On February 28, Sugarbush Resort will host the fifth annual FAT Ski-A-Thon, an event benefitting the High Fives Nonprofit Foundation. The all-day ski format takes place at Mt. Ellen and has participants completing as many laps on the Summit quad lift as possible on skis built for powder conditions known as “fat” skis with a waist of 70 millimeters or wider. Fat skis are generally necessary for deep powder and not firm Vermont slopes.
Participants will raise money by gathering pledge donations for each completed lap or flat donations. Proceeds go to the High Fives Foundation to support athletes recovering from life-altering injuries. The nonprofit gives grant funding to athletes living with a spinal cord injury or other mobility limiting injury to provide inspiration and resources that improve quality of life and support their recovery goals.
"Last year this event raised a record $100,000 for the High Fives Foundation," said Jesse Murphy, director of development for the High Fives Foundation and owner of Vermont North Ski Shop in Warren at the base of Sugarbush Access Road.
This year the High Fives Foundation has upped the ante with a distinct goal to raise over $150,000. Event registration will be capped at 160 participants.
"This is my favorite fundraiser and one of the biggest events of the year," said Roy Tuscany, founder of the High Fives Foundation. Tuscany is a native of the Mad River Valley.
Everyone involved will have their chances at a wide assortment of awards and prizing. Waitsfield’s Localfolk Smokehouse will provide Tex-Mex lunch on the hill. Participants will be able to demo skis from K2 and Volkl available at the base of the Summit quad lift.
Interested participants should sign up online at www.fatski.highfivesfoundation.org. Directions for fundraising will be provided upon registering.
