STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAREN BOSSICK

Higher Ground staff are dusting off their mono-skis as they prepare for Sun Valley Resort’s 90th winter ski season.

And a little putting and a little driving that is helping to bring it to a fore.

Dozens of golfers gathered recently for Higher Ground’s annual Higher Ground Invitational on Trail Creek Golf Course. And they raised money for a a$25,000 adaptive hand cycle among other things.

“Adaptive equipment is very expensive—and not having adaptive equipment is one of those barriers prohibiting some people from being able to enjoy the outdoors,” said Higher Gound’s executive director Cole Petrie. “So, it’s great to have something like this that not only raises money but raises awareness about our programs.”

Alisa Kanellitsas, Brandy Horwitz, Gail Lynch and Anneliese Turck have played in the invitational before. This year they were the only all-women team.

“We’re giving back,” said Turck. “We love higher Ground because it helps people who’ve helped us.”

Kyle Taylor, a retired Navy helicopter pilot with 29 years of active service who now lives iving in Eagle, Idaho, was also among those taking part.

“The real value that comes from Higher Ground’s program is that they’re focused on connecting people so they can share stories,” said Taylor, who has served as professor of irregular warfare, such as violent protests in Third World countries.

Taylor said he learned about Higher Ground through Mission 43, which provides service men and women and military spouses educational, employment and engagement opportunities after the military.

Idaho’s all about outdoor activities, and Higher Ground gives veterans and their spouses a chance to take part in those. Everyone recognizes Higher Ground as an organization that provides meaningful outcomes. I hope to come back to help support them with their winter programs.”

Higher Ground had a busy summer offering mountain biking, flyfishing, hiking and overnight camps for adults and youth. It even had a bocce ball tournament this fall.

Now, it’s gearing up to provide adaptive skiing and snowboarding on Bald and Dollar mountains.

“We’ll be there every day,” said Petrie. “And nothing could make us filled with more gratitude and appreciation than to see all those who came out for this tournament in support of Higher Ground.”`

Want to volunteer or know more? Contact 208-726-9298 or go to https://highergroundusa.org/.