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SOLO

Special Outdoor Leisure Opportunities

NEXT UP:

Rum village hike

Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026: Volunteers, students, families and anyone interested in SOLO is invited to join a hike to warm up to the season from 9-10 a.m. Meet at the Rum Village Nature Center, 2626 S. Gertrude St., South Bend.

orientation and membership meeting

Monday, Dec. 7, 2026: All volunteers, students and families should attend this meeting to learn about SOLO’s plans for the coming season. Meet at LOGAN Center, 2505 E. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend.

on-slope training

Monday, Dec. 14, 2026: We’ll give on-slope training for downhill volunteers only. This is especially good for new volunteers. Of course, this depends on whether Swiss Valley is open (snow conditions). If not, we have backup dates of Dec. 21 and 28. This will be from 7-9 p.m. at Swiss Valley Ski Area.

SOLO provides outdoor winter educational and recreational opportunities for persons with disabilities from St. Joseph County, Ind., and nearby counties in an effort to:

  • Encourage independence and increase participation in family and community leisure opportunities

  • Educate the community regarding the capabilities of and opportunities for persons with disabilities

Skiing offers a freedom of movement that most persons with disabilities have never experienced. At the same time, it creates an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and unsurpassed confidence. A person who has difficulty walking will find themselves gliding smoothly down the hill with a newfound poise and agility.

We welcome both adults and children at least 8 years of age to join us. SOLO is open to students with physical, visual, auditory, or significant mental impairments.

Crosscountry SOLO Michiana

Click this photo for the Sturtevant family talking about the benefits of SOLO with Kristin Bien on WSBT. This is Sara mugging with the meteorologist.


Paul Raven and Bob Sturtevant discuss SOLO on WNIT's Experience Michiana.

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SOLO has also been featured in a column by Joseph Dits in the South Bend Tribune. CLICK HERE


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Bittersweet ski trip

SOLO students, volunteers and families enjoy a bus trip and day of skiing at Bittersweet Ski Resort each season.

We hike at Rum Village Park when there isn’t enough snow. This is 2020’s kickoff hike.

We hike at Rum Village Park when there isn’t enough snow. This is 2020’s kickoff hike.