Volunteer for Challenge Alaska Adaptive Ski and Snowboard School

By Jeremy Anderson
Special to the Turnagain Times

Wintertime is filled with many snowy activities that keep Alaskans moving and healthy. Volunteering at Challenge Alaska Adaptive Ski and Snowboard School is one way to keep you moving this winter. The time for sliding down the mountain on your skis and snowboards is quickly approaching.

This winter you should consider volunteering at Challenge Alaska and take the opportunity to help others feel that same enjoyment you find on the mountain.

Challenge Volunteer Andrea Cavner comes back year after year because “Everyone should be able to enjoy the mountain, and with adaptive skiing there is a way to get anyone out there,” she said. “But, I am amazed at how much I receive in return for my hours spent at Challenge. The clients, volunteers, skiing, and experiences of Challenge all add up to an amazing season. ”

Every season Challenge Alaska gets over 450 participants with physical and/or cognitive disabilities out on the snow. These participants are skiers and snowboarders of all ages and abilities. The Challenge Building is in Girdwood, conveniently located at the base of Alyeska Resort’s Chair 3 Bear Cub Quad and Magic Carpet. School groups from Anchorage and the Valley drive down for instruction during the week and volunteers are kept busy during the weekend with lessons for individual participants, small groups, and our race program. Challenge Alaska even hosts groups from Rural Alaska throughout the season.

Being a volunteer with Challenge Alaska allows you to meet lots of great people.

Longtime volunteer Aaron Murphy volunteers with Challenge Alaska because “It has the best of the best people to work with and be around,” he said. “There is nothing better than helping someone else succeed on the snow and then tearing it up with new and old friends until your legs are numb.”

Winter at Alyeska Resort is all about skiing, snowboarding, and loving the outdoors. Volunteering at Challenge Alaska is a way to enjoy the snow all winter long.

There are several volunteer information meetings coming up soon. Drop by to find out more about volunteering this season, ask questions about the program, and find out how it fits into your schedule.

Legendary volunteer Dave Connell explains, “The smiles we receive from the participants are the best payment you could ever receive,” he said. “It is what keeps me coming back.”

Come be part of our great program!

Volunteer Meetings:

Anchorage: Round Table Pizza in Dimond Center: Nov 4 & 17. 5:30-7 p.m.

Girdwood: Challenge Alaska Building: Nov 6 & 18. 5-6:30 p.m.

Fore more information contact Challenge Alaska.
Email: challenge.ski@alaska.net
Website: www.challengealaska.org
Telephone: 907-783-2925