Don’t have time to read? You can listen to the Steve Karczewski Podcast here.
The mountain town lifestyle is built on a foundation of adventure, resilience, and pushing the limits of what’s possible in the great outdoors. In Colorado’s Rocky Mountains—specifically the stunning Roaring Fork Valley—one name stands out among the most fearless and inspiring athletes: Steve Karczewski.
A Life Defined by Determination
Steve’s journey began with a challenge that would shape his incredible story. Born with bone cancer in his left leg, he endured a year of chemotherapy and travelled across the country in search of a cure. Ultimately, to prevent the disease from spreading, his leg was amputated above the knee. But rather than letting this define or limit him, Steve adapted. Having lost his leg at a young age, he never experienced life with two legs, so for him, his version of normal has always been about defying expectations.
With the unwavering support of his parents, Steve was raised to believe he could do anything. He spent his childhood just as any other adventurous kid would—playing sports, exploring the outdoors, and embracing the thrill of movement. By the time he reached middle school, he had discovered a passion for skiing and mountain biking—activities that would later become the centre of his life.
Carving His Own Path
If you find yourself on the slopes of Snowmass Mountain in winter or the mountain biking trails in summer, you might catch a glimpse of Steve racing past you—on just one ski or launching off the biggest jumps on his bike. What sets him apart is not just his physical ability but his fearless approach to the steepest, toughest terrain. While many people view his accomplishments as extraordinary, Steve sees them as simply the way he has always lived his life. “Since it happened to me when I was young, I don’t know what it feels like to have two legs,” he explains. “So this seems normal to me.”
Originally from High Bridge, New Jersey, Steve’s athleticism and determination led him to Colorado in 2008 when he was recruited by Challenge Aspen, an organisation dedicated to providing outdoor opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Training with their Paralympic racing team, Steve honed his skiing skills but quickly realised that competition wasn’t his passion. Instead, he focused on mastering the sport on his own terms. He trained without a prosthetic and initially used outriggers—small skis attached to his poles—to maintain balance. But soon, he decided to ditch those too, opting to ski with just a single ski and regular poles, an uncommon approach even among adaptive athletes.
Taking on the Mountains—Literally
Beyond the ski slopes and biking trails, Steve has also summited some of the world’s most challenging peaks. In 2018, he joined ROMP Global, a nonprofit dedicated to providing prosthetic care for those in need, and summited Cotopaxi, a towering 19,347-foot/ 5,897.6 metres volcano in Ecuador. To prepare for this daunting challenge, Steve set his sights on Colorado’s famous 14ers—peaks that rise above 14,000 feet/ 4,267.2 metres. His first summit was Castle Peak, followed by La Plata Peak, both of which helped him acclimate to high altitudes before taking on Cotopaxi. Not stopping there, Steve later reached the summit of Mt. Elbert, Colorado’s tallest peak, with his mountain bike!
A True Mountain Town Legend
To call Steve an inspiration would be an understatement. Known as the “Pirate of the Roaring Fork Valley,” he has made the mountains his playground since moving west in 2007. Whether carving down the slopes on his single ski or tearing through the rugged backcountry on two wheels, his motto says it all: “2 Legs is 2 Easy!” Steve embodies the idea that limitations are only the ones we impose on ourselves.
So next time you hit the slopes or trails, take a page from Steve’s book—push your limits, embrace the adventure, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.
Fun Facts About Steve
- Hometown: Snowmass Village, CO
- Favourite Mountain: Aspen/Snowmass
- Ski of Choice: Nomad 115
- Summited Cotopaxi (19,347 ft) with 11 other amputees
Get your tickets to see Steve in the film ‘2 Legs is 2 Easy’ at the Banff Mountain Film Festival touring Australia this May! Follow this link – https://banffaustralia.com.au/tickets/
