Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center

 

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BOEC Winter Internship


 

Dates: November 1 – April 15
Location: Breckenridge, Colorado

Program Overview

The BOEC Winter Internship offers a hands-on, professional learning experience in adaptive snowsports instruction and outdoor education. Interns will teach skiing and snowboarding to individuals with a wide range of physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities while gaining insight into nonprofit operations, adaptive recreation, and community living.

Interns live and work on-site at the BOEC’s Wilderness Program Campus, participate in intensive training, and support daily operations, facilities, and logistics alongside BOEC staff. Interns are students, educators, teammates, and community members—all working toward BOEC’s mission of inclusive outdoor adventure.

Internship Purpose

The Internship Program is designed to provide both students and emerging professionals with in-depth, practical experience in adaptive recreation. By combining individuals with various levels of outdoor education backgrounds, the internship fosters a collaborative, comprehensive learning environment. Interns are supervised by the Internship Program Manager, Stephanie Zukowski.

Internship Perks

  • $200/month stipend

  • Housing and all meals provided

  • Free ski pass to Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and A-Basin

  • Ski/snowboard gear provided (adaptive and standard equipment)

  • Uniform for Ski Office provided

  • Ongoing training and mentorship

  • Rec center passes

  • Mental health resources

Internship Goals

Interns will:

  • Develop awareness and understanding of people of all abilities

  • Gain adaptive ski/snowboard instruction experience

  • Build leadership and facilitation skills

  • Practice program planning, assessment, and evaluation

  • Strengthen technical outdoor skills and adaptive strategies

  • Engage in administrative tasks if desired (e.g., fundraising, marketing, program planning)

  • Build professional habits in a nonprofit setting

  • Cultivate a collaborative, supportive intern cohort

 

Community & Training Expectations

Interns live in communal housing and participate in weekly cleaning, shared meals, meetings, and community-building activities. Interns are expected to contribute positively to the intern community by being inclusive, respectful, and communicative.

The first 3–4 weeks consist of intensive training through experiential education, lectures, hands-on practice, and mentorship. Attendance at all training sessions is required.

Topics include:

  • Adaptive snow sports techniques (ski/ride)

  • PSIA-aligned teaching strategies

  • Disability awareness and etiquette

  • Transfer training and risk management

  • Outdoor leadership and facilitation

  • Logistics, van driving, and equipment management

  • Community living and inclusion

Teaching Adaptive Snowsports

Interns will:

  • Learn and teach adaptive skiing and/or snowboarding

  • Become familiar with adaptive equipment (mono-ski, bi-ski, outriggers, tethers, etc.)

  • Develop technical skills and progress as instructors

  • Conduct student assessments and design lessons accordingly

  • Document goals, progress, and daily notes for each lesson

  • Build rapport with students of all ages and abilities

  • Progress toward leading lessons independently 

Intern Responsibilities

Interns are considered integral members of the BOEC staff and are expected to:

  • Maintain a professional attitude and appearance

  • Engage fully in training and programming

  • Demonstrate curiosity and commitment to growth

  • Communicate clearly and respectfully with participants, staff, and peers

  • Assist with facilities tasks such as snow shoveling, equipment cleaning, gear inventory, and general maintenance

  • Support administrative needs as appropriate

  • Collaborate with fellow interns and BOEC staff to uphold the mission

Paperwork & Requirements

Interns must complete all onboarding documents before their start date. This includes:

  • Internship agreement (if for school credit)

  • Risk & liability forms

  • Driving history documentation

  • Online background check

  • Proof of valid driver’s license, First Aid & CPR certification

  • Copy of passport, visa, or Social Security card

  • Proof of recent physical and current health insurance

Ready to Join?

The BOEC Winter Internship is ideal for those seeking professional development in adaptive sports, therapeutic recreation, outdoor education, and nonprofit leadership. Whether you’re a current student or a recent graduate, this immersive experience will push you to grow personally and professionally.

 

Additional Information About Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center

The Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing adaptive sports, outdoor adventure, and experiential education for individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities and special needs. Based in Breckenridge, Colorado, the BOEC offers transformative experiences that empower participants, foster independence, and build community. Through programs like skiing, rafting, ropes courses, and wilderness expeditions, the BOEC promotes inclusion, growth, and a love for the outdoors.