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Wildcat 3/9/09

Johnskiismore

Johnskiismore

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Something happened on the original post, but, here it goes again!

On March 9th was the annual 100K Foot Vertical Challenge at Wildcat Mountain. This challenge raises money for the Make A Wish Foundation of New Hampshire. You collect sponsors and then meet the challenge by attaining 100,000' at Wildcat, which means riding the HSDQ up and skiing down 48 times!

Arrived at the mountain at 7:30 and low and behold I was the last one! Everyone else was in line at the lift waiting to get started. Quickly I booted up, got on my neck warmer, gloves, number, helmet and off I went! Last in line but I got to ride up with a man named Al, he seemed to know everyone at the mountain, and a lot about the mountain! He told me the recent surface conditions, where on the trail it may get tough and the like. Also told me about some nice tree runs that I will try out sometime!

For the event we had our own designated trail, Lynx. No skier/rider outside could go down the trail. The first three runs I wanted to get a feel for the conditions and the trail. On the top part the first 'hard left' turn was going to get hairy as the 26 participants would undoubtedly push all of the snow off exposing ice. The bottom was for the most part PP and you could run faster than at the top. After each run I would gain a little more momentum as I grew comfortable with my line.

Once you finish your run, you skied right to the front of the line! Yeah, I felt special with the lifties holding back others so I could go right on. Though, I do have to admit, when my run count was up in the thirties I wanted to say, 'No, they're good, they can go!'

Temperatures were in the low 20's and it snowed lightly on and off all day. By run number 10 the crew at the bottom keeping count were handing cups of soup for you to drink on the way up! That was a great treat! At noontime sandwiches were handed out for the ride up and at anytime water was provided. This was a well organized event!

It's funny skiing the same trail over and over and over and over again. You could see the surface conditions changing with each pass, and where you would have to tweak your line just a bit to stay on the snow that is comfortable to you. Sometimes I would stray from my line to hit some fresh snow that accumulated up to three inches in the early afternoon.

When getting onto the lift throughout the day a little girl named Emily was there to give you a high five as you skied/rode by. Emily and her family visited Disneyworld through Make A Wish Foundation of New Hampshire. It didn't matter that the weather was cold and snowing, she was our cheerleader for all 48 runs!

All day I never looked at the board to see my count, tempted but did not do it. Seeing the clock was at two o'clock, I checked to see where I was. 36 I was told, 12 more! Up the lift I went, off loaded to the left, skated to the top of Lynx. Everytime this was done a member of the Wildcat Ski Patrol was there to cheer you on! Greatly appreciated!

Lots of great skiers and riders doing this challenge, enjoyed watching them all. Especially the tele skier! I don't think I could do 12 tele ski runs down Lynx but this young lady did all 48! The two riders I saw and sometimes followed are great on their boards, impressed by everyone!

Quarter past three I skied by the counters and was yelled to me, three more! Thank you, God! Rode up, skied down. Rode up again, skied halfway, made a call to nature, and skied down. Last one I was told by the Marketing Director of Wildcat. Rode up, off loaded, skated over to the top of Lynx, yelled to the ski patrol, 'Last one!' Received the last applause and began my final descent. Couldn't help but smile knowing this was it, great fun, but my legs were about to go on strike and leave me!

Got to the bottom, and was told by the marketing director that I finished the challenge but had until 4:30 to accumulate more runs if I wanted to. Shook his hand and politely said I'm done!

Afterward the Wildcat crew fed us, and also held a raffle and gave everyone a prize. This event alone raised almost $30,000. for the Make A Wish Foundation of New Hampshire. That is is pretty impressive! Will be there again for next years event!

A particular prize we all received was a free ticket to Wildcat, I'll see you in April!
 
Terry

Terry

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Awesome job! I wouldn't have the stamina to make it. It is a good fundraiser for a good cause.
 
frozencorn

frozencorn

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That's awesome. I wonder how skied off Lynx was by the end of the day, since by early afternoon on a typical day it's usually pretty slick.
 
GrilledSteezeSandwich

GrilledSteezeSandwich

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wow..mad steezy vert...I'll have to give the challenge a try sometime..how much in donations is needed to enter?
 
eatskisleep

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Awesome, congratulations of skiing all 48 runs there, I'd love to try that someday and of course help out a great cause too.
 
1

180

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That's great, I did the Jimmie Huega marathon a couple of times, even went to Vail twice as a winner from Hunter. Nothing like tucking a closed trail all day.
 
Angus

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A few years back when I participated (the 2nd or 3rd year, I believe) the record was something like 127K. The guy who held the record skis on those short skis and has tree trunks for legs - I see him up there when I make my Spring visits. I think the event tried to temper down the total # of runs angle b/c it was creating a lot of competition and I think they were worried about injury.

I found that between 30 and 40 runs you go into a zone - lose your focus - and then 40+ is just pain in the thighs and focus returns b/c the end is near.

The year I skied it snowed pretty good and my face was not completely covered. I got a bit of frost bite which now returns every winter in the form of some gnarly skin on my cheek - got it right now, my little momento!

Every year, I make a note on the calender and make an effort to return but have not unfortunately.
 
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