A spontaneous invitation to Denver, the Mile High City, sparked an unforgettable adventure for me and my friend Anthony, who uses an electric wheelchair due to cerebral palsy. Despite initial concerns about accessibility, we dove in, discovering a destination brimming with wheelchair-friendly options, from urban exploration to adaptive skiing in the nearby Rockies.
Arrival and First Impressions
Our journey began with a direct United Airlines flight from London Heathrow to Denver, lasting about nine hours. Anthony transferred to an aisle chair for boarding into Economy Plus seating with extra legroom. The flight featured an accessible restroom that expands by removing a dividing wall.
Denver’s skyline, framed by vast plains and the Southern Rocky Mountains, offered stunning views on descent. After smoothly clearing customs and retrieving the wheelchair, we hopped on the accessible A-Line train to Union Station, a striking neoclassical hub with a prominent neon sign.
Nearby, Mercantile Dining and Provision impressed with standout dishes like a flavorful pork chop and grapefruit panna cotta.
Staying Central
We checked into the Hotel Indigo, steps from the station. The lobby welcomed with complimentary popcorn, and our spacious room included a roll-in shower. Staff quickly replaced an unsuitable fold-down chair with a better option upon request.
A Day Exploring Denver
The next morning, we fueled up at Snooze with candied bacon amid vibrant decor. An Uber-accessible taxi from RideToo service—started by driver Ross to serve those with access needs—took us to the Denver Art Museum. This modern architectural gem, revamped in the 1960s and 1970s, houses regional art on its seventh floor, perfect for a quick visit.
We then wandered to RiNo (River North), a revitalized district blending historic buildings with artistic flair. At Denver Central Market, vendors thrived in a lively atmosphere. Lunch at Lunch Boxx featured an exceptional bento box: rice, slaw, pickles, tempura mushrooms, and tender carnitas.
RiNo boasts the highest concentration of microbreweries in the U.S. A guided tour highlighted spots like Our Mutual Friend (cherry beer and free Monday hot dogs), Ratio Beerworks (carrot flower beer), and Odell (national blueberry brew). Anthony even mused about the U.S. rejoining the Commonwealth over pints.
Heading to the Slopes
Early next day, the Winter Park Express train—running since 1940—whisked us two hours into the mountains. A guide noted that a tenth of Colorado unfolds from the windows. Fares start at £7 one-way.
At Winter Park Resort, the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), founded in 1970 by Hal O’Leary, offers world-class adaptive skiing. Mark Stump, a key NSCD instructor, explained: “There are a hundred ways of sliding on snow.” For around £100, visitors get fitted for gear, a lift pass, and guided lessons.
The NSCD supports competitive athletes too, including Paralympians. Local Trevor Kennison, paralyzed in a snowboarding accident, retrained here and performed a double backflip at the site, as featured in the documentary Full Circle.
Anthony tried a Dynamique sit-ski—a stable throne on skis with outriggers that easily loads onto chairlifts. Guided by Mark on green and blue runs, Anthony called it “terrifying” at first but eagerly repeated runs. Mark tethered for safety on tight spots, releasing on easier terrain.
We stayed at The Vintage Hotel, with cozy, spacious accessible rooms starting at £115, near the slopes and featuring a heated outdoor pool.
Thrills on the Mountain
Subsequent days brought more confidence—and a few tumbles—for Anthony. By the final session, his excitement peaked. Mark quipped against “last runs,” opting for extras. Anthony countered: “How about we do three more but skip the last two?” Mark replied, “Now you’re talking, Anthony.”
Practical Tips
United Airlines direct flights from Heathrow start at £583 return. Winter Park Express operates Thursday to Sunday in season (2.5 hours). Book adaptive skiing via NSCD, RideToo taxis, or tours like denvermicrobrewtour.com (£40).
