COVID-19 Update: Phase I

Phase One

As our community begins to open up, Eagle Mount will be assessing our programming, campus, and staffing procedures to ensure we are following best practices for community safety. Our Phase I Staff Guidelines illustrate our commitment.

In Phase One:

• Programs are suspended
• Eagle Mount’s campus is closed
• Staff are encouraged to work from home

Kids’ Educational Program

For kids ages 7-12, the Educational Program focuses on the hands-on aspects of gardening including planting, tending, and harvesting. Participants further develop their green thumbs by learning about plant identification, nutrition, flower arranging, soil, weather, pests, cooking, herb drying, and more. The program features guest speakers and field trips, too.

Family Ski Days

Montana’s abundant winter snow provides a beautiful reason for families to get outside and have fun. Our annual cross-country day at Crosscut and downhill day at Bridger Bowl are opportunities for the whole family to ski together.

Family Water Days

Time spent on the water can be restorative and revivifying. It’s a serene — and sometimes thrilling! — way to get outside, enjoy a change of scenery, and connect with your family in a new setting. Each summer, we provide several opportunities for families to go out on the river.

Recreation Program for Caregivers

Caregivers, like Eagle Mount participants, reap great benefits from recreation. Physical activity, enjoying the outdoors, and trying new things are all ways to relieve stress and “re-create” yourself. This program includes trail passes, rentals, and cross country ski or snowshoe instruction at Crosscut.

Support Groups

Share your stories in a safe space while building wellness-based skills and mindfulness. This program will connect you with others who understand the unique experience of having a family member with special needs.

Moms’ Group

Create meaningful connections with other moms who understand the joys and challenges that come with parenting an individual who has special needs. This quarterly program provides an opportunity to socialize and make new friends while participating in various recreational activities.

Dads’ Group

Forge friendships with other fathers who have firsthand experience parenting a person with special needs. It helps to know people who understand the unique joys and challenges. This quarterly program provides recreation opportunities for dads, and sometimes includes the kids as well!

Siblings’ Group

Of all family members, brothers and sisters typically have the longest-lasting relationships with their sibling who has special needs. Like parents, siblings also experience unique challenges and rewards, and sometimes they feel left out. Our Siblings Group is for those brothers and sisters who want to connect with others like them who have a special-needs sibling. They’ll build a supportive network of peers and make meaningful friendships while socializing and recreating.

Big Sky Ski/Snowboard

Take ski and snowboard lessons on the breathtaking slopes of Big Sky. Here, we always focus on individualized, adaptive lessons rather than group lessons. Visiting from out of town and hoping to set up a ski day? No problem.

For more information, contact Big Sky Ski Director Sarah Wolf at (406) 539-5520 or via email.

Download Application

In addition to the application, a PHYSICIAN APPROVAL FORM must be completed and signed by each participant’s physician.

Wheelchair Accessible Gym

Injuries and challenges don’t have to stand between you and a good workout. Tone your body, mind, and emotions at our wheelchair accessible gym. Designed primarily for people with spinal cord injuries, our equipment promotes aerobic fitness as well as basic range of motion and strength training. Individual training is available by appointment.


The gym is open during regular pool hours year-round. Individual training is available by appointment. To find out if the gym is a good fit for you or for general information, contact Amber Waters at (406) 586-1781 or via email.

Educational Program

You’ll learn in-depth information about the many facets of gardening in these programs. In addition to the hands-on work of planting, tending, and harvesting our garden, you’ll develop knowledge in such areas as: plant identification, nutrition, flower arranging, soil, weather, pests, cooking, herb drying, and more. There will be guest speakers and field trips, too. The Educational Program is designed to build on the Kids’ Program.

Recreation Program

Share in the fun that comes from gardening with friends in our Recreation Program. We start in the spring with waking up the grounds and planting seeds. The season continues with working in the Eagle Mount greenhouse and garden, interacting with guest speakers, and taking trips to regional gardening venues. Autumn is harvest time; we cook and eat what we have grown, then put the garden to bed for the winter.

XC-Skiing & Snowshoeing

Connect with the natural world as you move through the shimmering winter landscape on cross-country skis or snowshoes. This is a wonderful way to get some exercise and grow some invaluable friendships. Our caring volunteers and staff make it possible for every participant to practice the art of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. We also offer a sit-ski session. This program meets at the beautiful Crosscut Mountain Sports Center.

Bridger Ski/Snowboard

You can ski or snowboard once a week when you sign up for our 8-week program at Bridger Bowl. Don’t want to commit to the program? Planning to visit Bozeman from out of town? No problem! We’ll gladly take any individual who needs assistance skiing or snowboarding, and we’ll work with your schedule.

