The challenge is an invitation to participate in efforts to raise up to $50,000 for mental wellness and resilience by skiing and riding a billion vertical feet in a single season.
“The challenge looks to create chances to connect and possibly share some of the less than comfortable stories people may carry. Lift rides and long runs tend to be great conversation starters. They’re also great for showcasing a boundless remedy that’s right beneath our boots: the infinite healing power offered by the outdoors. It has a potency that has been penned about by poets and proved by scientists — getting outside provides enormous restorative effects to our state of mind. And we have plenty of ‘outside’ up at Sugarbush,” explained Sugarbush’s Corinne Chiarochiaro.
IS IT POSSIBLE?
Can it be done in one season? According to Sugarbush, the answer is yes, the numbers do point to it being possible. The first step is for participants to download either the Sugarbush or Ikon App and start tracking.
“Skiing and riding a billion vertical feet in a single season is a big lift. But we can do it. Remember to fire up your app and track your vertical every day you make turns. Doing so will get us closer to raising $50,000 for mental wellness and resilience. We’ll post updates on the challenge’s progress every week and award Descent merch to participants, whether it be for their vertical, braving a particularly un-fun weather day, or simply for sharing their experience,” she added.
When folks come to the mountain to contribute their vertical to the challenge, they can open the app and click on “TRAIL MAP & TRACKING.” And then click on “START TRACKING.”
The Descent to Rise Above Challenge is a partnership between Sugarbush’s Be Better Here Fund and NFI — a New England nonprofit specializing in the healing of mental and emotional trauma. NFI, along with its parent organization NAFI, have resource centers in all six New England states as well as New York, providing community-based care for children, youth, and adults in crisis.
HAVE A STORY?
As part of the Descent to Rise Above Challenge, all are invited to share stories about navigating mental health challenges. Whether it’s a moment of vulnerability, a breakthrough, or a small step toward healing, those experiences can help others. Stories can be shared anonymously. (Submit stories here: https://www.sugarbush.com/things-to-do/challenge#tab=how-to-track)
The top three vertical-getters from each New England state and New York will receive:
- First place: An Ikon or Sugarbush season pass.
- Second place: A Quad Pack.
- Third place: A $250 Sugarbush Gift Card.
Ready to track? Here are some local vertical stats:
Lincoln Peak and Gadd Peak area:
No.1 – Heaven’s Gate Quad, vertical rise: 1,449 feet
No. 2 – Super Bravo Express Quad, vertical rise, 1,529 feet.
No. 3 – Valley House Quad, vertical rise, 1,245 feet.
Castlerock and Gate House area:
No. 4 – Castlerock Double, vertical rise, 1,670 feet.
No. 5 – North Lynx Triple, vertical rise, 857 feet.
No. 6 – Gate House Express Quad, vertical rise, 832 feet.
No. 7 – Village Quad, vertical rise, 275 feet.
No. 8 – Welcome Mat, vertical rise, 100 feet.
Mt. Ellen area:
No. 9 – Summit Quad, vertical rise, 1,041 feet.
No. 10 – North Ridge Express Quad, vertical rise, 1,690 feet.
No. 11 – Green MTN Express Quad, vertical rise, 1,495 feet.
No. 12 – Inverness Quad, vertical rise, 1,098 feet.
No. 13 – Sunshine Quad, vertical rise, 473 feet.
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