A Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser is bringing a taste of Mount Everest to northern B.C.
Slopes for Hope, set for March 19 at Powder King Mountain Resort in the Pine Pass, will see participants attempt to ski or snowboard the vertical equivalent of Everest. That distance - 8,848 metres - translates into 14 runs at Powder King. Skiers and boarders can tackle the grueling task individually or as part of teams.
"Speed enthusiasts and snow-plowers are equally welcome because the event is suitable for every level of skier and snowboarder," said organizer Sandra Blackwell. "You can challenge yourself or just get out and enjoy the day."
Prior to hitting the hill, participants are asked to take on a different challenge - to fundraise for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Money raised in the Slopes for Hope campaign will help pay for programs such as Camp Goodtimes, a place where kids with cancer can just be kids and have fun. The cost to send a single northern B.C. child to the camp - located at Loon Lake in Maple Ridge - is $1,500. But, through Slopes for Hope and other fundraisers, the trip can be offered at no charge to local families dealing with childhood cancer.
Last year, Slopes for Hope at Powder King raised $15,000.
"It is only through the remarkable efforts of dedicated participants that Slopes for Hope can have such a tremendous impact in the fight against cancer," Blackwell said.
To register for this year's event, visit slopesforhope.ca.
Other B.C. locations hosting Slopes for Hope this year are Kimberley (Kimberley Alpine Resort), Rossland (Red Mountain Resort), Revelstoke (Revelstoke Mountain Resort), Vernon (Silver Star Mountain Resort) and Nelson (Whitewater Ski Resort).
