Foundation History

In 2014, the Heiliger Huegel Foundation for Outdoor Education, Inc. was established as a 501c3 non-profit with a mission to provide outdoor education and experiences for youth, the disadvantaged, and the disabled utilizing the Club's 80 acres of terrain. The property facilitates various activities, chief among these, of course, are alpine and cross-country skiing. The Club’s beautiful property is also a terrific place for schools and other group outings with nature hikes through fields, woods and prairie, maple syrup sugaring, snowshoeing, camping etc. 

The Foundation, though donations, supports facility enhancements and improvements that support our mission and programming, including the Edelweiss Cabin, the new AEC (Alpine Education Center) and campsites that were built by the Foundation.

The Edelweiss cabin can be reserved for a small rental fee of $30. Please email Memberservices@hhskiclub.com for more information and reservations.

The HH Foundation for Outdoor Education, Inc. 

Augie Barkow, Chip Kubly, Kurt Mihelich, Andrea Robertson, Jane Segerdahl, Meghan Slocum, Kathy Sullivan

The Foundation hosts and supports a variety of year-round programming for non-profit community outdoor education groups, organizations and programs that utilize the Foundation facilities, some of which include:

HH RACE TEAM

HHRT strives to cater towards all levels of racers. HHRT provides a fun, safe, and
healthy learning environment, creating opportunities for development based on levels of interest and experience. HHRT is a competitive alpine ski racing team offering a variety of programming and is a USSA (United States Ski & Snowboard Association) Bronze Certified Club, meaning it meets all the established criteria for organizational and athletic success. The program strives to be social and friendly, build athlete confidence and love of skiing through skill development that challenges each athlete and offers opportunities to achieve success. Over 150 ski racers, aged 6 to 18 participate in HHRT and it is open to the public (whether members of Heiliger Huegel Ski Club or not).  

HH LEARN TO SKI

The HH Learn to Ski program utilizes PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) teaching standards. Like HHRT, it provides a fun, safe, healthy learning environment for skiers of all age and skill levels. HH Learn to Ski provides the foundational skills needed for youngsters interested in participating in HHRT.

HIGH SCHOOL SKI RACING

Heiliger Huegel is the premier training and racing facility in the Milwaukee area. The Foundation provides the best training and race venue for Milwaukee area high schools competing in the MHSSC (Midwest High School Ski Conference). Over 150 high school racers train at HH during a typical ski season, with more than 600 ski racers competing over the course of six HH Foundation hosted ski meets.

RICHARD J. SACHS JR. RACING GRANT

The Foundation administers donations to and grants from the Sachs Racing Grant, which provides cash grants to middle school and high school ski racers from area race programs and high school teams. The grant is named in honor of Dick Sachs, a longtime HH Member, and Nicolet High School coach. Applications for grants are reviewed three times per year, (Sep 15, Dec 1, Feb 1) typically awarding 4-5 grants totaling $2,000 - $3,000 per year.  To learn more, click here.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

The Foundation provides a training venue as well as instruction/ coaching for Special Olympics athletes interested in alpine skiing. Athletes associated with St. Coletta and Ozaukee County programs for the disabled have enjoyed learning and advancing their skills with the help of HH Foundation coaching staff. The Foundation has also hosted Special Olympics of WI (SOWI) coaching clinics designed to teach coaches from around the state strategies for coaching athletes with intellectual disabilities in the sport of alpine skiing.

ADAPTIVE SKIING

The Foundation provides a venue for skiers who are involved with Southeastern
Wisconsin Adaptive Ski Program (SEWASP). SEWASP is a non-profit organization
that provides ski instruction to athletes with wide ranging physical and/ or intellectual disabilities. Volunteers provide services to make alpine skiing accessible to individuals with a variety of disabilities. SEWASP also has instructors who are certified to instruct
these athletes and the Foundation helps to coordinate volunteers and instructors.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

The Foundation invites schools from the city and around the area to explore nature through a variety of hands-on deeper learning activities. Activities have included maple sugaring, seasonal hikes/snowshoeing to explore the woods, prairie, and other ecosystems during different seasons etc. Participants have the opportunity to explore and learn while also engaging in activities that promote social development. The foundation provides a venue as well as snowshoes and other equipment to make these experiences possible at low (or no) cost to participants. Programs can be adapted to meet the needs of all ages and abilities, as demonstrated by the Foundation’s hosting of the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center’s Chaverim program to provide year-round outdoor nature experiences for adults with developmental disabilities.

INTERESTED IN DONATING?

pay by check Make payment payable to: The Heiliger Huegel Foundation for Outdoor Education, Inc.

Mail To: Heiliger Huegel Foundation for Outdoor Education, Inc.

PO Box 187

North Lake, WI 53064

If you would like your donation to go towards the Richard Sachs Jr Racing grant please specify “Sachs Grant” in the memo.

Questions? email us hhfoundation@hhskiclub.com