Few people have a résumé quite like Max Mancini; the top reads “renowned professional telemark skier.” However, what really sets Mancini apart is how he turned tragedy into inspiration. Following a tragic car accident, Mancini’s life had its course of ups and downs, but skiing always remained a constant. It seemed to keep him whole. And it was that passion for the mountains Mancini wanted to share with kids who also needed a little hope.

In response to the unfortunate turn of events in his life, Mancini co-founded a nonprofit to give opportunities to less fortunate kids. Appropriately, he named it Life Turns. The organization provides children suffering from illnesses, or other life challenging circumstances, the opportunity to explore the Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. “It is truly amazing to watch the kids throughout their experience at Life Turns. For many of them, it is their first night away from home and sometimes the first time out of the city they live in. We take the kids out of their comfort zone and it is fun to watch them grow, build friends and become more confident,” says Mancini.

photo: Jen Schumacher

Life Turns, in association with Denver Children’s Hospital, select children for weeklong camps. The camps take kids to Crested Butte, Colorado, Mancini’s hometown. Here, they take part in winter activities ranging from snowshoeing and sledding, to skiing and snowboarding. Throughout Mancini’s physical and emotional recovery, it was his love of skiing that gave him the motivation to continue on. With life Turns, Mancini aims to help kids do the same.

“We couldn’t be happier to support Max’s efforts,” says TSM editor Josh Madsen on Telemark Skier Magazine’s recent partnership with Life Turns. “Max is spreading his own enthusiasm for skiing and giving these kids an opportunity they would not otherwise have. We are behind him a hundred percent.” In support of Mancini’s mission, TSM will donate 10% of proceeds from all new subscriptions to Life Turns.

photo: Jen Schumacher

The kids who experience Life Turns camps not only quickly turn into winter sports enthusiasts, but they also take away countless positive experiences and lasting friendships. The kids come home from a week in the mountains and just cannot stop smiling, and according to Mancini, they are not the only ones. “Each of our staff members came into the program to help and empower kids living with medical challenges, but often by the end of the camp, the entire staff will reflect on how much they learned from the group of kids.”

Learn more about Life Turns at lifeturns.org

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