Who We Are

Maine Handicapped Skiing (MHS) was founded in 1982 by Dr. Omar (Chip) Crothers, a Portland-based orthopedic surgeon and Leslie B. Otten, founder of American Skiing Company. Dr. Crothers was amazed to see a young patient of his with cerebral palsy skiing easily on the slopes at Sunday River. He spoke to Mr. Otten at Sunday River and together they created Maine Handicapped Skiing, the first adaptive ski organization in Maine for people with physical disabilities.  

In 1982 MHS was housed at Sunday River’s South Ridge Lodge with 8 participants, 2 volunteers and one part-time staff member. Today, MHS has its own 4300 square foot slope side facility at Sunday River.

Maine Handicapped Skiing:

• Has gone from one winter sport to 4 winter sports and 4 winter locations
• Has grown from 8 participants to over 300 participants annually
• Has expanded from 2 volunteers to over 390 volunteers annually
• Has created a full summer program of golf, cycling and paddling

 

In the past few years Maine Handicapped Skiing has:

• Developed a Junior Volunteer program for teens, ages 16 & 17
• Created an Alpine Race Team for MHS athletes who want to increase their skiing and riding skills and compete in sanctioned races
• Become a host of a Diana Golden Level I Race at Sunday River
• Developed a program for veterans and active duty service personnel with physical disabilities called Veterans/No Boundaries

 

We believe that the skills our participants gain at MHS will enhance other aspects of their lives; giving them self-confidence, self-motivation, increased physical strength and an improved self-image.

It is our hope that our participants will continue to be active in sports with family and friends all through their lives.

MHS is a 501 (c ) 3 non-profit tax exempt organization.

< back to About Us