There’s a great chance each one of us doesn’t make it through life without, at some point, having to deal with struggle. It’s a part of our—the human—story.


How much any one of us and to what degree we will have to grapple with a challenge that strains our mental and emotional reserves will vary. But the universal nature of the fight asks for as many opportunities to talk about and provide resources for something we all experience.

The Descent to Rise Above looks to be such an opportunity.

At its most basic, it is an invitation to participate in a challenge to raise up to $50,000 for mental wellness and resilience by skiing and riding a BILLION vertical feet in a single season. (Is that even possible? We’ll get to that in a bit.) But on a slightly more purposeful level, the Challenge looks to create chances to connect and possibly share some of the less-than-comfortable stories we all may carry. Lift rides and long runs tend to be great conversation starters. They’re also great for showcasing a boundless remedy that’s right beneath our boots: the infinite healing power offered by the outdoors. It has a potency that has been penned about by poets and proved by scientists—getting outside provides enormous restorative effects to our states of mind. And we have plenty of ‘outside’ up at Sugarbush.

The snows have already arrived at Sugarbush. It’s time to get ready. Be One of a Billion this season.

DESCENT 1
IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE?
Yes, but it will take a lot of fun. We’ve done some math and the numbers do point to it being possible. Here’s the HOW.
It’s simple: download either the Sugarbush or Ikon App and start tracking. (Need a little help with the app?)

Skiing and riding a billion vertical feet in a single season is a big lift. But we can do it. Remember to fire up your app and track your vertical every day you make turns. Doing so will get us closer to raising $50,000 for mental wellness and resilience. We’ll post updates on the Challenge’s progress every week and award Descent shwag to participants, whether it be for their vertical, braving a particularly un-fun weather day, or simply for sharing their experience.

Thank you for being a part of the Descent to Rise Above.


DESCENT 2
THE WHAT
The Descent to Rise Above Challenge is a partnership between Sugarbush’s Be Better Here Fund and NFI—a New England nonprofit specializing in the healing of mental and emotional trauma. NFI, along with its parent organization NAFI, have resource centers in all six New England states as well as New York, providing community-based care for children, youth and adults in crisis. They are the ones on the ground, so to speak. It is the hope of the Challenge to bring some light to what they do and provide resources so that they may continue to provide services to the communities that rely on them.
Skier Arms raised
SOMETHING FOR THE EFFORT

The Descent to Rise Above Challenge is, at its heart, an opportunity for us to work together to support something we believe in by doing something we love. Since ‘Challenge’ is in the title though, there will be some elements of appreciation.

The top 3 vertical getters from each New England state and New York will receive:

1st place An Ikon or Sugarbush season pass

2nd place A Quad Pack

3rd place A $250 Sugarbush Gift Card

But more to the heart of the Challenge, each getter will receive a commemorative Descent to Rise Above trail sign with their vertical accomplishment burnished into it along with some Challenge SHWAG.

DTRA Trailer Youtube Version
Be One of a Billion

The Descent to Rise Above: a ski and ride challenge to reach a billion vertical feet for mental health.

Close Video
Be One of a Billion

The Descent to Rise Above: a ski and ride challenge to reach a billion vertical feet for mental health.

Vertical Tracker 1
Vertical Tracker 1
    • Vertical Stats by Area
      Map
      Lincoln Peak and Gadd Peak Area
      #1 - NEW Heaven's Gate QuadVertical Rise: 1449'
      Intermediate to expert terrain

      #2 - Super Bravo Express Quad
      Vertical Rise: 1529'
      Intermediate to expert terrain
      #3 - Valley House QuadVertical Rise: 1245'
      Intermediate to Expert Terrain
      Map
      Castlerock and Gate House Area
      #4 - CastleRock Double
      Vertical Rise: 1670'
      Expert Only terrain
      #5 - North Lynx Triple
      Vertical Rise: 857'
      Intermediate to expert terrain
      #6 - Gate House Express Quad
      Vertical Rise: 832'
      beginner to advanced terrain
      #7 - Village Quad
      Vertical Rise: 275'
      Beginner terrain
      #8 - Welcome Mat
      Vertical Rise: 100'
      Beginner terrain
      Map
      Mt Ellen Area
      #9 - Summit Quad
      Vertical Rise: 1041'
      intermediate to expert terrain
      #10 - North Ridge Express QuadVertical Rise: 1690'
      intermediate to expert terrain
      #11 - Green MTN Express Quad
      Vertical Rise: 1495'
      Beginner to intermediate terrain
      #12 - Inverness Quad
      Vertical Rise: 1098'
      Beginner to advanced terrain
      #13 - Sunshine Quad
      Vertical Rise: 473'
      Beginner to intermediate terrain
    • How to Track
      Download either the Sugarbush or Ikon app. If you’re reading this on your desktop, scan the QR code. If you’re on your phone, just click on this link. If you’re new to the app or just clicking on it for the first time this season, you’ll be asked what you’re looking to get from it this season. Select the ‘Descent to Rise Above’ in addition to what else you’d like.

      When you come to the mountain to contribute your vertical to the Challenge, open the app and click on “TRAIL MAP & TRACKING.” And then simply click on “START TRACKING.”
      QR COde
      Sugarbush App
      Sugarbush App
      Sugarbush App
      Or you can use the Ikon Pass App. Same idea, when you come to the mountain to contribute your vertical to the Challenge, open the Ikon Pass App and hit Start Tracking.

      Ikon App Welcome
      Ikon App Tracking
    Do you have a story to tell?
    Life’s journey often brings us to challenging descents before we rise above. As part of the Descent to Rise Above Challenge, we invite you to share your story about navigating mental health challenges. Whether it's a moment of vulnerability, a breakthrough, or a small step toward healing, your experience can help inspire others on their own path. Your story can be shared anonymously, allowing for openness and honesty in a safe space.