Challenge Aspen CEO Lindsay Cagley.
Community leader, Snowmass local and Nashville native Lindsay Cagley joined Challenge Aspen (challengeaspen.org) as its CEO in May 2021, inspired by her father, who suffered a massive stroke leading to hemiplegia and many other life-changing secondary disabilities. Cagley has worked with various boards and nonprofits, such as Breckenridge’s Mountain Top Explorium and the Snowmass Village Rotary Club. She and her husband reside in Snowmass Village with their 6-year-old son, who loves skiing at all four Aspen Snowmass mountains. Here, Cagley gets candid about life in Snowmass and her altruistic endeavors.
As CEO, what is the most rewarding part of your job? Since Challenge Aspen empowers people with disabilities through adaptive adventures, I can witness incredible people realize new dreams. We are often present for someone’s best day—no greater joy exists.
Why is Snowmass the perfect place for Challenge Aspen? The diversity of terrain and the fact that most of the accommodations are ski-in, ski-out are all key contributors. Aspen Skiing Company has built an incredible infrastructure that offers ski and snowboarding terrain for natural skill progression. It’s the best place to learn but also the best place to level up your skills.
What is your mantra when it comes to your business? Possibilities are limitless when there is equitable access and support. Challenge Aspen offers exposure to the world of adaptive recreation by introducing people to new experiences and fosters the growth and development of adaptive athletes.
Describe your ideal day in Snowmass. Every day starts with a sunrise hike with our dog, Dolly. Any day involving skiing is a great day, especially with my husband and first grader. I love stopping into Sam’s for soup or pasta, and if we still have energy at the end of the day, there’s free ice skating in Snowmass Base Village. My son loves the game lounge at The Collective, and no day is complete without ice cream from Sundae. We also love to visit Il Poggio or Kenichi for dinners.
What’s your favorite season in Snowmass and why? My favorite season is always whichever season comes next. We love hiking, flyfishing, music festivals and camping in the spring, summer and fall, but skiing owns our winter and provides an incredible lifestyle.
What do you wish for the future of Challenge Aspen? We’re building a sustainable future where adaptive programs can thrive and remain affordable to participants long after I’m gone. That looks like a well-funded endowment, a true adaptive community center to serve as Challenge Aspen’s home base, a resource for the entire community, and the most innovative technology and equipment in adaptive sports.
Photography by: PHOTO BY JEREMY SWANSON
