“If I can do this, I can do anything”

Friendly Wheels, Issue 70
December 2013

With Challenge Mountain

Challenge Mountain has been enhancing the lives of people with special needs for more than 28 years. The skiing program works to provide accessible outdoor recreational activities.

Darla Evans had the idea after taking her daughter Christi to a similar ski program in Winter Park, Colorado. She founded Challenge mountain, based in Boyne City, MI. in 1984.

After visiting Colorado, Darla vowed to return to Michigan and start a similar program. With the help of many volunteers and a donation of 160 acres of land from Boyne USA. She transformed the old Walloon ski area into Challenge Mountain.

The organization was built with adaptive skiing in mind, but the winter program also includes snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding and cross-country skiing. Operating year round, Challenge Mountain is more than just a ski resort. The summer program includes biking, camping, water sports and more.

About Challenge Mountain

Challenge Mountain provides many of their services free of charge, including equipment, lessons and lodging. This is thanks to grants, two resale stores, numerous fundraising events and many volunteers.

From toddlers to 79 year-olds, people with a wide range of disabilities have enjoyed the freedom of outdoor sports.

Bill Astle makes the drive north from Grand Rapids, Mich. to enjoy the slopes. “I owe a lot of the success of my mono-skiing to Challenge Mountain and the staff.”

The staff is committed to providing an exciting day of fun without sacrificing guest safety. Program Director Mike Hurchick stresses the importance of evaluating the needs of each individual before heading out on the slopes. For maximum safety, each guest’s physical and mental abilities are evaluated, along with considerations for any medication they are taking.

Many volunteers have been with the program for more than 20 years, and some families have been involved for generations. Volunteers agree that time helping is well worth bringing families together and providing an adventure.

“I am proud to have been part of the team for the past 8 years. I get way more out of being there than I give,” said volunteer, Lynn Malusi.

Mike, along with the other staff and volunteers truly believe in the Challenge Mountain motto:

“If I can do this, I can do anything!”

They have witnessed thousands of individuals accomplish things they never thought possible. “To see a smile on their face when they can get out of a wheelchair and experience the outdoors for the first time is very special,” Mike said.

To learn more about Challenge Mountain or make a donation, visit http://cmski.org/.

Click here for a video of the Challenge Mountain experience.