03/28/26: Adaptive Ski Lessons - Winter Weekends

Thank you for your interest in our Adaptive Ski Lessons! 

Adaptive skiing was the first program started by Challenge Mountain over 40 years ago, and we continue that tradition to this day. From sit skis to bi-skis, from snowboards to snowshoes, from sleds to helmets, participants have access to equipment at no charge thanks to generous donor support. We have trained staff and volunteers ready to help all, whether you’ve never skied before, or done it 100 times. Challenge Mountain is dedicated to providing everyone a chance to engage in recreation and community.

Please read the following information carefully.

Due to limited space, we can only serve so many individuals on any given date. We require at least a 48-hour notice to ensure the availability of instructors. 

Location: Helga's Haus located at Boyne Mountain Resort

Time of Lessons: Our individual lessons on Saturdays occur from 10am - 12pm and 1 - 3pm. You can choose either a morning or an afternoon session, not both! Lessons will last approximately 1-1/2 hours, depending on ability. If you’d like to ski for a longer duration, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate.

Cost: Thanks to generous donors, we provide adaptive ski lessons, equipment, and a lift ticket at no additional charge for the individual receiving the lesson and their primary support person. Additional family members are welcome to borrow our equipment at no cost; however, they will need to purchase a lift ticket to Boyne Mountain if they wish to join the participant on the slopes.

Things to Bring: Warm layers: ski socks or tall warm socks, snow pants, and jacket. We have skis, ski boots, helmets, and goggles to borrow.

Please contact Linda Armstrong at linda@challengemtn.org or call 231.535.2141 with ANY questions or concerns. Sometimes it is just easier to have a conversation over the phone .

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A Little Skiing Background

Challenge Mountain began as a dream of Darla Evans, a parent of a child living with a disability. Her daughter was confined to a wheelchair with limited opportunities available for her to experience activities with family and friends. In 1982, Darla 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 a 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 from Darla that she return to Michigan and begin a similar program, and this is where the story of Challenge Mountain begins.

For more about Challenge Mountain history, CLICK here.