Not all of the ski resorts in Michigan are open as at this writing (Jan. 6, 2007), but many have natural and man-made snow and are in full swing, according to this Michigan snow report.

This list from Ski Central gives links to a variety of ski hills and programs for disabled skiing. Challenge Mountain, in Boyne, Michigan, is a great-sounding facility dedicated to summer and winter accessible sports. According to their website, they are waiting for snow! It’s one place to keep an eye on, from the look of the facilities.

Challenge Mountain has outreach programs at Boyne USA Resorts and at Caberfae Peaks. Both of these are on the list of resorts included in the McDonald’s ski discounts. The discounts might make it easier to take the whole family skiing. Additionally, Boyne has free lift tickets for seniors over 70.

Challenge Mountain has outreach programs at Boyne USA Resorts and at Caberfae Peaks. Both of these are on the list of resorts included in the McDonald’s ski discounts. The discounts make it easier to take the whole family skiing. Additionally, Boyne has free lift tickets for seniors over 70, and Caberfae Peaks gives seniors discounts. There are various offers for students and families at both resorts.

According to Challenge Mountain’s website, Caberfae Peaks has been hosting an outreach program for disabled skiers since 2002. Generously, Caberfae Peaks have provided free lift tickets to Challenge Mountain outreach participants and Boyne USA Resorts has given Challenge Mountain outreach participants half-price lift tickets.

It looks like the Michigan ski community is a great example of community spirit.

Here’s what Challenge Mountain Executive Director Sue Moody says:

“We do not charge at our facility in Boyne Falls [that would be at Challenge Mountain itself]. We are actively seeking funding for scholarships for those who cannot afford to pay the 1/2 price for the ticket. We work very hard to provide our own financial support so we can offer our programs free of charge or at least in the Boyne Outreach case, very, very inexpensively. There is not any charge for rentals either for adaptive equipment at any of the 3 areas we operate at.”

As with many special programs, Challenge Mountain has many volunteers. If you love skiing and want to help out, you would probably be very welcome.