Founded in the early 2000s at Gunstock Mountain Resort, Lakes Region Disabled Sports (LRDS) began as a small adaptive ski program within the resort’s ski school, named the Adaptive Learning Center. As participation grew, the program expanded into its own dedicated space around 2006, and built a strong foundation of instructor training, safety standards, and volunteer development. Under the leadership of dedicated advocates and educators, the volunteer corps grew significantly, creating the framework for the successful organization LRDS is today.

In 2011, the program formally transitioned into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, becoming Lakes Region Disabled Sports at Gunstock, Inc. Supported by the local community, LRDS increased access to adaptive recreation while expanding its equipment, programs, and volunteer base. Today, as a PSIA-AASI accredited member school and Move United affiliate, LRDS provides hundreds of adaptive winter sport lessons each season for children, adults, and veterans with physical, cognitive, sensory, and developmental disabilities, helping participants build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of outdoor recreation.