Ellie Bartlett Junior Racers adaptive skiing event moved from Hoodoo to Mt. Bachelor due to this year’s low snow
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Low snow conditions have prompted organizers of the Ellie Bartlett Junior Racers adaptive skiing event to move Saturday’s program from Hoodoo Ski Area to Mt. Bachelor.
The event provides young athletes with disabilities a low-barrier entry point into alpine sports. The program, organized by Oregon Adaptive Sports, focuses on a non-competitive experience for youth in Central Oregon.
The event is typically held at Hoodoo Ski Area but was relocated to Mt. Bachelor this year due to challenging snow conditions. Organizers said the temporary move allows them to maintain safety and appropriate on-snow conditions for participants while continuing the seasonal program.
The Bartlett Junior Racers event is structured to prioritize time on the snow, rather than competition. Participants ski in a supported environment that emphasizes exploration and repetition.
This non-competitive approach is designed to encourage participation among children and young adults with disabilities.
The event is named in memory of Bartlett, who was a prominent member of the Oregon Adaptive Sports community. Bartlett was known for her work recruiting and organizing volunteers from the University of Oregon to support adaptive programs.
The Bartlett Memorial Fund provides financial support for the event to ensure it remains a low-barrier opportunity for youth athletes.
Oregon Adaptive Sports, founded in 1996 provides adaptive outdoor recreation throughout the year.
While the Junior Racers event focuses on alpine skiing, the organization offers various programs for children and young adults with disabilities across Central Oregon, including nowboarding, Nordic skiing, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and golf. These programs aim to provide consistent access to outdoor activities in the region.
For more information about Ellie Bartlett Junior Racers or Oregon Adaptive Sports youth programs, visit:https://oregonadaptivesports.org/sport/ellie-bartlett-jr-racers/