Special Outdoor Leisure Opportunities (SOLO)
We would like to extend an invitation to you the opportunity to learn to ski. Our program is open to any ambulatory student, including crutch walkers, with physical, visual, auditory, or significant mental impairments. Skiers should be at least 8 years old.
SOLO offers two different programs. One program is downhill skiing and the other is cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Students may ski in one program or both.
The downhill skiing program takes place at Swiss Valley Ski Area in Jones, Michigan, for six consecutive Mondays starting at the beginning of January. We have a bus that departs at 6 p.m. from Memorial’s Lighthouse Center, 6901 Main St. in Granger, Indiana. The bus takes us to Swiss Valley and brings us back to the Lighthouse Center at 10 pm.
The cross-country program takes place from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on six consecutive Saturdays starting at the beginning of January, at Rum Village Park in South Bend, Indiana.
SOLO WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1979 THROUGH THE ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PARKS DEPARTMENT, SPECIAL OLYMPICS AND MEMORIAL HOSPITAL IN CONJUNCTION WITH SEVERAL SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS.
Today it operates as its own, independent organization with tax-exempt 501(c)(3) status and a board. It is an all volunteer organization with no paid staff.
SOLO is a volunteer program directed by community professionals who contribute to the independence of those who face daily challenges beyond their control. With the aid of special equipment and skilled instructors, SOLO has made skiing a reality for hundreds of disabled individuals in our area for over 35 years. SOLO instructors are trained in adapted ski techniques for teaching physically, visually, and mentally disabled individuals from age 8 to adult.
SOLO currently conducts a downhill skiing program at Swiss Valley Ski Area in Jones, Mich., and a cross-country and snowshoeing program at Rum Village Park in South Bend, Ind.
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