Program will take place at the Sun Valley Resort in Sun Valley, Idaho.  Open to active or retired wildland firefighters.

Event Details

  • Who: 10 male or female active or retired wildland firefighters.
  • When: January 25-30, 2026
  • What: Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter recreation activities
  • Where: Sun Valley, Idaho
  • Accommodations: Sun Valley Resort
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs

Point of Contact:
Dave Keir
📧 dave@highergroundusa.org

This is a closed program to participants of the Adaptive Training Foundation based in Dallas, Texas.

Event Details

  • Who: Adaptive Training Foundation athletes
  • When: February 1-6, 2026
  • What: Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter recreation activities
  • Where: Sun Valley, Idaho
  • Accommodations: Sun Valley Resort
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs

Point of Contact:
Dave Keir
📧 dave@highergroundusa.org

Big Sky is 1-hour south of Bozeman and offers a variety of ski terrain.  We will partner with Eagle Mount Adaptive to provide ski and snowboard instruction.

Event Details

  • Who: 10 male or female disabled veterans with TBI and/or Polytrauma (must have a diagnosed injury with VA or physician paperwork)
  • When: March 29 – April 3, 2026
  • What: Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter recreation activities
  • Where: Big Sky, Montana
  • Accommodations: Huntley Lodge at Big Sky
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs

Point of Contact:
Dave Keir
📧 dave@highergroundusa.org

Idaho Snow Sports for Veteran Couples

Skiing or snowboarding at the Sun Valley ski resort in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Event Details

  • Who: 8 male or female veteran couples
  • When: March 15-20, 2026
  • What: Skiing, snowboarding, a6nd other winter recreation activities
  • Where: Sun Valley, Idaho
  • Accommodations: Sun Valley Resort
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs

Point of Contact:
Dave Keir
📧 dave@highergroundusa.org

Montana Ice Climbing for SOF Couples

Experience the thrill of ice climbing in Montana, where frozen waterfalls and rugged terrain create the perfect challenge for adventurers of all abilities.  It will also include relationship coaching and homework will be given to prepare for the program.

SOF Couples in partnership with The Station Foundation 

  • Who: 7 veterans/active duty service members and their significant others
  • When: February 21 – February 26, 2026
  • What: Ice Climbing at Hyalite Canyon (No experience necessary)
  • Where: Bozeman, MT
  • Accommodations: The Station Foundation lodge outside Bozeman, Montana
  • Accessibility:
    The approach to the climbing site ranges from 20–45 minutes, involving various terrains (uphill/downhill on snow, ice, and uneven ground).
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground covers all program-related costs

Point of Contact:
Dave Keir
📧 dave@highergroundusa.org

Florida Scuba for Veteran Couples

Islamorada, Florida is located on the Florida Keys.  This program will require a pre-medical screen for participants.  This is a Discover Scuba program with no certifications required to attend or received after the program.  

  • Who: 8 veterans/active duty and their significant others
  • When: December 2-7, 2025
  • What: A week of recreational therapy activities with a focus on scuba, snorkling and other activities
  • Where: Islamorada, Florida. 
  • Accommodations: Participants will have their own room with shared bathrooms.  
  • Cost: HG covers all related costs, including travel costs for both veterans and supporters
  • Point of Contact: Dave Keir dave@highergroundusa.org

Hawaii Recreation and Wellness for Individuals

This is an individuals program on the Big Island.  Participants must be residents of Hawaii (or stationed).

Event Details

  • Who: 8 Active Duty or Veterans residing in Hawaii
  • When: Dec 8-13, 2025
  • What:  Equine, ocean sports, and other recreational activities
  • Where: Waimea, Hawaii (Big Island)
  • Accommodations: Kamuela Inn 
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground Covers ALL program related costs

Point of Contact:
Dave Keir
📧 dave@highergroundusa.org

Idaho Fly Fishing for COMMIT Veteran Couples

This is a couples program in partnership with the COMMIT Foundation based in Bozeman, Montana.  The COMMIT Foundation empowers those who have served and their families to create purposeful and fulfilling transitions by providing personalized programs, resources, and the support of community.

This program is sponsored by Forterra. Forterra and Higher Ground are united by a shared mission: to serve those who have served. Both organizations are deeply committed to empowering veterans; Forterra through technology that protects and extends human capability, and Higher Ground through therapeutic recreation that builds resilience and community. This partnership bridges those worlds, bringing veterans new opportunities to reconnect, recover, and re-engage with purpose.

  • Who: 8 COMMIT Foundation Fellows and their significant other
  • When: September 21-26, 2025
  • What: A week of recreational therapy activities with a focus on fly fishing.
  • Where: Sun Valley, Idaho
  • Accommodations: Sun Valley Resort
  • Cost: ALL program related costs including transportation are covered.
  • Point of Contact: Dave Keir, Dave@highergroundusa.org
Forterra
Forterra is a developer of advanced autonomous systems designed to meet the mission-critical demands of today’s defense and national security landscape. Focused on protecting front-line soldiers and enabling civilian workers, Forterra delivers end-to-end self-driving solutions to solve the challenges of dull, dirty and dangerous jobs. 

Built and integrated at scale and speed, Forterra puts effective and reliable capabilities into the hands of operators when and where they are needed in any contested environment.

The program will take place on the Rogue River in Oregon.  You will be fishing, floating the river, and staying in Lodges each night.

  • Who: 6 male or female veterans and their spouse/significant other
  • When: October 6-11, 2025
  • What: A week of recreational therapy activities for both you and your spouse/significant other focused on fishing and adventure.
  • Where: Rogue River Oregon
  • Accommodations: Lodges along the river,
  • Accessibility: Mixed terrain including sand, rocks and steep hikes to the lodges.
  • Cost: FREE – Higher Ground Covers ALL program related costs
  • Point of Contact: Dave Keir, Dave@highergroundusa.org

This is an introduction to digital photography designed to help participants understand camera settings, composition, and build confidence.   

  • Who: 10 male or female veterans 
  • When: September 24-30, 2025
  • What: Digital photography in combination with other recreational activities
  • Where: Rising Star, Texas (central Texas)
  • Accommodations: You will have your own room and private bathroom
  • Equipment: Participants will need to bring their own laptop computer for editing photos