Boyne Falls, MI - Challenge Mountain, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to help the physically impaired, mentally challenged and at-risk youth maximize their potential through outdoor therapeutic recreational activities, has teamed up with Boyne USA Resorts to create a satellite program to expand amenities and the length of the snowsports season offered to their participants.
Challenge Mountain and Boyne USA Resorts have a long-standing history. In 1984, Everett Kircher, founder of Boyne USA Resorts, made a gift of the old Walloon Hills Ski Area, which included 160 acres of land and an existing lodge to Challenge Mountain. In recent years, the facility has experienced a gigantic boost in the number of participants who have learned about the benefits and freedom of the adaptive skiing and snowboarding programs offered at Challenge Mountain. And although staff and board members are pleased with the participant increase of over 75% in recent years, Challenge Mountain faces obstacles. Without modern snow making equipment, the adaptive skiing and snowboarding programs often cannot begin until the end of January when there is enough snow on the slopes.
Kathryn Kircher Krug, a board member of Boyne USA Resorts and Challenge Mountain has been a passionate supporter of the benefits people of all abilities gain through recreation and approached Challenge Mountain with the idea of hosting their adaptive winter programs at Boyne Mountain. The idea was received with open arms.
Beginning the 06/07 snowsports season, Challenge Mountain and Boyne USA Resorts are launching the satellite program, which will move some of Challenge Mountain's winter programs to Boyne Mountain. The goal of both organizations is to increase and enhance the opportunities to enjoy outdoor winter activities for those with special needs.
"I view this as a unique opportunity to expand our adaptive recreation programs to a wider base of participants through heightened awareness and an expanded snowsports season," said Sue Moody, Executive Director of Challenge Mountain.
"Using the resources and amenities that Boyne Mountain offers also allows for additional monies to be invested into programming, therefore improving the participant's experience. The Challenge Mountain programs are all about building confidence and putting a smile on people's faces. And we're thrilled to host these programs and create greater awareness of the gift that Challenge Mountain delivers," said Kathryn Kircher Krug, board member of Boyne USA Resorts and Challenge Mountain.
All Challenge Mountain programs are donation based and are facilitated by an all volunteer force. For more information on Challenge Mountain or to inquire about volunteer opportunities, please call 231.535.2141 or visit www.challengemtn.org.
For more information on Boyne, please call 800.GO.BOYNE or visit www.Boyne.com.
Boyne USA Resorts, a Michigan-based corporation, is the largest privately owned four-season resort company in North America. Boyne USA Resorts owns and/or operates numerous mountain and golf resorts throughout the United States and Canada including Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands, and The Inn at Bay Harbor - A Renaissance Golf Resort in Michigan, Big Sky Resort in Montana, Brighton in Utah, Crystal Mountain in Washington, Gatlinburg Sky Lift in Tennessee, and Cypress Mountain near Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information on Boyne USA Resorts, please visit www.boyneusa.com