Olympic Hopeful: Paige VanArsdale
12/09/2025 12:27PM ● By Haley Watkins
Photo courtesy of Paige VanArsdale.
Steamboat Springs native Paige VanArsdale has her sights set on representing Team USA at the 2026 Paralympics in Cortina, Italy. The para-Alpine ski racer – who lives with cerebral palsy – opened up about her journey, the community that’s supported her and the challenges she’s overcome along the way.
Steamboat Magazine: How did you first get involved in adaptive sports? Was there a moment that sparked it for you?
Paige VanArsdale: I started skiing when I was 3 years old. I skied with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, where volunteers would ski one-on-one with me so I could keep up with the group. I also did STARS ski camps, and later some of the instructors even asked me to buddy up with younger kids who needed support on the mountain. After leg surgery in sixth grade, my doctor told me I should start ski racing. Not long after, STARS started a race program with coach Tommy Moore. That’s how I ended up going to the NASTAR Nationals – and there I met ski racer Ted Ligety, which was really cool.
SM: What events are you hoping to compete in at the 2026 Paralympics in Cortina?
PVA: I race in para-Alpine skiing – slalom, giant slalom, super-G and downhill. During the 2023-24 season, FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) instigated a new rule of only being allowed to ski with one pole for standup skiers in my category. So I began training to get comfortable using one pole. My first race of the season was the day after Valentine’s Day in Canada. It was my first time competing in downhill. I fractured my tibial plateau during my second run. My FIS points suffered from missing the entire season. And I was cautious when I returned last season since I was coming back from that injury. I only podiumed in two races. I have a lot of ground to cover to improve my points to compete on the world stage. This season I’m getting Botox and physical therapy treatments in my right leg to help relieve the spasticity caused by my cerebral palsy. I hope this treatment will give me flexibility in my right leg to help with training and racing.
SM: Training for the Paralympics must be intense. What keeps you motivated?
PVA: My coaches. Coach Jules – we call her Mama Bear – helps get me in the right mindset before each race. She also leads yoga classes at the end of training days, which help us reset. I also feel supported knowing that my coaches, Rob and Hillary, are positioned along the course to give me feedback at the end of the day. And I love skiing with my brother Kaleb – he pushes me to try harder terrain, like hiking to ski steep runs or deep powder.
SM: What does Steamboat mean to you in all of this?
PVA: Steamboat is my home – I was born and raised here. The community feels like a second family. They’ve supported me through ups and downs, always encouraging me to keep going. Whether I’m coming back from injury or celebrating a win, I’ve felt their support. I’ll always be thankful to be part of this town.
SM: What advice would you give to young athletes – especially those facing similar challenges?
PVA: Don’t doubt yourself. If you feel like giving up, try setting smaller goals that lead to your big one. That way you don’t feel overwhelmed. Maybe even create a vision board – that has helped me stay focused on skiing and other life goals.
Steamboat Springs native Paige VanArsdale has her sights set on representing Team USA at the 2026 Paralympics in Cortina, Italy. The para-Alpine ski racer – who lives with cerebral palsy – opened up about her journey, the community that’s supported her and the challenges she’s overcome along the way.
Steamboat Magazine: How did you first get involved in adaptive sports? Was there a moment that sparked it for you?
Paige VanArsdale: I started skiing when I was 3 years old. I skied with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, where volunteers would ski one-on-one with me so I could keep up with the group. I also did STARS ski camps, and later some of the instructors even asked me to buddy up with younger kids who needed support on the mountain. After leg surgery in sixth grade, my doctor told me I should start ski racing. Not long after, STARS started a race program with coach Tommy Moore. That’s how I ended up going to the NASTAR Nationals – and there I met ski racer Ted Ligety, which was really cool.
SM: What events are you hoping to compete in at the 2026 Paralympics in Cortina?
PVA: I race in para-Alpine skiing – slalom, giant slalom, super-G and downhill. During the 2023-24 season, FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) instigated a new rule of only being allowed to ski with one pole for standup skiers in my category. So I began training to get comfortable using one pole. My first race of the season was the day after Valentine’s Day in Canada. It was my first time competing in downhill. I fractured my tibial plateau during my second run. My FIS points suffered from missing the entire season. And I was cautious when I returned last season since I was coming back from that injury. I only podiumed in two races. I have a lot of ground to cover to improve my points to compete on the world stage. This season I’m getting Botox and physical therapy treatments in my right leg to help relieve the spasticity caused by my cerebral palsy. I hope this treatment will give me flexibility in my right leg to help with training and racing.
SM: Training for the Paralympics must be intense. What keeps you motivated?
PVA: My coaches. Coach Jules – we call her Mama Bear – helps get me in the right mindset before each race. She also leads yoga classes at the end of training days, which help us reset. I also feel supported knowing that my coaches, Rob and Hillary, are positioned along the course to give me feedback at the end of the day. And I love skiing with my brother Kaleb – he pushes me to try harder terrain, like hiking to ski steep runs or deep powder.
SM: What does Steamboat mean to you in all of this?
PVA: Steamboat is my home – I was born and raised here. The community feels like a second family. They’ve supported me through ups and downs, always encouraging me to keep going. Whether I’m coming back from injury or celebrating a win, I’ve felt their support. I’ll always be thankful to be part of this town.
SM: What advice would you give to young athletes – especially those facing similar challenges?
PVA: Don’t doubt yourself. If you feel like giving up, try setting smaller goals that lead to your big one. That way you don’t feel overwhelmed. Maybe even create a vision board – that has helped me stay focused on skiing and other life goals.