From Urban Exploration to Mountain Thrills: Denver's Inclusive Travel Experience
When travel journalist Ben Aitken proposed a trip to Denver, Colorado, to his friend Anthony Ford-Shubrook, who uses an electric wheelchair due to cerebral palsy, the initial reaction was skeptical. "Doesn't sound very accessible, mate," Anthony pointed out, questioning how one reaches a city nicknamed the "Mile High City." Yet, Anthony's adventurous spirit prevailed. "Sod it," he declared. "Let's go." This decision launched an extraordinary journey testing Denver's wheelchair accessibility from its urban core to its world-class ski slopes.
Navigating the Journey: Accessible Air Travel and Arrival
The adventure began with a United Airlines flight from London Heathrow to Denver International Airport. Anthony transferred from his electric wheelchair to an aisle chair for boarding, with his personal wheelchair stored in the hold. The nine-hour flight featured an accessible lavatory that expanded by removing a dividing wall, providing necessary space. Upon arrival, Denver's landscape unfolded dramatically from above—vast plains meeting the Southern Rocky Mountains. After reclaiming Anthony's wheelchair and clearing customs smoothly, they boarded the accessible A-Line train to Denver's historic Union Station, a neoclassical landmark topped with distinctive neon signage.
Denver's Accessible Urban Delights
Their base was the Hotel Indigo, located steps from Union Station, offering a roll-in shower with an adjustable chair. When the initial shower chair proved unsuitable, hotel staff promptly provided an alternative. Denver's urban accessibility shone during a day of exploration. They breakfasted at Snooze, known for its candied bacon and vibrant décor, then utilized RideToo, a local accessible taxi service founded by Ross to address transportation gaps for people with disabilities. While priced at approximately £35 for pickup plus £3 per mile, it ensured reliable mobility.
Denver's modern architecture, a product of 1960s-70s redevelopment, contrasts with older European cities. The Denver Art Museum exemplifies this, with its contemporary design and seventh-floor exhibits highlighting regional art. In the RiNo (River North) district, a revitalized area blending historic buildings with artistic flair, they visited Denver Central Market. Lunch Boxx served a standout bento box with rice, slaw, pickles, tempura mushrooms, and crispy carnitas. RiNo's high concentration of microbreweries led to a tour with Denver Microbrew Tour, sampling cherry beer at Our Mutual Friend and carrot flower beer at Ratio Beerworks, where Anthony humorously advocated for the US rejoining the Commonwealth.
Adaptive Skiing at Winter Park Resort
The next morning, they embarked on the Winter Park Express, a scenic two-hour train ride from Denver to Winter Park Resort, with one-way fares starting at £7. Winter Park is home to the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), established in 1970 by Hal O'Leary to teach skiing to amputees. Mark Stump, a key NSCD instructor, explained, "There are a hundred ways of sliding on snow." For about £100, visitors receive equipment fitting, a lift pass, and guided instruction.
Anthony was outfitted with a Dynamique sit-ski—a throne-like seat on skis with outriggers for stability, designed to easily attach to chairlifts. Despite initial nerves, Mark expertly guided him down green and blue runs, using a tether for control. After a few tumbles, Anthony's confidence grew, culminating in ecstatic runs. Their accommodation, The Vintage Hotel, offered an accessible room steps from the slopes, though the -12°C weather deterred use of the outdoor jacuzzi.
Practical Information for Accessible Travel
United Airlines provides direct flights from London Heathrow to Denver, with round-trip fares starting at £583. The Winter Park Express operates seasonally, Thursday to Sunday. Accessible rooms at The Vintage Hotel begin at £115 per night. This trip, hosted by Visit Colorado, Visit Denver, and Winter Park Resort, demonstrates that with proper planning, destinations like Denver can offer inclusive, thrilling experiences for all travelers.
