CAMO Rocky Mountain Retreats
Explore new outdoor recreation activities or enhance current ones with a CAMO Rocky Mountain Retreat! These multi-day, cost-free programs are open to any veteran with a VA disability rating. Please review our Eligibility Guidelines before applying. Submitted applications are reviewed by the CAMO staff, and applicants considered will be contacted for an interview to see if a Rocky Mountain Retreat is a good fit for them.
There are two categories of our Rocky Mountain Retreats; Introduction and Advanced.
Introduction programs are open to applicants who have NOT participated in a CAMO program before, and are new or beginner skill level to the retreat activity. Travel to the retreat location is provided by Challenge Aspen.
Advanced retreats are open to applicants who have OR have not attended a previous retreat, and have intermediate to advanced skill level in the activity selected. Travel to the retreat location is the responsibility of the participant.
All CAMO Rocky Mountain Retreats require a refundable $100 deposit to secure a spot. Upon completion of your retreat and survey, your deposit will be returned. Please see our Cancellation Policy.
Challenge Aspen provides the following for all CAMO Rocky Mountain Retreats
- Shared lodging
- Ground transportation from Aspen Airport and for all activities
- Breakfast (hotel), light lunch or snacks, and dinner
- Professional activity instruction
- Required activity equipment (unless specified in retreat description)
- Lift tickets or access fee
Interested in Attending?
To attend a Rocky Mountain Retreat with CAMO, please…
- Review our Eligibility Guidelines.
- Fill out the Retreat Application.
- Email ngillette@challengeaspen.org or call (970) 923-0578 to speak with a CAMO staff member for further instruction.
Winter 2023 / Summer 2024 Rocky Mountain Retreats
Introduction to Downhill Snowsports – Aspen/Snowmass, CO
December 15-20, 2023 (12 participants)
The perfect first step towards a lifelong activity! Never-ever or beginner participants learn to ski, snowboard, or use an adaptive device to navigate the slopes of Snowmass resort. This retreat consists of three days of small group or one-on-one lessons, and one day of rejuvenating wellness and hot springs soaking.
Introduction to Cross Country Snowsports – Estes Park, CO
February 5-9, 2024 (10 participants / 5 couples)
CAMO’s only retreat for veterans and their spouses, this retreat is a perfect chance to reconnect, spend quality time, and get to know others in an relaxed, inclusive environment. Spend three days learning to snow shoe and cross country ski around the stunning scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park.
Advanced Snowsports – Aspen/Snowmass, CO
March 3-8, 2024 (12 participants)
Already a seasoned skier or rider, and want to level up? This retreat will spend a day each at Snowmass, Aspen, and Aspen Highlands receiving top level coaching to improve the skills of intermediate to advanced participants. The week will wrap up with a full day of wellness and hot springs soaking. Participants are encouraged to bring their own ski equipment.
Advanced Archery – Basalt, CO
July 2024 (8 participants)
Experienced archers selected for this retreat will have a chance to tune their equipment, and test their skills with 2 days of shooting at our private range in Basalt CO, followed by 2 days of participation in the iconic Total Archery Challenge at Sunlight Mountain Resort. Participants are encouraged to bring their own archery equipment or required to purchase arrows for loaner bows.
Introduction to Mountain Biking – Aspen/Snowmass, CO
August 2024 (8 max participants)
Learn the skills to cruise singletrack safely and effectively on beginner trails from Snowmass to Glenwood Springs over 3 days of cross country and lift-assisted downhill park riding. Break up the riding and cool off with a day of whitewater rafting mixed in! Limited adaptive handcycle & tandem mountain bikes available.
Advanced Mountain Biking – Aspen/Snowmass, CO
September 2024 (8 participants)
Crank up the intensity of your riding with four full days of cross-country and downhill park riding, with dialed instruction from our certified coaches. Technical skills, jumping, and climbing skill focused. The riding will range from the alpine terrain of Snowmass Resort to desert riding of the Western Slope. Participants are encouraged to bring their own full-suspension mountain bike.
Introduction to Fly Fishing – Basalt, CO
October 2024 (8 participants)
There is no better way to immerse yourself in the peacefulness of fly fishing than a four-day beginner course in the Roaring Fork Valley. Home to several Gold Medal Water rated rivers and a culture of fly fishing, this retreat will build up the skills needed to use all basic equipment, and fish from land, in waders, or out of a Boulder Boatworks drift boat!
