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

On April 5 2014 Vail Mountain will become a sea of pink when everyday skiers and snowboarders gather in Vail for the return of a one-day event to raise awareness and funds to support cancer fighters. Pink Vail the world's largest ski day to conquer cancer has proven to be one of the most fun and colorful ski days of the year including live music a celebration ski down pink costumes and more.

Pink Vail is a participation-based fundraising event similar to a run or walk to support 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.

“Pink Vail is a true celebration of our united fight against cancer. We rarely get to ski for a cause and this day not only raises money but also celebrates the courage and strength it takes to fight cancer” said Peggy Carey vice president of Shaw Regional Cancer Center. “In 2013 we hosted over 1300 skiers and riders and raised over $330000 nearly double from our inaugural year. We hope to have even more skiers and riders from across the state and country to join us in support of cancer fighters and survivors everywhere.”

On April 5 participants will meet at Vail Mountain's Lionshead base area where the event is headquartered. They may choose to explore Vail Mountain on their own or they can participate in the Checkpoint Challenge which involves finding five famous Vail Mountain decks and earning prizes along the way. The day on Vail Mountain concludes with the “Celebration Ski Down” a pink ski parade celebrating cancer fighters. The ski down ends in the Lionshead base area with a toast and the festivities continue into the evening in Arrabelle Square with a Pink Aprés Party awards ceremony and free concert.

“In just its first two years Pink Vail has become one of the best most fun events of the year on Vail Mountain said Chris Jarnot senior vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “All of us at Vail Resorts are excited to work with the VVMC team to bring it back and make it even bigger and better for year three. Everyone should plan to come out to join a great event for an even better cause!

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

Shaw Regional Cancer Center a service of the nonprofit Vail Valley Medical Center is an intimate cancer care facility that provides exceptional compassionate treatment and survivorship programming for patients from across the U.S. who are looking for individualized care in a unique healing environment. Shaw is renowned for its holistic personalized approach to cancer treatment and recovery. One of the country's premiere boutique cancer treatment facilities Shaw Regional Cancer Center has been recognized and accredited by some of the top cancer organizations in the country including the American Society of Clinical Oncology Cancer Foundation® Susan G. Komen for the Cure® American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC) and the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Registration for Pink Vail 2014 will open on December 1 2013 on 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 and a Vail Mountain ski pass or lift ticket is required for mountain access. Lodging specials will be available for those traveling from out of town or just looking for a fun and worthwhile escape in Vail.

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. Pink Vail was presented a Gold Leaf Award by Colorado Healthcare Communicators for the best event in the state.