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Vail Mountain Hosts World's Largest Ski Day to Conquer Cancer

On March 9 2013 Vail Mountain will welcome hundreds of skiers and riders decked out in their finest pink apparel. These everyday athletes will gather in Vail for a one-day on-mountain event to raise awareness and funds in support of Shaw Regional Cancer Center's new survivorship program.  Pink Vail returns to Vail Mountain on Saturday March 9 as the world's largest ski day to conquer cancer.

Pink Vail is a participation-based fundraising event similar to a run or walk to support a cause – in this case the cause is cancer. Participants receive pledges or sponsorships to ski Vail Mountain during the one-day event. Skiers and riders may participate as individuals or as members of a team and registration and fundraising efforts are tracked through the event website at www.pinkvail.com.

“Last year's inaugural Pink Vail event totally exceeded our expectations” said Michael Holton marketing director for the Vail Valley Medical Center and Pink Vail event producer. “We hosted over 700 skiers and riders and raised nearly $200000. We hope to beat our own record this year and encourage skiers and riders from across the state and the country to join us in support of cancer fighters and survivors everywhere.”

Participants check in on the morning of the event and receive credentials and an event trail map. They may choose to explore Vail Mountain on their own or they can participate in the Checkpoint Challenge which involves finding Vail's fiveon-mountain decks and earning prizes along the way. The day on Vail Mountain wraps up at 4 p.m. with a guided “Celebration Ski Down” from Eagles Nest to the Lionshead base area followed by evening festivities in Arrabelle Square with a Pink Aprés Party awards ceremony and free concert.

“VR Echo is proud to partner with Pink Vail working to assist families dealing with the impact of a cancer diagnosis” said Chris Jarnot chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “Working together we hope to increase awareness about cancer and more importantly help raise funds to support families through the difficult period of fighting the disease.”

Proceeds from Pink Vail benefit the “Spirit of Survival” program at Shaw Regional Cancer Center in nearby Edwards Colo. This new program includes a variety of fitness and wellness classes nutrition coaching peer support and emotional counseling a number of First Descents camp sponsorships and holistic healing options.

To participate in Pink Vail 2013 register at www.pinkvail.com. There are no age limits or ability requirements to register. The minimum pledge amount needed to register for the event is $25. A Vail Mountain ski pass or lift ticket is required for mountain access.

Why pink? Pink Vail was started as a fundraising event to support breast cancer specifically and has grown and expanded to include all cancers and anyone touched by the disease.