Sugarbush Resort’s Descent to Rise Above challenge has ignited a collective spirit among skiers and riders, all united in the pursuit of a monumental goal: 1,000,000,000 vertical feet. As of December 27, 2024, we’ve achieved an impressive 31,563,272 vertical feet, bringing us closer to our target of 40,000,000 feet by Sunday, December 29.
The Challenge and Its Impact
The Descent to Rise Above is more than just a numerical goal; it’s a movement to raise up to $50,000 for mental wellness and resilience programs. Each vertical foot skied or ridden contributes to this cause, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
How Far Is 31,563,272 Vertical Feet?
To put our collective achievement into perspective:
- Distance to the Moon: The average distance to the Moon is approximately 238,855 miles. If we consider 32,000,000 vertical feet (which is about 6,060.6 miles), we’ve collectively descended about 2.5% of the way to the Moon.
- Circumference of the Earth: The Earth’s circumference at the equator is about 24,901 miles. Our 6,060.6 miles would be equivalent to about 24.3% of the way around the Earth.
- Mount Everest: Mount Everest stands at 29,032 feet. Our 32,000,000 vertical feet would be equivalent to scaling Everest approximately 1,100 times.
Additional Metrics
Beyond vertical feet, our community has achieved remarkable milestones:
- Total Distance Skied/Ridden: 31,000 miles—equivalent to circling the Earth over 1.2 times.
- Total Hours Tracked: 8,023 hours—over 334 days of continuous skiing and riding.
- Total Visits: 4,443 visits—demonstrating consistent participation and dedication.
- Total Lift Rides: 28,527 lift rides—highlighting the community’s commitment to the challenge.
Join the Movement
As we approach our goal of 40,000,000 vertical feet by December 29, we invite everyone to participate. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or new to the slopes, your contributions are invaluable. Track your vertical feet using the Sugarbush or Ikon App and be part of this transformative journey. With the continued dedication of our community, we are well on our way to achieving this ambitious target, all while supporting mental wellness and resilience programs.
Learn more about this challenge and how to participate at the Descent to Rise Above.