Challenge Mountain

08/31/2025

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: Challenge Mountain's original, and most well-known program, is our adaptive ski lessons. In 1982, Darla Evans 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.

While many operational changes have occured over years, we continue to offer adaptive ski lessons, and additional outdoor activities every winter. With a variety of equipment and trained volunteers, we can accommodate almost anyone. We offer our program to individuals, families, school groups and community organizations.

Summer might not be over yet, be we are always looking ahead at Challenge Mountain. While registration for ski lessons will not open until December, you can contact us anytime to inquire about our adaptive programs. Connect with us at 231.535.2141 or linda@challengemtn.org.

Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Boyne Area Chamber East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau

08/27/2025

It's time for us to announce our fall adaptive programs! Check out upcoming offerings, register online and join us TODAY. We have a great selection of adaptive recreation, creative arts and social events coming this September and October. We hope to see you soon at Challenge Mountain.



Boyne Area Chamber Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce

08/25/2025

We just wrapped up our summer art series - look at these amazing creations!
Want to join in the fun? Our next creative arts class will begin September 17 at Crooked Tree Arts Center - Petoskey. Check out our website for more information.


Boyne Area Chamber Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau

08/20/2025

A fantastic day for the SPIRIT CLUB at the Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair!

08/15/2025

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: At Challenge Mountain, we provide adaptive recreation not just to individuals and families, but also community groups and local special education classrooms. We specialize in adapting our activities to the fit the needs of students, teachers and group participants.

Want to give your students the opportunity to ride a bike but can't get bus transportation to a local bike trail? Challenge Mountain will bring our fleet of adaptive bikes to your school and teach students to ride in the parking lot.

Want to have a unique and exciting field trip? Challenge Mountain offers the chance to experience equine therapy, Camp Daggett Adventure Center, ski lessons at Boyne Mountain, and additional outdoor fun at our lodge throughout the year.

Want to engage your class or group in the creative arts? Challenge Mountain hosts a variety of art, music and dance classes in the spring and fall, perfect for anyone wanting to expand their creative side.

Best of all, these programs are FREE to all, and we are always willing to fit our schedule with your group's needs. If your a special education teacher, aide or community group leader, feel free to connect with us at any time to learn more about our programs and how to get involved. Contact us at 231.535.2141 or linda@challengemtn.org.

📚 Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Boyne Area Chamber East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce Charlevoix-Emmet ISD

08/12/2025

Challenge Mountain participants sailed on the high seas of Lake Charlevoix on the ship Champion. This wonderful experience was provided to us by the Maritime Heritage Alliance during Boyne City Pirate Fest. All had a great time and no one was forced to walk the plank!

08/06/2025

SPIRIT Day Camp may be over but the fun never stops at Challenge Mountain. Join us this month for a variety of adaptive programs, from biking to fishing to social club, we have it all. Read the flyer below and scan the QR code to register today! You can also see the program calendar and sign-up via our website, just go to challengemtn.org to find out about all we have to offer.


Boyne Area Chamber Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce

08/04/2025

Our final week of SPIRIT Day Camp has ended, and boy was it amazing. So many wonderful adventures, including the G.T. Butterfly House & Bug Zoo, Castle Farms, Petoskey Field House, First Tee - Northern Michigan, Boyne Mountain Resort, Harbor Springs Area Historical Society and so much more!!! We wouldn't have been able to enjoy these past three weeks of fun without our dedicated team of counselors. Here's to year 41 of SPIRIT Day Camp!



Petoskey Regional Chamber of Commerce Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce Boyne Area Chamber East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce

07/28/2025

Week 2 of SPIRIT Day Camp came and went so fast! We enjoyed a trip up to Mackinaw City, a cool morning exploring Northern Michigan Antique Flywheelers Club, swam at the East Jordan pool, toured Castle Farms and so much more. Not a single participant went home without a smile. Good times with good friends.

07/21/2025

Week 1 of SPIRIT Day Camp was full of fun, excitement and adventures. We can't believe how fast it went! So many great memories made for participants and staff alike. Now on to week 2!

07/18/2025