The 2014 Lake Tahoe Backcountry Vertical Challenge is a 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 in Tahoe City has challenged the entire Tahoe backcountry community to a cumulative goal of 15 million vertical feet of human-powered uphill travel.

Every single foot of uphill travel matters, and no number is too small. Event runs annually December through May.

As lovers of the backcountry, here’s our chance to give back to the Sierra Avalanche Center at zero cost.

While 15 million vertical feet is a lofty cumulative goal, the ultimate payoff is a $3,000 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.

For more information, please visit http://www.tahoevertical.com/