CONTACT US

EMAIL SIGNUP

MAILING ADDRESS (USPS)
PO BOX 6473
VAIL, COLORADO 81658

PHYSICAL ADDRESS (UPS/FEDEX)
12 VAIL ROAD, STE 200
VAIL, COLORADO 81657

Vail Veterans Program is a 501c3 Non-profit Organization.
Tax ID 20-5254885

RECENT NEWS

Jen Brown is new director of Vail Veterans Program
January 4, 2022

VAIL – The Vail Veterans Program, a nonprofit organization providing therapeutic and rehabilitative outdoor sports programs for wounded military service members and their families, has named Jen Brown as the organization’s new executive director. Brown is a well-respected community leader in the valley. Prior to joining the Vail Veterans Program, Brown worked as the managing… Read more »

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Vail Veterans Program welcomes an Israeli group: Israeli, U.S. veterans share a bond
December 16, 2021

VAIL – Those who have been invited to Vail Veterans Program events say those programs have changed their lives. Now that life-changing mountain therapy is reaching out to other veterans from other countries. The program this week has welcomed a group of seven veterans of the Israeli Defense Force. Those veterans are supported by Brothers for… Read more »

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Vail Veterans, 10th Mountain Whiskey: A spirited partnership
August 27, 2021

VAIL – Chris Fesmire lost his legs in combat. After active duty in the Marines, he found his purpose in Colorado. Fesmire was wounded in 2004, in Iraq. As he recovered, he was transferred to Walter Reed military hospital in Washington, D.C. On his first day there, in March of 2005, Vail Veterans Program founder… Read more »

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Programs and Events

Summer Therapeutic Outdoor Programs

Wounded warriors and their families participate in rock climbing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, zip lining, fly-fishing, and bowling. Family meals and bonding time promote emotional and mental healing. Activities and a wellness day provide coping mechanisms that outlast the Program.

Military Caregiver Programs

Caregivers of wounded Veterans focus on health and wellness in a safe and comfortable environment, while connecting with others confronting similar challenges and learning sustainable coping mechanisms. Activities include yoga, meditation, empowerment training, outdoor adventures, and group meals.

Winter Therapeutic Outdoor Programs

Wounded warriors and their families are offered four days of winter outdoor adaptive ski/snowboard instruction along with family meals, group social opportunities and beneficial family bonding time. Wounded warriors receive private, all-day certified adaptive ski/snowboard instruction. Family members of all ages receive group ski/snowboard lessons, childcare (if needed) as well as organized evening family activities that provide time to share their experiences.

Veterans Path to Success & Resilience Training Programs

In partnership with Johnson & Johnson’s Human Performance Institute, the Veterans Path to Success Program teaches participants how to expand their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy to sustain increased engagement, performance, and resiliency. These programs assist Veterans in defining their new sense of purpose after their military service. The Resilience Training course is a continuing education opportunity for alumni of Veterans Path to Success.

Family Support Programs

Vail Veterans Program stays engaged with our alumni by providing individual families with opportunities to return to Vail or to travel to Hawaii for the Red Box Legacy Program to continue on the healing journey and to reconnect with one another.  Vail Veterans Program also partners with Black Mountain Dude Ranch in McCoy, Colorado to host individual alumni families, up to three times per year, for a week of western fun, relaxation, and healing in a safe and comfortable environment.

Program Highlights

All programs are 100% free to wounded warriors, their families, guests, and military medical hospital staff.

During winter programs, wounded warriors receive all-day, private ski and snowboard instruction from PSIA (Professional Ski/Snowboard Instructors Association) certified adaptive instructors. And in summer, professionally trained guides provide summer outdoor recreational therapy.

Participants are supported by VVP Ambassadors and staff during and after program events.

Events are intimate, assisting wounded warriors and their families in finding their “new normal” and building community of mutual support that outlasts the programs.

Volunteer Info

Volunteer opportunities are limited as we strive to provide the highest quality experiences for our wounded military service member and their family through professional guides, certified instructors and gold-standard service providers. If you have an interest in volunteering and want to support our nation’s heroes please contact the Vail Veterans Program at info@vailveteransprogram.org  Thank you for your interest.