Established in 1984 as a non-profit organization, Challenge Mountain was the first independent adaptive skiing program in northern Michigan. Today, Challenge Mountain offers a wide variety of opportunities that continue to enrich lives and empower individuals living with disabilities through year-round adaptive recreation. All programming is centered on having fun, making and sustaining friendships, building confidence and independence and most importantly, fostering positive and hopeful expectations for living life with a disability. At Challenge Mountain, participants gain personal fulfillment through a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of acceptance which translates positively into their everyday lives.

Challenge Mountain truly recognizes the importance of recreation and leisure in the lives of all community members. We believe that all people, regardless of ability, should have opportunities to experience life and adventure, and in doing so realize their personal value, strengths and abilities. Inclusion of individuals living with disabilities in every aspect of community living helps our communities thrive.

Challenge Mountain builds relationships that last a lifetime and fosters communities where differences are diminished, blurred and often erased. Our programs are about more than just the participant experience. They are about the volunteers, staff, family and friends that are part of every experience. At Challenge Mountain, it’s the people who make the difference.

Challenge Mountain has an amazing network of programming and resale store volunteers with more than 150 individuals contributing over 15,000 volunteer hours annually. Strong bonds develop between our program staff, volunteers, participants and families and they serve as positive role models and inspiration for one another. Our staff and volunteers take great pride in their role as bridge builders – meaning they not only facilitate recreation activities in a safe environment that encourages social interactions, but also create opportunities where none exist. While we continue to grow our volunteer base year after year, many of our volunteers have been involved with CM since its inception and continue to introduce new, energetic volunteers to the organization through their involvement.

Reach for the stars, anything is possible and the sky’s the limit are phrases we all want to hear and believe. At Challenge Mountain these words are put into action and their power is instilled in every participant, staff member, volunteer, family member, and friend.

Each year, Challenge Mountain provides over 1,800 individual experiences to new and returning participants and their families through various programs and outings. Safety is our first priority and all staff and volunteers are trained to assist individuals living with

disabilities to participate in recreation activities. Our program director and volunteers are engaging and their interactions with each participant ensure that their experience is meaningful and memorable. Challenge Mountain programs are designed to promote each person’s potential while cultivating social and emotional well-being.

Outdoor recreation programs include:

 Downhill skiing

 Sit-skiing

 Snowboarding

 Snowshoeing

 Equine therapy

 Swimming

 Cycling

 Kayaking

 Challenge course activities

Spirit Day Camp is offered each summer and includes outings that allow individuals living with disabilities the opportunity to stay connected while enjoying community activities with friends. Activities differ from year-to-year and in the past have included:

 Trips to Mackinac Island

 Dinner and a movie

 Festival outings

 A day with the Young Americans

 Biking local trails

 Canoe trips and picnic lunches

 A day of boating, swimming beach time

Program participants

 Local and seasonal residents

 School groups

 Non-profit organizations serving individuals living with disabilities

Since 1984 Challenge Mountain has built relationships that last a lifetime and fostered communities where differences are diminished, blurred and often erased. Today, Challenge Mountain continues to enrich lives and empower individuals living with disabilities through year-round adaptive recreation. For more information about Challenge Mountain please visit challengemtn.org or contact Executive Director, Elizabeth Gertz Looze at director@challengemtn.org or 231-582-1186.