Truckee, California Based Non-Profit Pushes Injured US Veterans Out of Their Ccomfort Zone and Into The Mountains

22 critically-wounded US veterans were eager to hit the slopes of Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows during the 2018 program. Photo credit: Chris Bartowski of Generikal Design

Truckee, Ca., February 21, 2019 – “You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.

The High Fives Foundation in Truckee, CA., the City of Reno Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department in Reno, NV., and the Adaptive Training Foundation in Dallas, TX are teaming up to host a program called Military to the Mountain. Twenty-two injured US military veterans will train at their respective facilities for nine weeks preparing them for a week of skiing at Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows in Lake Tahoe, CA. from March 17 – 23, 2019. The veterans will be instructed by Achieve Tahoe adaptive ski program.

“The High Fives Foundation started as an outlet to give back to the community that helped me through my recovery," said Roy Tuscany, CEO and founder of the High Fives Foundation. “In year 10, High Fives has grown its programs to include Military to the Mountain. This program is particularly close to my heart, as my father served in the Armed Forces, and now we support a community of amazing individuals that are often overlooked and provide them with a unique and fun experience."

The Military to the Mountain (M2M) program is organized by the High Fives Foundation whose mission is to provide resources and inspiration to outdoor sports athletes who suffer life-altering injuries. Private contributions, a VA Adaptive Sports Grant, corporate sponsors and funds raised through the sale of the Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows active military passes (raised over $200,000 in 2018) make the program financially possible.

The Military to the Mountain program will kick off on March 17^th at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport with a military Honor Guard welcome. The 22 veterans participating in the program will land at the airport on American Airlines flight #2448 at 7:16 PM PST and will be welcomed by local Reno veterans. The Honor Guard welcome will take place at the Wayne Poulsen statue in the main lobby of the airport, Anyone who is interested is encouraged to attend.

Prior to the week of skiing and snowboarding, each veteran will go through a nine-week training program (the standard length of military boot camp) at the Adaptive Training Foundation or the City of Reno Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department to ensure they are physically prepared for a week on the mountain. Each workout is geared specifically toward skiing and snowboarding.

“ATF’s training program revolves around a high performance community, not just workouts,” Adaptive Training Foundations Program Director Hunter Clark said proudly. “Gritty, grueling workouts are a stepping stone to an epic experience that roots our athletes in this time period. Nothing says “heck yeah” quite like ripping down a mountain for the first time. Truly defying the impossible.”

All “on-hill” snow sports will be instructed by the professionals at Achieve Tahoe. The 22 veterans will be navigating the snow in multiple modalities based on injury. Some participants will be using mono-skis or bi-skis provided by Achieve Tahoe; some will be dawning “stand up” skis, boots and poles provided by K2 Sports; and some will be on snowboards provided by the Squaw Valley Demo Shop.

Many of the veterans traveling from the Dallas area have not skied or snowboarded, and some of them haven’t even seen snow.

“When the veterans pull into Squaw Valley on the first day and see the massive snow-covered mountain, some for the first time ever, their smiles say it all,” said Steve Wallace, Program Director of the High Fives Foundation. “They know right then and there, they are going to conquer the mountain, and that the nine weeks of rigorous training were worth every drop of sweat.”

All winter apparel, snacks and hydration for the 22 veterans will be provided by the High Fives Foundation through the following sponsors: K2 Sports, Phunkshun Wear, Sync Performance, POC Sports, SAXX Underwear, bigtruck, Darn Tough,  Tahoe Trail Bar, New Balance, Flylow.

Along with the introduction to adaptive snow sports, the High Fives Foundation has introduced alternative “mountain-style” activities to the program. This year the veterans will spend a day jumping on trampolines, navigating ramps and boasting large smiles at Woodward Tahoe.

“M2M was not the first adaptive sports camp the I’ve participated in, but it was the first camp to introduce a mentorship program,” said Trey Humphrey, Military to the Mountain participant and mentor. “Through that program I was able to build relationships through skiing with people I might have never gotten to know.”

The 2019 Military to the Mountain concludes on March 23, and the goal is for each participant to take something away from the program: whether it’s becoming physically stronger, finding a new love for snow sports, making a lifelong friend or sharing laughter with existing friends.

“Military to the Mountain isn’t just about the nine of training, followed by a week skiing at Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows,” said Dennis Mankel, past Military to the Mountain participant. “It’s about developing community, lifelong friendships and rallying around one another. I’ve gained a support system that will be there for the rest of my life.”

To learn more about the program, visit, https://highfivesfoundation.org/militarytothemountain/

February 2019
Contact: Steve Wallace
High Fives Non-Profit Foundation
530-587-4453
steve@highfivesfoundation.com

ABOUT THE HIGH FIVES FOUNDATION:

The High Fives Foundation is a Tahoe-based, national 501.c.3 non-profit organization. The High Fives
Foundation supports the dreams of outdoor sports athletes by raising injury prevention awareness while
providing resources and inspiration to those who suffer life-altering injuries. Formed as a way to “pay-it-
forward” by the founder from his own recovery to help injured athletes, the Foundation has helped 235
athletes from 32 states to date since its inception in 2009. For more information, visit
www.highfivesfoundation.org

ABOUT THE ADAPTIVE TRAINING FOUNDATION:

Adaptive Training Foundation’s mission is to empower the human athlete, restore hope through movement, and redefine the limits of individuals with disabilities. For more information, visit www.adaptivetrainingfoundation.org

ABOUT THE CITY OF RENO:

The City of Reno government’s mission is to effectively provide the highest level of service responsive to our community. In order to achieve that purpose, the Reno City Council has established five key priorities: Vibrant Downtown, Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, Planned Growth, Fiscal Stability and Sustainable Services, and Predictable and Accessible Business Environment. For more information, visit www.reno.gov

ABOUT SQUAW VALLEY/ALPINE MEADOWS:

Voted 2016 “Best Ski Resort” in North America by USA Today and 10 Best Readers’ Choice, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows is an internationally renowned mountain resort in North Lake Tahoe that spans over 6,000 skiable acres. The resort features slopeside lodging at The Village at Squaw Valley, which bustles year round with nonstop events and nearly 60 bars, restaurants and boutiques. With an annual average of 450 inches of snowfall and 300 sunny days, Squaw Valley/Alpine Meadows is known as the spring skiing capital as it provides one of the longest ski and snowboard seasons in Lake Tahoe. Skiers and riders of all ability levels are welcomed by over 65 percent beginner and intermediate terrain, 14 easy-to-navigate mountain zones and a custom app to make the most of every visit. For more information, visit www.squawalpine.com