The 2011 Lake Tahoe Backcountry Vertical Challenge represents the region’s first ever FREE, community–wide fundraising initiative to benefit the Sierra Avalanche Center. In a quest to attain operational dollars for Lake Tahoe’s local avalanche forecasting agency, Alpenglow Sports has challenged the entire Tahoe backcountry community to a cumulative goal of 15 million vertical feet of human-powered uphill travel.

As a Tahoe backcountry enthusiast, this is your opportunity to give back to the Sierra Avalanche Center at zero cost! As such, every single foot of uphill travel matters, and no number is too small! While 15 million vertical feet is a lofty cumulative goal, the ultimate payoff is a $3000 donation to the Sierra Avalanche Center, given by Alpenglow Sports. To sweeten the deal, Alpenglow Sports will also pay participants for their progress! The event is designed to motivate, inspire, and bond the Tahoe backcountry community around a vital, underfunded, resource for all methods of backcountry travel and recreation.

The event will run from November 15, 2011 through April 30, 2012 and data will be recorded at www.tahoevertical.com. For competitive types, podium prizes will be awarded for the top three men and women, as well as for best camera edit pertaining to the event. Any skier or rider that registers data is also eligible for a FREE bi-monthly raffle! Major sponsors include: Black Diamond, Scarpa, G3, Marmot, Suunto, Clif Bar, Smith Optics, Rottefella, and Honey Stinger. Event runs through April 30, 2012.

Please call 530.583.6917 with questions and register at www.tahoevertical.com! Let’s raise some money for the Sierra Avalanche Center!