ski-Spectacular event hosted here by the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, she encountered BOEC’s adaptive ski program for the first time. With our instructors, volunteers and specialized equipment by her side, Rochelle learned to mono-ski, first tentatively, then with growing confidence.
“Each and every lesson I was embraced as if I were family. This group instilled in me a confidence to embrace what was scary and I started to say “I can” rather than “I can’t” to new experiences.”
Over the following years, Rochelle has completed two full winters of lessons with the BOEC, learning which equipment is right for her and building on her skills each lesson. Now, Rochelle is not only back skiing with her family but has expanded her community with a group of supportive adaptive athletes and instructors who inspire her along the way.
“With each community I’ve been blessed to be a part of, my life has been enriched abundantly. I’ve been accepted for who I am, encouraged, supported, and loved beyond my wildest dreams”
Now Rochelle and her family are finding more ways to infuse that foundation of fun in Breckenridge back into their lives. Outside of being back on the slopes together, Rochelle is looking forward to branching into adaptive mountain biking and hand cycling through BOEC’s programs. Not only that, but she is committed to helping others discover the opportunities available to them.
“It is my passion and purpose now to give back what has so freely been given to me. I look forward to opportunities on the horizon where I can give back to the BOEC and this amazing community”
That’s why inclusive adventure is so important. It can turn what people thought were barriers into opportunities. For 50 years the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center has been turning barriers into opportunities across Summit County. This year as we honor this milestone, we are kicking off our celebration with powerful partnership: our role as beneficiary of the Wake Up Breck Event hosted by Breckenridge Mountain.
We invite you to join Rochelle along with the Breck and BOEC community at the annual Wake Up Breck event on Thursday, November 6 to kick off not only the ski season but also our 50th anniversary. Show up to a participating coffee shop for a free commemorative mug, hot beverage, and consider making a donation. All gifts made that day will be generously matched by the resort during the event hours.
