For 16-year-old Hunter Thomas, the mountain became more than a destination; it became a place of possibility.
Last month, Hunter and his family traveled from Abilene, Texas, to Breckenridge, Colorado, to fulfill a Make-A-Wish experience through the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC). It was Hunter’s first time skiing, and by the end of the trip, it was clear he had discovered something powerful: a new sport, a new source of confidence, and a reminder that the outdoors can be accessible for everyone.
From a Wish to the Slopes
Hunter lives with a neuromuscular and connective tissue disorder, along with POTS, dysautonomia, seizures, asthma, and autism. These conditions affect his balance, coordination, stamina, and how his body responds to physical activity, making many traditional sports difficult or inaccessible.
Originally, Hunter’s wish involved sled hockey and meeting Paralympic athletes. When that became difficult to coordinate, he shifted his focus to skiing, drawn to its similarities and the sense of freedom it promised.
Through BOEC’s adaptive ski program, that wish became a reality.
A Long-Lasting Day of Fun on the Mountain
Hunter arrived at BOEC as a first-time skier with one clear goal: to become more physically active. What surprised his family was not just that he skied but how fully he embraced the experience.
“He doesn’t usually like new things, I worried he wouldn’t want to go back out after lunch. Instead, he lasted the entire first day and woke up the next morning excited and ready for round two. He didn’t want to get off the slopes” – Jaime, Hunter’s mother
BOEC’s adaptive ski instructors are trained to meet participants where they are, adjusting equipment, instruction style, and pacing to support a wide range of physical and neurological needs. For Hunter, that personalized approach made all the difference.
Instructor Hayden formed a fast and meaningful connection with Hunter, building trust and providing motivation throughout the experience. Another BOEC team member, Tom, supported Jaime through her own understandable nerves, creating a space where the entire family felt cared for.
“The staff was incredible. Hayden was such a special part of this trip and our memories from it. Building that relationship with Hunter isn’t easy, and he did it so naturally.” – Jaime, Hunter’s mother
A Family Experience That Meant Everything
For the Thomas family, this wish was about far more than skiing. It was about experiencing the mountain together.
Hunter was able to ski alongside his father, Chris, who also participated using a mono-ski as he lives with a traumatic brain injury. Sharing the slopes as a family made the experience even more powerful, turning the wish into something they could experience side by side.
“Experiencing this wish as a family meant everything to us. Hunter found a new sport he loves and wants more opportunities to do it. Lately it’s been lots of hospital stays, tests and procedures. This has been the most welcome distraction for all of us.” – Jaime, Hunter’s mother
Why Stories Like Hunter’s Matter
Hunter’s experience is exactly why BOEC exists. Adaptive outdoor recreation isn’t just about learning a sport. It’s about opening doors that many people assume are closed.
Thanks to the support of donors, partners, and organizations like Make-A-Wish, BOEC’s adaptive ski and snowboard programs can provide specialized instruction, equipment, and one-on-one support for participants of all abilities.
For Hunter, that support transformed a wish into a lasting passion.
Hunter loves sled hockey, swimming, bocce ball, Legos, and video games, and now, skiing has joined that list. His journey on the mountain is just beginning.
If you or someone you love is curious about adaptive skiing, BOEC’s programs are open to children, teens, and adults of all abilities. And if you’re a supporter, know that your generosity helps create moments like these that stay with families long after the snow melts.