For more information, contact us at the Eagle Mount Ski Hut at (406) 587-8221 during the Bridger Bowl ski season or via email at skistaff@eaglemount.org.

Ice Skating

Experience the sheer delight and sense of freedom that come from gliding across the ice. Through the use of adaptive equipment and the help of dedicated volunteers, participants with a reduced ability to balance and those who use wheelchairs will become ice skaters during these fun, liberating sessions.

Respite Programs

Saturday Night Out/Sibling Night Out Respite Program

Parents of Eagle Mount participants can savor some free time on Saturday nights. Eagle Mount participants enjoy a four-hour-long Saturday Night Out with their peers doing fun activities and sharing dinner. Once a quarter, siblings of Eagle Mount participants are also invited to join us for Saturday Night Out.

Adult Respite Program

Eagle Mount participants aged 24 years and up can enjoy arts and crafts, dinner, and other activities with peers during these monthly, three-hour sessions—allowing some free time for their parents and/or caregivers.

Adaptive Horsemanship

Develop confidence, coordination, patience, self-esteem, and practical life skills in our adaptive horsemanship program. You’ll experience the emotional, intellectual, and physical benefits that come from purposeful interaction with our full-sized and miniature horses. Our supervised mounted and unmounted lessons take place year round. We encourage you to enroll in all of our class offerings to become a well-rounded horseman or woman!

Mounted Lessons

Improve your flexibility, balance, and muscle tone through our adaptive riding lessons.

Unmounted Lessons

Unmounted lessons emphasize equine-assisted learning. You’ll hone life skills that include grooming, feeding, handling, and general horse care.

Family Aquatics

Family Water Exercise

Increase your fitness in the company of your family! These group classes are a popular way to exercise while having fun. Build strength and stamina during low-impact water workouts. Class instructors can modify exercises to suit your abilities. This class is designed for Eagle Mount Participants and family members aged 14 and older.

Family Swim

Want to swim with your loved ones just for the fun of it? This is a chance for you to enjoy the Eagle Mount saltwater pool together. A weekly hour-and-a-half-long session is provided outside of normal school and work hours so families can swim.


For more information or to reserve a space for your family, contact the Eagle Mount Aquatics Center at (406) 586-1781 or email Amber Waters.

Eagle Swim

Whether you’re young or just inexperienced, you can learn to swim and get gentle exercise in our warm saltwater pool. Eagle Swim is designed for those with developmental disabilities. We offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced Eagle Swim courses for both children and adults.

Eagle Swim for Kids

For children age 4 and up. Each child works with a trained and caring volunteer to develop swimming skills, build confidence, and practice teamwork during these adaptive lessons.

Eagle Swim for Adults

These adaptive swim and exercise classes for adults empower you to develop your abilities in a safe and supportive environment. You’ll be paired with a trained volunteer during each class. The fun teamwork increases your confidence while also fostering your independence in the water.


For more information or to register, please contact Amber Waters.

All Abilities Swim

Swim Lessons

Deepen your knowledge and add to your swimming skill-set in these smaller classes. You’ll focus on a wide range of skills, from exploration to stroke development and refinement. Enjoy more individualized attention in classes of just 3-to-5 swimmers. Come prepared to follow directions and work somewhat independently, as there are no volunteers in these classes. Open to both Eagle Mount participants and members of the community ages 4+.

Parent/Tot Aquatic Experience

Come explore the water with us! Early water exposure helps to ensure lifelong comfort and safety. In these classes, babies and toddlers can build confidence, develop motor skills, and learn personal water safety with their parents or caregivers. Songs and games make these guided water experiences engaging for all. Open to children ages 6 months through 3 years with a parent/caregiver. Water diapers are required.


For more information, please contact Megan Shaver.

Download Application

Adult and Young at Heart

Age is just a number, and the water has a way of making you feel young no matter what the numbers say! People over 50, adults affected with cancer at any stage, and any adults who meet Eagle Mount eligibility guidelines will thrive in these restorative classes. Join water aerobics, or choose a slower version of water exercise to improve strength, balance, endurance, and overall health—all while having fun and making new friends. This is a Cancer Support Community-sponsored class for those participants with cancer.

For more information or to register, please contact Amber Waters.

Cycling

Savor the outdoors and get your blood pumping as we handcycle in a variety of locations on both short and long rides. This program is great for those with lower body impairments as well as avid cyclists with dementia and others who need support but love to ride!

Contact cycling coordinator Jenny Woodham for more information.