Mountain Mayhem: Moving Mountains with Challenge Aspen

Snowmass Village-based nonprofit Challenge Aspen presented its annual gala on a beautiful midsummer evening in July at the base of Buttermilk Mountain. This year’s theme was Moving Mountains, representing the hard work and dedication shown day in and day out by Challenge Aspen participants as they rethink what is possible. 

Since 1995, Challenge Aspen has provided year-round adaptive recreation opportunities for people of all ages and disabilities, including outdoor activities, camps, and veterans’ programs. In doing so, it’s created a caring and loyal community that continues to grow and flourish.

Designed to be an interactive event, the Mountain Mountains gala featured demos like Ranger Stitch’s embroidery station, which is always a hit, and hands-on adaptive activities such as an archery range, adding an unexpected twist to the evening.  

Kyle Coon, a Paralympian triathlete, served as the event emcee and spoke to the importance of sport in life. At the age of seven, he lost his eyes to cancer and was rendered fully blind. He used to live in Carbondale, and his parents still do, though now lives in Colorado Springs and continues to ski regularly with Challenge Aspen. Look for him later this month when he competes in the Paralympic Games in Paris. 

Keynote speaker Retired Army Doctor Mary Porter headlined the program, speaking about how skiing has been a constant in her life before, during, and since being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Tickets were carefully priced to cover all the fixed costs of the event, ensuring every dollar of every donation made at the gala would impact Challenge Aspen’s mission and ability to serve participants. A paddle raise and live auction helped further support the mission-critical fund-raising for year-round adaptive programs and scholarships. 

challengeaspen.org.