Wounded veterans heal through skiing and riding in clinic hosted by STARS and Team Semper Fi

Wounded veterans heal through skiing and riding in clinic hosted by STARS and Team Semper Fi.

In 2011, Carlos Torres was unsure he would ever be able to play sports again. Just a handful of months later, he had fallen in love with skiing.

“I joined the Marine Corps right out of high school,” Torres said. “That was in 2007. I had six years in service... I stepped on an IED (improvised explosive device) on July 3, 2011. That set the stage for where I am now. It has been a challenge, but it hasn’t been as difficult as it could be because of the support us veterans have encountered.”

After losing his legs, Torres underwent a lengthy recovery process. Once he earned back some mobility, he began participating in events with Team Semper Fi, which is considered one of the greatest support systems in his life. These events take veterans like Torres all over the country to engage in various athletic activities.

This week, STARS Ranch welcomed Torres and 17 other wounded veterans for a ski clinic, allowing them to ski and ride at Steamboat Resort over a three-day camp. The clinic is hosted by America’s Fund and Team Semper Fi, in conjunction with Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports (STARS).

America’s Fund, established in 2004, has provided support for over 33,000 service members and their families, with a focus on a comprehensive healing process — body, mind and spirit. One branch is Team Semper Fi, offering sports programs that connect service members with athletic opportunities to help them physically and mentally.

Jon Lujan, Team Semper Fi’s winter sports program manager, expressed that their goal is to help service members regain a sense of purpose through sporting events. The team hosts roughly 4,000 veterans in sports events annually.

This ski trip had around 140 applicants but only 18 slots available. It focused on intermediate and advanced skiers who skied alongside STARS instructors, with some venturing into backcountry skiing.

For Torres, this ski trip was about connecting with fellow veterans, sharing stories late into the night, and engaging in fun activities like cornhole tournaments. “You come together and meet veterans from all over the country and build lasting relationships,” said Torres.

The event was a great reminder of the support and camaraderie shared among veterans, with Lujan noting that the therapy often occurs around the fire pit, strengthening their bonds beyond the slopes.