Our mission is to provide healthy, one-to-one instructed outdoor winter exercise and fun so participants can build confidence and self-esteem to improve everyday life experiences.

Cascade Ridge Racers Alpine Ski/Snowboard Program was originally formed in 1984 with the intention of providing wintertime athletic activities for the developmentally delayed community in the greater Seattle-Tacoma region. The program was created with passion and love by Doris and Joe Harlacher (founding members of Crystal Mountain Ski Resort; Northwest Ski Hall of Fame Inductees 2014). The program subsequently rebranded as the Cascade Ridge Racers in 1995 and has been directed by Solomon Hutchinson from 1998 to present day. Cascade Ridge Racers supports over 25 athletes with 30+ coaches and volunteers annually and operates at the Summit of Snoqualmie in Washington State.

Participants

Participants in the CRR Ski and Snowboard Program vary in age ranging from 13 to 65 years. This includes men and women, and boys and girls with varying mental and physical challenges.

Coaches

Beginner, intermediate, and advanced ski/snowboard instruction, and coaching are provided by ULLR Inc. staff members who volunteer their time for this worthwhile program. The program staff receive special training by instructors and coaches certified by both the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA-NW) and the Washington State Special Olympics (WSSO). Ullr Inc. – a PSIA member ski and snowboard school, has provided over 50 years of quality instruction for the Bellevue Ski School. It is an equal opportunity employer and operates as a concessionaire under a US Forest Service permit issued to Ski Lifts, Inc. (The Summit at Snoqualmie), our partners in "winter recreation".

This ski and snowboard program, under the direction of Solomon Hutchinson, is supported financially by the Life Enrichment Foundation, 501(C)(3) for people with disabilities, to whom donations can be made which are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Discounted lift tickets provided by Ski Lifts Inc.

Donate

100% of our programs non-tuition funding comes from public and private donors just like you. Because of the financial circumstance of many of our participants, the program tuition fee does not fully cover the operating costs of this program. That’s why donations are so vital to our success.

Cascade Ridge Racers Ski Program receives its funding from a local foundation – Life Enrichment Foundation – a 501c3 non-profit foundation compelled to support local programs to further enhance the lives of King County residents with special needs.

Since the Foundation's inception in 1984, over $300,000 has been donated to programs ranging from community dances and art classes to Cascade Ridge Racers’ participation in Special Olympics Winter Games. Through further support, these programs have been able to provide a venue for participants of all ages to take part in worthwhile activities that entrust a sense of self-worth, valuable group experience, and a sense of pride that can be applied to their everyday lives. All funding directed to the Cascade Ridge Racers ski program must be directed to Life Enrichment Foundation and should be earmarked as Cascade Ridge Racer funding.

For more information about Life Enrichment Foundation, please click here.

Volunteer

We're always on the lookout for volunteer skiers and snowboarders to coach our upcoming Winter Seasons. This is a great opportunity to get involved with your local community while doing something that you truly love. Participation includes a discounted season pass to Snoqualmie Pass, free transportation on Sundays from Bellevue or North Bend, and a weekend at Mission Ridge for the State Meet.

Please contact us for more information about volunteering.

“We truly look forward all year long to skiing with Cascade Ridge Racers and the program provides us with qualified instruction, ample exercise, and a true sense of family!

– Kelly G.

Fees + Applications

The participation fee for Cascade Ridge Racers includes 6 full days of supervised skiing, PSIA trained coaching, lift tickets and transportation. This fee also includes a trip to Wenatchee for Special Olympics State Finals at the end of the season.

The current program application fee of $600.00 USD per athlete covers lift tickets, transportation, administration costs, insurance fees and banquet costs.

Washington State Special Olympics

Students, instructors, and coaches travel to compete in the Special Olympics Regional Competition on the first Sunday in February. This allows students to qualify for the Washington State Special Olympics Alpine Skiing Winter Games. Regular instructors will be available for classes at Summit-West for students not planning to compete.

Attendance at the Washington State Winter Games on the first weekend in March at Mission Ridge with our coaches is a separate voluntary activity. This activity includes other Olympic athletes and will be organized by the head coach for students interested and eligible to participate. Boeing provides the bus and WSSO provides the lodging.

Visit Special Olympics Washington for more information.