WINTER PARK, Colo. — It may have been the end of March and the onset of spring, but for Stephen Scott and his family, a late weekend in March truly was a winter wonderland.

Coming all the way from Spanish Fort, Kellie Scott and her son, Stephen, daughter, Johannah, and aunt, Marie House, had their wish come true thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alabama and Georgia.

The foundation sent the family to the Rockies for a six-day vacation in the snow. Stephen and his family went tubing one day, dog-sledding another and horseback riding through the snow before setting off for their biggest adventure, skiing.

“The dog sled ride was so cool, Stephen loved it,” said Kellie. “Stephen rides horses as part of his physical therapy, so he was able to ride by himself through the snow, which was great”

Stephen, 7, lives with his cerebral palsy every day but never lets it get in the way of enjoying his life. On Saturday, Stephen was able to go skiing for the first time at Winter Park thanks to the help of his instructors, and a set of modified skis.

The skis consisted of a chair set on top of skis, and a set of skis attached to hand crutches for turning.

“He really loved it. I could tell by his seeing his eyes light up behind his goggles,” Kellie said. “He even skipped the kiddie slopes and his instructors took him to the top of the mountain.

“His sister, Johannah, was upset because she was still at the bottom, and he was at the top.”

The trip had been about a year in the making. Kellie’s mother spoke with a friend about Make-A-Wish at a yard sale, and afterward, the family sent Stephen’s information to the charity.

Once accepted into the program, Stephen himself made the wish to go skiing and to see snow.

“It was very impressive how they can adapt skis for so many different types of people. They invited us back, and next time Stephen wants to try snowboarding,” said Kellie.

As for his mother, while Stephen was out on the slopes, she decided to wait it out in the lodge after one too many falls.

“We didn’t find a shirt that said ski school dropout,” she said with a laugh.

The family returned home on Sunday, but they all agreed that the trip was a success. A young boy’s wish came true, and his family was there to experience that with him.

“It was good. Skiing was my favorite part because going down the mountain, I didn’t fall much,” said Stephen. “My wish came true.”