Why We Ski! 

Participation provides no cost care services and resources which make a difference for those living with ALS and their families. In addition, participation supports research initiatives and advocacy efforts.

Our 2026 Ski ALS event helps bring families back together on the slopes of the snow-covered mountains in Utah. As the snow is falling over the winter season accross the Rocky Mountain, our team prepares to get ALS patients back on the mountain with the assistance of adaptive programs. This year’s event will take place in Park City, Utah with the assistance of National Ability Center - McGrath Mountain Center who will aid in assisting ALS patients with adaptive skiing.

In 2024 we were honored to be joined by Mekialaya White from CBS News 4 and ALS hero Kathryn Walton. Our team was privileged to work with Kathryn and hear about her journey with ALS and Skiing to conquer ALS.

 

  

In 2022 we were humbled that ALS Hero Clint Modler, his son, and his team Clint’s Clan joined us on the mountain. Our team was privileged to work with Clint and hear about his journey with ALS and Skiing to conquer ALS.

Clint Modler Following Jack’s Line: Ski ALS
When the Impossible Becomes Reality

Ski ALS Clint M. 2022

When did you first notice symptoms?
I think I had small symptoms I ignored for a couple of years but in 2014 I was playing in my competitive hockey league when someone took the puck off my stick. I knew right then something was wrong, I'm Canadian, no one steals the puck from me here! That started a couple years of doctors' visits which diagnosed me with ALS.

What was changing in your day-to-day life?
I have always been a very active guy. I LOVE to ski but found I couldn't hold my ski poles any longer. I continued to ski a few seasons, terrifying my family, but I love the thrill too much. I was still traveling for work quite frequently but my fine motor movement was declining quickly. I struggled to fasten my buttons and get my tie on right. But, I didn't let that keep me at home, I had been known to call the concierge at my hotel to help get my buttons done, whatever it took to stay independent as long as I could.

How did ALS affect you and your family?
I think the hardest thing for us was that I connected with my children through sports and I gradually lost my ability to be their rugby and soccer coaches and ski with them every weekend.

What thoughts and emotions did you have leading up to The Ski to Defeat ALS day?
I was nervous, everyone else who was skiing could hold their head up and they didn't have a ventilator and oxygen to contend with. I was grateful my care team and Ignite were able to find a solution to secure my head but was still very worried about crashing and breaking my ventilator.

What was being on the slopes with your son like?
Incredible. When I got my tracheostomy in 2018, I didn't think I would ever get to ski again. Actually carving down the mountain following Jack's line felt impossible and I am so grateful that it became a reality for myself and Jack again. I got him skiing when he could barely walk and now he can land 360s and backflips so this sport has always been so special to us.

What was your favorite part of the day?
Definitely skiing fast with my son. My instructor, Matt went faster than did a quick side stop and it was such a thrill to go fast again. Everyone made the day so fun. I took a shot of whiskey for courage before riding the lift, I was nervous about that and about falling but everything went so well I really hope I get to go skiing again with Jack!

What would you want to share with someone going through a similar experience as you?
Stay independent as long as you can, keep laughing, and learn to celebrate the small victories.

Anything else to share?
I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who made my day at Ski to Defeat possible. To my incredible friends who donated five times more than I needed to ski, I am humbled and so grateful. To my nurses, family, and caretakers who believed in me, figured out how to adapt things, keep me safe, and gave me a couple questionable pep talks, haha, thank you! To the ALS United Rocky Mountain, there aren't enough thank you’s! This organization has come alongside me through this diagnosis providing me with support, wheelchairs, lifts, organized event days, and fundraisers for research and awareness. There isn't any way around the truth that this disease really sucks. But I am so grateful for all the support that ALS United Rocky Mountain provides to keep us active in our families and our communities.