There is no denying that ski-a-thons can be a valuable way to raise money for a cause. In the same breath, it is also hard to argue that spring skiing is a guaranteed good time and a party just waiting to occur.
So what happens when you combine the two?
You get the High Fives Foundation Retro Shred-a-thon.
Now in its 7th year, the fundraiser will be hosted at Winter Park, Colorado this coming weekend on April 16, 2022. Participants in this amazing event can register online and raise money for the High Fives Empowerment Fund ahead of the event. Then, come the day of, they ski at Winter Park and celebrate with prizes, live music, retro costumes, and more.
Raising Money for Adaptive Athletes
The High Fives Foundation Empowerment Fund, based out of Truckee, Ca, was launched in 2009 with the intention of raising money for those who experienced life-altering injuries. Since that time they have granted over $6 million for adaptive sports camps, onsite training at the CR Johnson Healing Center and resources including adaptive sports equipment, physical therapy, mental health services, living expenses and more.
Retro Shred is a prime example of High Fives’ fundraising efforts and the newest in a three-part ski-a-thon series that takes place every spring.
Retro Shred works much like other events of their type. Participants register online and raise money prior to the event. Then, on the day of the competition, they are rewarded with prizes based on funds raised and completed laps skied.
New Location Winter Park adds Retro Bash Celebration
This year, Retro Shred heads to the new location in Winter Park and will be part of the resort’s Retro Bash celebration. Throughout the day there will be lunch specials from Winter Park, a live DJ/band, prizes for participants and onsite vendors including the presenting sponsor, Phunkshun Wear.
“We’re thrilled to bring Retro Shred to Winter Park this April, and for High Fives to continue to grow in Colorado and the Rockies,” said Roy Tuscany, CEO and Founder of High Fives Foundation. “The opportunity to bring athletes of the organization together with fundraising participants on the slopes really creates a full-circle story for the individuals supporting the mission through their networks.”
The fun that comes along with spring skiing is hard to beat. That is unless you are spring skiing for a great cause. The High Fives Foundation definitely has both covered with its Retro Shred-a-thon. By raising money for adaptive athletes while being part of the Retro Bash Concert at its new location at Winter Park it is sure to deliver this Saturday and beyond.
Rich Stoner is the founder of the après-ski lifestyle clothing and media brand, All About Après, and the co-host of the Beyond the Après podcast. No stranger to the ski and après-ski scene, Rich has been a long time contributor for many publications on topics like skiing, gear, beer and food. However, his passion is on the slopes and enjoying good times with good people. You can find him perfecting his craft carving turns and drinking beers in the Green Mountains of Vermont. @allaboutapres