This past April, SkiBig3 had the chance to hang out with someone pretty special. Noah Elliott, a two-time Paralympic medalist and Team USA snowboarder, spent a few unforgettable days soaking up everything Banff has to offer. He rode at Lake Louise Ski Resort and Banff Sunshine Village, took in the views, and joined the crew at ShredAbility, a community event that celebrates adaptive snowsports and helps more people experience the joy of being in the mountains.
Let’s just say, Banff left its mark.
Surrounded by towering peaks, endless terrain, and welcoming locals, Noah felt right at home.
“I truly fell in love with the beauty around Banff,” Noah said. “Each mountain offers something unique and keeps the overall energy so high. I couldn’t help but notice the great energy that surrounds all of SkiBig3 and the resorts.”
From wide-open bowls to cruisy groomers, SkiBig3’s three resorts offer a little bit of everything. And for Noah, that meant the chance to tick off a bucket-list run. While riding at Sunshine Village, he linked up with a local guide named Luke, who helped him drop into the legendary Delirium Dive.
“I had a great opportunity to have a ripping guide at Sunshine Village,” Noah said. “Luke showed me around the resort and helped me achieve riding the famous Delirium Dive. That was inspiring for me and a memory I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.”
Noah Elliot at Banff Sunshine by Jillian Tester
Noah’s visit lined up perfectly with ShredAbility, a one-of-a-kind event hosted by Rocky Mountain Adaptive. Riders team up in groups of two to four and take on a mountain-wide treasure hunt, solving clues and completing adaptive challenges along the way. Challenges include trying out a sit ski or navigating a course with limited vision. The event is open to all trail types and ability levels.
“The ShredAbility Event was very fun and inspiring,” Noah said. “It helps showcase adaptive riders at all levels out enjoying the mountains. I got to meet a bunch of new friends and learn more about Rocky Mountain Adaptive. I’m looking forward to seeing them all again.”
The event raises funds to support outdoor recreation programs for individuals living with disabilities. Every turn helps create more access and opportunity.
Shredability 2025 Image by Rocky Mountain Adaptive
Noah grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, where he quickly fell in love with skateboarding. It became his passion and sparked a goal to go pro. That dream was put on pause when he was diagnosed with bone cancer a week after his 16th birthday.
“During my time in the hospital, I discovered the Paralympics and snowboarding,” he said. “Snowboarding became that new goal and that new passion of mine. So if I were to survive my diagnosis, I had a dream for life after cancer.”
He did survive, and he made that dream happen. Today, Noah is a gold and bronze medalist, a leader in the adaptive sports community, and someone who continues to chase adventure with purpose.
“The mountains have taught me so much,” Noah shared. “The biggest lesson has to be humility. The mountains will humble anything that comes across their paths. We are so lucky we get to play in the beautiful places on Earth.”
Noah Elliot at Lake Louise Ski Resort by Jillian Tester
Right now, Noah is nominated for a 2025 ESPY Award. He’s in the running for Best Athlete with a Disability, and your vote can help him bring it home.
Vote for Noah here.
Scroll to Question 11 to find his category. Voting is open until July 16.
Want to see more from Noah? Give him a follow at @elliott_sendy on Instagram. From powder days to podiums, he’s just getting started. You can expect big things from him in the seasons ahead. Keep up with his journey and help share the inspiration by sharing his story.
And if you ask us, Banff looked pretty good on him.
Alberta
