Challenge Mountain

To support: https://challengemtn.org/donate/ (12) Facebook

2205 Springbrook Rd N, Boyne Falls, MI 49713

(231) 535-2141

Recreational programming for those with disabilities centered on having fun, making friendships, and building confidence and independence

    Challenge Mountain began as a dream of a parent of a child living with a disability. Her daughter was confined to a wheelchair with limited opportunities available to experience activities with family and friends. In 1982, she took her daughter, Chrissy, to the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colorado so she could learn to ski like her siblings and friends. By the end of the week, five-year-old Chrissy was skiing with special equipment adapted to her needs. She discovered freedom she had never known, self-confidence, and self-esteem!

    The operator of the Winter Park program refused to accept payment for the week of skiing. Instead, he elicited a promise that she return to Michigan and begin a similar program, and this is where the story of Challenge Mountain begins. The founder of Boyne Resorts, donated Walloon Hills Ski Area to Challenge Mountain and this dream became a reality. This was just the beginning of what has grown to become year-round adaptive recreation programs and opportunities for individuals living with disabilities in northern Michigan and beyond.

    Challenge Mountain believes that having access to and participating in recreational and social activities is integral to the well-being and fulfilling life for every person. With limited activities available to individuals living with disabilities to experience all northern Michigan has to offer, Challenge Mountain has grown over the last 30 years from offering only winter programs to providing over 1,900 individual experiences to new and returning participants and their families through various programs and outings all year long!

    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. Past, present, and future, Challenge Mountain represents opportunity – the opportunity to show support, take risks, conquer challenges, and achieve our greatest potential, together.

    To support: https://challengemtn.org/donate/