Challenge Mountain began as a dream of Darla Evans. In 1982, Darla took her daughter Chrisi to the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colorado.
 
Numerous birth defects had confined Chrisi to a wheel chair. By the end of the week, five year-old Chrisi 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. In 1984 Challenge Mountain became a reality.