Mount Everest challenge at Red -- 'Slopes for Hope'
By Valerie Rossi
A family-friendly ski-a-thon that encourages participants to ski or board the vertical distance of Mount Everest is back for another run at Red Mountain Resort. The sixth annual Slopes for Hope Red event will take place Sunday, March 4th from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with registration from 8-9 a.m.
Alpine skiers and snowboarders and all people who love to play in the snow are invited to take the fight against cancer to new heights – 29,029 vertical feet to be exact – by raising funds and awareness for the Canadian Cancer Society.
“The event has something for everyone,” according to event chair Carmen Davis, noting a new poker component in addition to conquering Everest.
Those who sign up during early bird registration – open until Feb. 16 – will be automatically entered into a draw for a chance to win a one-night stay at the Prestige Mountain Resort in Rossland, a Red Mountain adult three-day Locals Only Card, and a Dakine Campus 33L Backpack. Participants are encouraged to register at slopesforhope.ca with a minimum $25 donation.
Carmen coordinates and participates in the annual event to give back to the organization that supported her family when her late husband was fighting cancer. “I do it in memory of Doug,” she says. “I mean, he was an avid skier, probably never missed a season at Red Mountain from the time he learned how to ski! What better way to honour him?”
She works with a dedicated group of volunteers behind the scenes to plan the event, and then on event day slips into costume as Digger the Fox, a Slopes for Hope mascot that further pays tribute to her husband, whose nickname was Digger.
The Rossland version of the province-wide event was a huge success in 2017 with approximately $36,500 contributed to funding research, prevention initiatives, and support programs. Signature sponsors Kootenay Savings Credit Union and Red Mountain Resort are supporting this year’s fundraising goal of $20,000 along with other notable sponsors EZ Rock, The Goat, Canadian Tire Trail, and Black Press, not to mention the many small businesses that step up with gifts-in-kind.
“The committee is very thankful for the ongoing support from community businesses and cash contributions from larger organizations that support this great cause,” says Carmen.
For every $100 raised online, participants will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win a Lagostina Ariste-Clad pot and pan set, (valued at almost $1,800) courtesy of Canadian Tire Trail. The winner will be drawn at the après event held in Red’s Keen Conference Room at 3 p.m. where the coveted Golden Boot will be awarded to the top fundraising team. Prizes will also be doled out to the individual top fundraiser, for Conquering Everest, best poker hand, best individual and team costumes, and many other game-of-chance raffle draws and prizes.
Participate individually or on a team of up to four people; pick a team name and get creative with costumes. If you don’t ski regularly, no problem. Those who raise $100 can ski and rent equipment for half price at Red on event day, and participants will also receive a lunch voucher.
Since its inception, Slopes for Hope Red has grown exponentially, contributing over $95,000 toward supporting individuals living with cancer.
The planning committee have decided to scale back this year’s event slightly by dropping the nordic challenge due to low cross country numbers.
For more information, visit slopesforhope.ca (select Red Mountain) or check out the Slopes for Hope Red Facebook page.
To volunteer, contact Carmen at carmendavis56@gmail.com.
